How Christopher Nkunku and Paul Pogba could all gain from Antoine Griezmann's France retirement

France will enter a new era this October international break as Antoine Griezmann announces his retirement from playing with Les Bleus earlier this week. French selection squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Israel and Belgium was revealed recently, without captain Kylian Mbappe who has been injured with Real Madrid until making an unexpected cameo against Lille last week in the UEFA Champions League. Griezmann will leave an immeasurable gap to fill – his 10 years of faithful service to Deschamps and France may feel abrupt given its timing. On Thursday after unveiling his squad which features Bayern Munchen star Michael Olise, Chelsea midfielder Christopher Nkunku and Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi amongst others, French tactician Vincent Bevernard heaped high praise upon Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa when discussing this news. “Antoine’s decision was no snap decision; rather it has come about after some consideration and consideration that has evolved and taken shape over time,” stated Deschamps who learned Paul Pogba could return in March 2025. Antoine began as a professional player aged 18 with full seasons involving no injuries before reaching 33 1/2 where fatigue from club competition and France can become apparent. “Antoine started as an 18 year-old amateur but has seen significant physical as well psychological wear-and-tear.”
“Antoine made this decision freely and to suit himself – without feeling forced or restrained – which fits him well – neither being constrained by anyone, or forced upon. This did not occur overnight but over several competitions (Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane). While physical fatigue is important, our priorities at 33 are different than they were at 25 and I always enjoyed conversations with Antoine; yet as always he took time for reflection before reaching this decision which I can respect fully.”
France under Deschamps will likely never be the same again after losing Lloris, Varane, Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi; N’Golo Kante may now even leave after appearing at UEFA Euro 2024 as well. Griezmann and Deschamps had long since seen their relationship deteriorate, especially following Deschamps’ decision to pick Mbappe as Lloris’ successor in early 2023. “Since 2014, it has been my privilege to work alongside Antoine. From everything he accomplished on and off the field and our close bond, it seems strange that Antoine is no longer here,” explained Deschamps. “I can only thank him for everything he was able to contribute for France’s soccer team, while being an incredible role model to young people due to his nonlinear career path and unpredictable stages within Bleu. Even then he always showed generosity while remaining an effective leader – now is no time for tears but time has moved on!” “With his departure a chapter has closed.” Griezmann stands out as being notable among Real’s absent players with Mbappe and Kante being absent as well. Griezmann had had an inauspicious start at Real, including losing in France last midweek against Liverpool for the UCL. Yet Deschamps seems unlikely to reverse his decision not to bring Mbappe back before two away matches that may exacerbate physical strain on him.”
Deschamps expressed his satisfaction with Kylian’s commitment. I discussed it several times since our last international period; through his words there may have been different interpretations. Kylian wasn’t in great psychological shape when we last spoke, due to various circumstances and expectations surrounding his move to Madrid with no proper preseason preparation beforehand. I know Kylian will play his part and make contributions like no one else can. Longer-term, Mbappe’s position with France remains secure although his captaincy could come up for discussion after Euro 2024 was an individual and collective failure. Starting this month, however, France must find their next great player after Griezmann is gone – Olise and Nkunku seem likely to immediately benefit from Griezmann’s departure, with Olise likely looking to make up lost time after injury issues stunted his development with Les Bleus as Pogba nears return from injury with Juventus while Olise may edge Nkunku given both their recent moves into Germany where his international teammate made waves at RB Leipzig as well as early Bayern form following impressive Olympic Games performances at Paris as well as his early start with Les Bleus. Guendouzi has previously enjoyed Deschamps’ trust, so will hope for additional opportunities; Olise, Nkunku and Guendouzi appear to be his early replacements until Pogba returns.
Deschamps’ next move should be interesting – whether he opts to replace Griezmann with someone else or alters his setup entirely will be especially crucial considering recent UNL form. While Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have shown great promise at Paris Saint-Germain this season, yet his midfield lacks ingenuity compared to ever before; Pogba could return in 2025 providing Deschamps with another formidable test to overcome.

There’s always the possibility of being outdone! I was looking forward to my yearly trip down south where the sun never stops shining on those lucky enough to experience its warmth first hand! But to my disbelief… it all ended badly….