'I'm here to respect my team-mates and fellow candidates'

Whilst Luka Modric was the man to take home the much-coveted individual gong, Griezmann and his France team-mates got a brief moment in the spotlight when they were recognised for their impressive and ultimately successful World Cup campaign.

It was forseeable that it wouldn't be a Frenchman to win the award as Modric finally ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi's decade-long dominance of the prize.

Griezmann knew well in advance of the big night that he had been snubbed, admitting: "I wanted to be alone when they told me, but it's an honour to be among the finalists."

The next phrase uttered by the Atletico Madrid star has been interpreted as a direct attack on Lionel Messi, with Griezmann adding: "I'm here to respect my team-mates and fellow candidates."

Neither Messi, nor Ronaldo attended the gala, leading to criticism for their lack of grace in missing out on the number one prize.

Griezmann, for his part, was left furious by the decision to awad the prize to someone else.

"I won a Europa League, a World Cup, what else do I have to do? I do not know," he raged.

However, there was no lack of grace form the Frenchman. "First, I want to congratulate Modric, who is the Ballon d'Or winner. The people have voted for him and he deserves it. He's had a great year. I'm happy with my year and I've achieved my targets," he continued.

"I'm on a good path, I've made the podium twice, I've got to keep going like this. It's something historic that gives you the motivation to win it. Next year will be my year. It's difficult to be there and I'm grateful to my team-mates. I'm proud of my work."

 

December 3, 2018

Whilst Griezmann has been criticised in the past for his childish behaviour, his decision to attend and genuine words of congratulations to Modric prove he had his head screwed on when it mattered most on Monday night.

The interview even ended on a humour note as the forward was asked "What does Griezmann have to do to win the Ballon d'Or?", with the Frenchman responding with a giggle and just two words: "Good question".

 

December 3, 2018

"Griezmann was the best player last season becuase he won the World Cup and not many people win one of them. He also won the Europa League and the Spanish Super Cup and finished second in a league containing Real Madrid and Barcelona," said Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone several months ago.

After another close call for the Macon-born star, will 2019 finally be his year?