From a young boy in Mâcon dreaming of football glory to one of the world’s most complete attackers, Antoine Griezmann has often spoken about the figure who inspired him throughout his career. Who is Griezmann idol? The answer lies in the blond hair, the No. 7 shirt, and the long sleeves—among other tributes. In this article, DuitKick will explore the identity of Griezmann’s role model, how that idol shaped his image and style, and what meaning it still holds for the French star today.
Griezmann’s Idol: David Beckham
When asked in interviews about the footballer he looked up to growing up, Griezmann has repeatedly named David Beckham. His admiration for Beckham has roots in both on-pitch style and off-pitch persona.
The long sleeves and the number 7
One of the clearest tributes is Griezmann’s preference for long-sleeved jerseys, even in hotter conditions. He has openly said he maintains this habit because Beckham did. In addition, Griezmann often wears or has worn the iconic No. 7 shirt—another nod to his hero.
He once said: “I wear long sleeves when I play because of Beckham … He was my idol.”
Why Beckham?
Griezmann has praised Beckham’s class on and off the pitch, his elegance with the ball, and his symbolic status as a global icon. The Englishman was a star not just for his ability—but for the way he carried himself, his professionalism, and his crossover appeal beyond football. Griezmann cites these traits as part of why Beckham resonated with him.
How Beckham’s Influence Manifests in Griezmann’s Career
The homage to Beckham is more than mere aesthetics. Griezmann has woven elements of his idol’s legacy into his own identity as a modern footballer.
Playing style and versatility
While Beckham was known for pinpoint passing, crossing, and set-piece accuracy, Griezmann’s style is more attack-minded and dynamic. Still, the emphasis on technical quality, vision, and consistency echoes that ideal. Over the years, Griezmann has evolved into a forward who can play on the wing, behind the striker, as a false nine, or even in midfield—versatility Beckham might have appreciated.
Branding and public image
Beckham’s path as a footballer-turned-global brand has left its mark. Griezmann, too, has embraced off-field ventures—from fashion to endorsements—while maintaining a polished image. This balance of athletic excellence and marketable persona mirrors Beckham’s dual identity as athlete and global icon.
Tributes and moments
In interviews and public statements, Griezmann has recalled how he would dream of wearing the same number and style as Beckham. He’s mentioned that he never actually contacted Beckham, but the idol’s shadow loomed large. In one interview, he said he had Beckham in his “dream five-a-side team.”
Have Other Idols Influenced Him?
Although Beckham is the central figure, Griezmann has referenced additional influences in his career—not necessarily idols, but players he admired or learned from.
- In some media appearances, he has listed Barça legends among players he respects.
- He has mentioned basketball stars and culture influences, blending aspects of other sports into his mindset.
However, no name recurs as consistently or as emotionally as Beckham’s does when Griezmann is asked about his hero.
Criticism, Legacy, and Reality Checks
Admiring a legend is one thing; living up to a legacy is quite another. Some fans may argue that Griezmann’s game differs vastly from Beckham’s—different roles, different eras, different demands. That’s true. But idol worship is rarely about replication; it’s about inspiration, aspiration, and imprint.
In the public eye, Griezmann’s admiration for Beckham also opens him to comparisons. Will people measure Griezmann’s elegance, brand, or consistency against Beckham’s standards? Sometimes. But Griezmann’s journey has forged its own identity, even as it carries the DNA of his idol.
What It Means Today
Beckham’s influence still bleeds into Griezmann’s public choices. Whether or not he structurally models every aspect of his life after Beckham, the early idol worship helped shape his self-image, confidence, and aesthetic decisions (long sleeves, etc.).
As Griezmann enters the later chapters of his career, the symbolism may soften—but the emotional bond remains. The habit of tribute, the stories, the identity—weathers time. And for fans, understanding the source of that identity gives insight into the mindset of one of the modern era’s most compelling forwards.
Final Thoughts
Who is Griezmann idol? The answer is clear: it is David Beckham, the English legend whose style, persona, and legacy captured Griezmann’s heart as a youngster—and continues to echo in his professional image. Beckham inspired the long sleeves, the number 7, and much of the elegance Griezmann strives to project.
Thank you for joining DuitKick in this exploration of football hero worship. If you enjoyed this look into one of Griezmann’s deepest influences, stay tuned for more player profiles, transfer insights, and the stories that connect legends and rising stars on the pitch.
