2022 is going to be a big year for French footballer Antoine Griezmann, on and off the pitch. Not only does he have a World Cup to look forward to, but he is also becoming increasingly interested in race-horse ownership.
Griezmann was on loan at Atletico Madrid last season where he scored eight goals in all competitions for the club he made his name at. He looked to be enjoying his football once again, after a difficult two years at Barcelona.
Outside of football, Griezmann has been extending the number of thoroughbred horses he owns. One of the biggest wins as an owner came in the German 1,000 Guineas, when Txope won the Classic contest for fillies.
The victory at Dusseldorf suggests Griezmann’s filly is one of the best in Europe at her age. He will be keeping a close eye on the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in the UK. Inspiral is the +200 favorite in the horse racing odds for those looking to bet on Royal Ascot with Paddy Power. His filly could meet the winner of that Group One contest later this season in what will be a huge occasion for the Frenchman.
Griezmann’s horses are stabled in Macon in Burgundy near his family home. Once he retires from football, he may decide to increase the number of horses he owns. He would not be the first former footballer to go into full-time ownership. Ex-Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has a very successful stable in the UK, which has allowed him to have winners at Royal Ascot.
World Cup in Qatar Set to Be a Big Tournament for Frenchman
Although he will continue to keep a close eye on his talented horses this year, the World Cup in Qatar will be his priority. Griezmann was one of France’s stars at the tournament four years ago.
Griezmann will be hoping to help France defend their trophy. No country has managed that feat since Brazil in 1962, so the stats are against Didier Deschamps’ side. They are among the favorites along with Brazil and England. The defending champions do not need to worry about the Euro 2020 winners, as Italy failed to qualify for the tournament.
With his form being questioned since the 2018 tournament, the forward will be wanting to prove he can continue to be an important player for his country, along with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema.
Since his side was eliminated from Euro 2020, the 31-year-old has started the majority of his country’s matches. Deschamps has backed him when some of his critics have questioned his inclusion in the starting XI.
France went into Euro 2020 as one of the favorites to lift the trophy at Wembley. However, they were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16. That defeat is likely to add extra motivation to Griezmann in what may be his last appearance at a World Cup.
At the end of 2022, Griezmann could be celebrating one of the best years of his career with a World Cup winner’s medal and success in one of the world’s leading Flat races with Txope.
