In a moment etched into World Cup history, Antoine Griezmann’s penalty against Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia round of 16 was more than just a goal; it was a cultural phenomenon.
The French forward’s celebration, a playful “Take the L” dance inspired by the popular video game Fortnite, signaled a shift from his previous hip-hop inspired routines to a new era of gaming-influenced celebrations on the global stage.
The date was June 30, 2018. The Kazan Arena buzzed with anticipation as France faced Argentina in a highly anticipated clash.
In the 13th minute, Kylian Mbappe’s electrifying 60-meter run drew a foul from Marcos Rojo, earning France a crucial penalty. Griezmann, stepping up to the spot, calmly slotted the ball past the Argentine goalkeeper, igniting a frenzy of celebration.
Instead of the familiar moves reminiscent of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” video, which had become his trademark at UEFA EURO 2016, Griezmann unveiled a new, distinctly digital-age tribute. He hopped from foot to foot, forming an “L” with his right hand – the “Take the L” dance, a gesture of playful mockery from Fortnite.
The move, which had been teased in previous matches, including a UEFA Europa League final victory over Marseille and a pre-World Cup friendly against Italy, was now performed on the world’s biggest stage.
“You prepare celebrations for certain matches,” Griezmann had told Le Parisien, emphasizing the importance of scoring before showcasing the planned routine.
Behind the scenes, Griezmann was reportedly fine-tuning his moves during training sessions at France’s Team Base Camp in Istra, ensuring his signature celebration was perfect for the moment. While he scored against Australia in the opening match, he held back the “Take the L” dance for the pivotal encounter against Argentina.
The match itself became a classic, a thrilling 4-3 victory for France that showcased the brilliance of both teams. But Griezmann’s celebration resonated beyond the final whistle, highlighting the growing influence of gaming culture on professional sports.
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, had become a global sensation, boasting over 500 million users across various platforms.
The game’s popularity extended to celebrities and athletes, including, ironically, Drake himself. This connection added an intriguing layer to Griezmann’s celebration, suggesting that perhaps Drake wouldn’t have been entirely disappointed by the shift from his own dance moves to a gaming-inspired routine.
The goal and the celebration became a defining moment of the 2018 World Cup, demonstrating how digital culture, specifically gaming, had permeated the world of football.
