French striker Antoine Griezmann has shared that advice from Atlético Madrid legend Fernando Torres shaped his approach to football and life at the club. Torres, now coach of Atlético’s B team, told him: “Give everything for the club, its fans and your teammates. This will allow you to become an important part of this club.” Griezmann reflected: “I have been doing this since day one, and now I am Atlético’s top scorer in history. It’s incredible, I never even thought about this.”
197 goals in all competitions – the most in Atlético’s history. 442 appearances, eighth all-time for the club. Joined in 2014/15 from Real Sociedad. Left for Barcelona in 2019, returned in 2021, and reclaimed his form. By surpassing legends like Adrián Escudero (170 goals) and Fernando Torres (129), Griezmann has written his name at the top of the club’s all-time scoring chart.Torres, nicknamed El Niño, is one of Atlético’s most symbolic players. Though his goal tally (129) was eventually overtaken, his emotional bond with the fans defined an era. Debut: 2001, aged just 17. Became captain as a teenager, carrying the club during its difficult years outside Spain’s elite. Returned in 2015 to mentor younger players, including Griezmann.
Torres’ words to Griezmann were not tactical instructions but a philosophy: Atlético values effort and loyalty as much as goals. This mentality allowed Griezmann to integrate fully into Simeone’s demanding system.Under Diego Simeone, Atlético built its identity on defensive organization, pressing, and sacrifice. For Griezmann, this required adapting beyond being just a finisher: Versatility: played as striker, second striker, winger, and even midfielder when needed. Work rate: pressed high, tracked back, and covered wide zones. Clutch factor: scored decisive goals in derbies, Champions League knockouts, and La Liga title races.
Unlike at Barcelona, where he never fully fit, Griezmann thrived in Simeone’s system because of his willingness to sacrifice for the team.Fernando Torres: the symbol of loyalty. Carried Atlético through tough years, beloved by fans more for what he represented than for numbers. Diego Forlán: key scorer (96 goals) during Atlético’s rise, winner of the Europa League in 2010. Sergio Agüero: brought flair and goals (101) before leaving for Manchester City, remembered as a brilliant talent but not as deeply tied emotionally. Adrián Escudero: club’s long-standing top scorer for decades with 170 goals, finally surpassed by Griezmann. Koke: record-holder for appearances (over 600), club captain, embodiment of Atlético’s values in midfield.
Where does Griezmann fit? Statistically: #1 scorer. Emotionally: now approaching Torres’ level of connection with fans. Historically: one of the few who delivered both numbers and loyalty.With Atlético, Griezmann has won: La Liga: 2020/21. Europa League: 2017/18. UEFA Super Cup: 2018. Spanish Super Cup: 2014. Reached two Champions League finals (2016, 2024). Individually, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2016 and 2018, largely due to his impact at Atlético.At 33, Griezmann shows no signs of slowing down. With his new contract extension: He is likely to pass 200 career goals for Atlético. He could move into the Top 5 for appearances if he continues past 2026. Another La Liga or European title would cement him alongside Torres, Forlán, and Koke as one of the greatest in Atlético’s history. His story is one of transformation: from a promising winger at Real Sociedad to a club legend and record scorer at Atlético, guided by Torres’ advice.
Antoine Griezmann’s revelation of Fernando Torres’ words captures the core of Atlético Madrid’s identity: sacrifice, passion, and loyalty. By living up to that message, Griezmann has achieved something extraordinary — becoming the top scorer in Atlético’s history with 197 goals and one of the club’s most complete players.
He is not just a goalscorer but also a leader, creator, and relentless worker. With his contract extended and milestones still ahead, Griezmann’s legacy at Atlético will only grow stronger. Torres’ advice was simple: “Give everything for the club.” Griezmann listened — and became Atlético’s greatest ever scorer.
