Antoine Griezmann has lived for four months rich in emotion between his false start at FC Barcelona, his victories with Atletico Madrid in the Europa League and European Supercup, but especially, the coronation of the French team at the World Cup, the 27-year-old striker could hardly dream a better summer.
Logically, the Frenchman is a very credible candidate to win the next Ballon d’Or. In Griezmann’s opinion, it would be incomprehensible not to be on the podium, as in 2016, when he had just reached the major finals, those of the Champions League then the Euro, without succeeding in winning them, in contrast to 2018.
“Comparing 2016 and this year, for me, I have to be in all three. In 2016, I lost two finals, I was in top three. This time I have won three finals, so normally. The Ballon d’Or is a prestigious award and for a player, it’s the pinnacle. There is no better, no higher.” Griezmann told reporters.
“Not unfair, but I would wonder what more I could do. I have won three trophies, stood out at decisive moments, but it is not me who votes.” Griezmann added.
Griezmann had been a key part of France’s team at World Cup and he very impressed alongside Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe throughout the tournament in Russia.
Former Real Sociedad striker delivered another excellent performance in the final win over Croatia. Mario Mandzukic had scored the first over own goal in the final after France opened the scoring in Moscow last July.
Griemann needs to remember, however, the competition will be tough this year. In addition to his team-mates in France team, Raphael Varane and Kylian Mbappe, the Atletico star will face super stars; Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah, the three players who beat him for The Best Award for Best Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly, Griezmann did not like to see any Frenchman there.
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or for a fifth time. (Source:www.9sportpro.com)
“It’s bizarre and, a shame. It is a trophy given out by FIFA, isn’t it? And the World Cup is organised by FIFA, right? We win the World Cup, and there is no French player there. That is their choice but it is surprising that there is no world champion.” Griezmann.
