10 World-Class Footballers Who Were Rejected as Youngsters

#4 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann is one of the most complete forwards in the world

Antoine Griezmann is right up there among the world's best. Neither has he got the pace of Neymar, nor does he own the burgeoning ability to smash goals like Cristiano Ronaldo. He is someone who possesses his own brand of football.

The 27-year-old can finish, shoot from distance, link-up play, dictate the pace of the game, run the extra yard, keep hold of the ball and make defenders look like practice cones. He was also the creator-in-chief at the attacking midfield role for Didier Deschamps' World Cup-winning side.

As a budding football talent, due to his not so daunting frame, Griezmann was rejected by Lyon, Auxerre, Sochaux and Saint-Etienne.

With almost 70 caps for his national side, 175 senior goals and over 430 senior club appearances, the little magician is in line to become one of the best France has ever produced and debatably, win the Ballon d'Or.