The French forward faces boyhood club Real Sociedad in what could be his final match for Atlético Madrid, with 37 years of history hanging in the balance
Antoine Griezmann enters the Copa del Rey final carrying the weight of two football histories. The 33-year-old forward faces Real Sociedad, the club where he learned his trade, knowing this could be his final meaningful match in Atlético Madrid colours.
The Frenchman confirmed he's "soaking up an emotional week" ahead of Saturday's showpiece, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding what promises to be one of Spanish football's most sentiment-laden finals in recent memory.
Griezmann's connection to both finalists runs deeper than most rivalries. At Real Sociedad, he progressed through the youth ranks from age 14, making his professional debut in 2009 before establishing himself as one of La Liga's brightest talents.
His 2014 move to Atlético Madrid for €30 million transformed him from promising winger to world-class forward. Across two spells at the Metropolitano, Griezmann has scored 182 goals in 403 appearances, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer in European competition.
"This week has been incredibly emotional. To face the club that made me who I am, knowing these are my final weeks at Atlético, creates feelings I've never experienced before in football."
The symmetry is striking. Griezmann left Real Sociedad seeking trophies and found them at Atlético. Now he could deny his boyhood club their first major honour since the 1987 Copa del Rey.
Real Sociedad haven't lifted a major trophy since defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the 1987 Copa del Rey final. That victory, secured through a Loren penalty, remains the Basque club's last taste of silverware.
The drought has seen Real Sociedad finish as Copa del Rey runners-up twice (1988, 2020) and lose the 2003 Champions League qualification to Real Madrid. For context:
Atlético, conversely, seek to give Griezmann the perfect send-off. Diego Simeone's side have won eight trophies during Griezmann's two spells, including two Europa Leagues and the 2021 La Liga title.
The unique circumstances have created fascinating betting dynamics. Atlético opened as 2.10 favourites, but money has steadily backed Real Sociedad, now available at 3.40 despite their inferior league position.
The total goals market suggests a tight affair, with under 2.5 goals priced at 1.72. Both teams to score sits at 2.05, reflecting uncertainty over whether emotion will inspire or inhibit.
Football psychology suggests heightened emotions can work both ways. Griezmann's situation creates multiple pressure points that could determine the outcome.
Players performing in known farewell matches show varied results. Xavi scored in his final Barcelona appearance, while Steven Gerrard's Liverpool farewell ended in a 6-1 defeat. The key often lies in channelling emotion into performance rather than sentiment.
For Real Sociedad, the emotional pull works differently. Manager Imanol Alguacil has built his team around collective spirit and Basque identity. The prospect of ending their drought against their former star could provide extra motivation.
"We know what Antoine means to both clubs. But this final is about Real Sociedad making history. The players understand they can become legends."
Simeone faces a selection dilemma. Does he start Griezmann despite recent form suggesting Ángel Correa offers more dynamism? The Argentine has scored in three of his last five appearances, while Griezmann has managed just two goals in his last 12 matches.
Yet big matches often demand big-game players. Griezmann has scored in two Copa del Rey finals and delivered in countless high-stakes fixtures for Atlético.
Griezmann's departure reshapes Atlético's squad building and La Liga's competitive balance. His €20 million annual salary frees significant wage budget, while his exit creates a leadership vacuum in Simeone's dressing room.
Early reports link Atlético with several replacements:
Griezmann himself faces multiple options. MLS clubs have expressed interest, while a return to France with Lyon or Marseille remains possible. Saudi Arabian clubs could offer lucrative contracts, though the player has previously expressed reluctance about Middle Eastern moves.
For betting markets, Griezmann's exit significantly impacts Atlético's 2024-25 season odds. They're currently 5.50 third-favourites for La Liga, but losing their second-highest scorer could see those odds drift.
Saturday's final at La Cartuja represents more than a trophy. For Griezmann, it's the culmination of a Spanish odyssey that transformed him from teenage prospect to global star. For Real Sociedad, it's a chance to end nearly four decades of hurt.
The emotional undertones make this Copa del Rey final uniquely unpredictable. Will sentiment inspire Griezmann to one final masterclass, or will Real Sociedad's hunger for history prove stronger? The answer could define not just this match, but shape La Liga's landscape for seasons to come.
Whatever unfolds in Seville, Spanish football prepares to bid farewell to one of its adopted sons. The only question is whether Griezmann's goodbye comes with silverware or heartbreak.
The Copa del Rey final between Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad is scheduled for Saturday. Antoine Griezmann will face his former club in what could be his final match for Atlético.
Real Sociedad hasn't won a major trophy in 37 years, with their last silverware being the 1987 Copa del Rey. This represents the longest current drought among La Liga clubs.
Antoine Griezmann has scored 182 goals in 403 appearances across two spells at Atlético Madrid. He is the club's all-time leading scorer in European competition.
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Griezmann faces Real Sociedad, where he developed from age 14, in what could be his final meaningful match for Atlético Madrid. He could deny his boyhood club their first trophy in 37 years while securing a farewell gift from Atlético.
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