Antoine Griezmann Departs Atlético Madrid as All-Time Top Scorer

The French forward leaves the Spanish club after a decade-long tenure marked by individual excellence but lacking major domestic trophies.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and celebrations of a soccer player, with the red and white colors of Atlético Madrid's uniform visible through the fragmented composition.Griezmann's departure marks the end of an iconic era for Atlético Madrid, as the club looks to rebuild its attack around younger talents.Atlanta Today

Antoine Griezmann will depart Atlético Madrid as the club's all-time leading goalscorer, bringing an end to a decade-long tenure defined by individual excellence but marked by the absence of a major domestic trophy. The French forward confirmed his departure ahead of the 2026 La Liga season, concluding a spell in which he scored 185 goals in all competitions for the Spanish side.

Why it matters

Griezmann's departure marks the end of an era for Atlético Madrid, closing the chapter on one of the most prolific scorers in the club's history. While he leaves without a domestic league or cup medal, his contributions in European competition and sustained performance over ten seasons cement his legacy as a modern Atlético icon.

The details

Griezmann joined Atlético Madrid in 2014 from Real Sociedad in a transfer that was then a club-record fee. Over ten seasons, he became a central figure in Diego Simeone's tactical setup, known for his work rate, positional intelligence, and ability to score in crucial moments. Despite his individual success, the club did not win La Liga or the Copa del Rey during his time at the Metropolitano Stadium.

  • Griezmann confirmed his departure ahead of the 2026 La Liga season.
  • Atlético Madrid secured the UEFA Europa League in 2018 with Griezmann scoring twice in the final.
  • Atlético reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2014 and 2016, losing to Real Madrid on both occasions.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A French forward who departs Atlético Madrid as the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 185 goals in all competitions.

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atlético Madrid, under whom Griezmann became a central figure in the team's tactical setup.

Luis Aragonés

The previous Atlético Madrid all-time leading goalscorer, with 173 goals between 1960 and 1974.

Samu Omorodion

A young forward expected to feature more prominently for Atlético Madrid in the upcoming season.

Julián Álvarez

A loan returnee expected to feature more prominently for Atlético Madrid in the upcoming season.

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What’s next

Club officials have not announced a successor as the primary attacking outlet, though young forwards such as Samu Omorodion and loan returnee Julián Álvarez are expected to feature more prominently in the upcoming season. Atlético's transfer strategy is expected to focus on reinforcing midfield and defensive options ahead of a renewed title challenge.

The takeaway

Despite his individual success and status as Atlético Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer, Griezmann's tenure was marked by the absence of major domestic trophies. His departure closes a chapter on one of the club's most iconic modern players, leaving questions about the team's attacking future.