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Antoine Griezmann Got France 1998 Heroes' Autographs As A Kid, Now He's In The World Cup Final

Antoine Griezmann Got France 1998 Heroes' Autographs As A Kid, Now He's In The World Cup Final

A brilliant story

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

There's something wonderful about seeing footballers as youngsters with their idols, and then seeing them realise their dreams years on. Antoine Griezmann is one of our favourite examples.

After being a bit-part player in the 2014 World Cup, the former Real Sociedad man has had Les Bleus' line with distinction in Russia, having scored three in France's route to the final.

Image: PA
Image: PA

France are looking to add a second star onto their crest 20 years on from their wonderful World Cup win on home soil.

But victory over Croatia in Moscow tomorrow would also be extra special for Griezmann as back in 1998, when he was just a youngster, he got his football signed by France stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Fabien Barthez just before their World Cup game against Denmark.

He was just your typical football mad seven-year old in awe of his idols in the flesh at the time, but Griezmann was already in his full France kit, wearing the No.7 shirt long before he became a key man for his country.

'Griezzy' also got an early experience of what it was like being on camera after being interviewed by a journalist at the event.

Seeing how things have come full circle for Griezmann is just beautiful and we're eager to see how he performs on the grandest stage tomorrow.

We'll have to to wait and see whether he dishes out another L to go with the one he gave to Thibaut Courtois in response to his comments that they were "anti-football" in the semi-final win over Belgium.

Griezmann, like his teammate Kylian Mbappe, is still in with a shout of pipping Harry Kane to the Golden Boot - though he'll need a hat-trick in the final.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Antoine Griezmann, World Cup