From the terraces of Vicente Calderón to the bright lights of the Olympic stage, Antoine Griezmann has long harbored dreams of wearing France’s colors on home soil. But as the build-up to Paris 2024 intensifies, one question reverberates among fans and pundits alike: will Griezmann play in the Olympics? In this article, DuitKick digs deep into his chances, constraints, and whether the French legend can make that dream come true.
The Olympic Rulebook and Age Limits
Olympic men’s football has always held a unique structure. Unlike the senior national team setup, Olympic squads are predominantly composed of Under-23 players, with each nation permitted exactly three overage players. This rule attempts to preserve youth development while offering a platform for experienced stars to lead.
At 33, Griezmann is well beyond the U-23 threshold. That means, if selected, he can only come in as one of the three overage picks. But that theoretical window doesn’t guarantee selection — coaches must weigh his form, fitness, and club consent.
Griezmann’s Public Desire to Join
Despite the obstacles, Griezmann has made his intentions clear on more than one occasion. In interviews, he’s insisted he will “do everything possible” to be part of the Olympic squad. He’s framed participation in the Paris Games as a symbolic mission: “the Olympic Games are always a moment I love,” he said, stressing how meaningful it would be to compete in France.
His commitment is not just rhetorical. Griezmann has expressed willingness to pressure his club, Atlético Madrid, and the French federation to allow him the shot. The subtleties of relationships between player, club, and federation will ultimately play a decisive role.
Club Resistance and Calendar Clashes
Dreams alone won’t clear the practical hurdles. In 2024, Atlético Madrid reportedly pushed back on the idea of releasing him for the Olympics. The club has legitimate concerns:
- The Olympic tournament starts only days after Euro 2024, running.
- Clubs are under no obligation to release players for Olympic football, as it’s outside FIFA’s mandatory international match calendar.
- Allowing a veteran like Griezmann to carry extra load could risk injury or fatigue ahead of the club season.
These dynamics mirror Kylian Mbappé’s situation: Mbappé ultimately declined Olympic participation in 2024, in part because his new club signaled unwillingness to let him go.
France’s Olympic Squad and Preliminary List
On June 3, 2024, France released a preliminary list of 25 players for Paris — and notably, neither Griezmann nor Mbappé were included. The omission sent a strong message: their inclusion was not considered compulsory, even as host-nation candidates.
Thierry Henry, appointed to lead the Olympic campaign, emphasized that this list was “for now” and could change. Yet, the choice not to name Griezmann early introduces pressure: unless changes are made, his opportunity could slip away.
Given that the final Olympic squad must be submitted approximately a month before kick-off, France could still add an overage striker — but by then, many preparations may already be locked in.
Strategic Value: Would Griezmann Make Sense?
To evaluate the merit of selecting him, one must weigh what Griezmann brings versus alternatives:
Pros
- Leadership: His experience in finals and big matches could steady a young squad.
- Tactical flexibility: Comfortable playing across forward and attacking midfield roles.
- Emotional narrative: A home Olympics would be a grand narrative, boosting morale and public support.
Cons
- Physical toll: After Euro and club responsibilities, his body may be stretched.
- Squad balance: Using one overage slot on him means fewer slots for other senior players.
- Continuity: Other younger forwards might offer better long-term value.
Given his ability and legacy, he is arguably an excellent pick — if all parties agree.
The Reality in August 2024
As the Olympic football tournament commenced in late July 2024, the reality became clear: Antoine Griezmann was not part of France’s squad. His exclusion. But that journey unfolded without its would-be star veteran.
Why Griezmann Didn’t Play — A Recap
Putting it all together: will Griezmann play in the Olympics? In 2024, the answer was no — and it came down to a mix of strategic, administrative, and logistical factors.
- His club opposed releasing him.
- He was omitted from France’s preliminary squad.
- The timeline between Euro and Olympic tournaments left little breathing room.
- National team planners opted to reserve overage slots elsewhere.
Could He Play in Future Olympics?
While Griezmann’s international retirement was announced later in 2024 — signaling the end of his France career — the notion of a comeback for the Olympics is extremely unlikely. His withdrawal, he would be 37 — far beyond the overage threshold.
So for the foreseeable future, the likelihood of Griezmann ever playing in the Olympics again is essentially zero.
Final Thoughts
Will Griezmann play in the Olympics? In the case of Paris 2024, no. His aspirations were genuine, but the intersection of club reluctance, calendar constraints, and squad choices shut the door.
For football fans curious about stars, drama, and Olympic dreams, this episode remains a fascinating “what if.” If you’d like to dive deeper into France’s 2024 Olympic squad, overage player selections, or comparisons with Mbappé’s decision, DuitKick is here to explore it all with you — stay tuned!
