What does Antoine Griezmann’s celebration mean?

WHILE a number of famous footballers have become known for their celebrations on the pitch, Antoine Griezmann has taken things a step further.

Not satisfied with just one unique gesture, the Atlético Madrid star has three different celebrations that he entertains fans with.

France's forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League Group A3 football match between Croatia and France at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on October 14, 2020. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Antoine Griezmann has more than one celebration that he is known for
FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

What does Antoine Griezmann’s celebration mean?

One of the celebrations Antoine Griezmann is known for is his “telephone” gesture.

This one sees him stick his thumb and finger out and waving his hands as if holding a vibrating telephone.

Griezmann himself has confirmed that his move was inspired by Canadian rapper Drake.

The musician was seen performing a similar gesture in the music video for his 2015 hit Hotline Bling.

Griezmann has been seen celebrating with his telephone move many times in the past, including when he scored a whopping 32 goals for Atlético Madrid during the 2015/16 season.

It has also been featured in several FIFA games as his signature celebration.

Another popular celebration of Griezmann’s is his salsa gesture.

For this one the Frenchman, who was born in Mâcon in 1991, is seen holding his arms as if he is about to perform a salsa routine.

He then proceeds to dance in celebration.

Griezmann is also often seen celebrating with his “L” move.

This celebration appears to have been inspired by the video game Fortnite, where the “L” or “loser” stance is used as a pose.

For those unfamiliar with the move, it sees players in the game swinging their legs side-to-side with one arm at head height making the letter “L” with their index finger and the thumb.

Several other athletes have been seen performing this celebration, including professional baseball player Xander Bogaerts who is shortstop for the Boston Red Sox.

When does Antoine Griezmann perform his celebration?

Griezmann celebrates with one of his trademark poses after he has scored a goal in football.

The forward has had many to his name throughout his impressive career.

As of December 2023, the player is just two goals behind Luis Aragonés’ record as Atlético’s all-time top scorer.

Aragonés signed for the Madrid team in 1964 and scored 172 goals during his 265 matches, and ten years, with the club.

Internationally, meanwhile, Griezmann has scored over 40 goals for France and is the nation’s third-highest all-time top goalscorer.

Griezmann joined Atlético Madrid for a then-club record of €30million in 2014.

The sports star signed for Barcelona in 2019 but returned to Madrid shortly after, in 2021.

As well as his many goals, Griezmann has been awarded a number of accolades during his time as a player.

He was named French Footballer of the Year in 2016 and was the top goal scorer at the 2016 Euros.

Atlético Madrid also named Griezmann Player of the Year after the 2015/16 season.

The star has won the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Supercopa de España.

He was also nominated for Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2016 and 2018.

What has Antoine Griezmann said about his celebration?

Griezmann, who shares three children with wife Erika Choperena, has spoken about his Hotline Bling-inspired celebration in the past.

After he was quizzed on the move when he forgot to perform it at a 2016 game, he told press: “That’s a dance from the video to Drake’s Hotline Bling.

“I’ve been doing it when I score for Atlético and I should have done it when I scored against Albania, but the emotion was too much and I forgot about it.

“The same thing happened when I equalised against Ireland. For the second goal, I remembered.”

He has also spoken about his Fornite themed celebration, revealing it was one of his daughter’s ideas.

He said in 2020: “This morning, I was having breakfast with my daughter and I asked her how she would like me to celebrate a goal.

“She told me to do this and that’s how it came about!”  

Griezmann has two daughters and one son who were all born on the same date, April 8.