Antoine Griezmann, the celebrated French football star, is known for his prowess on the field, but his personal life has been remarkably consistent and private, centered almost entirely around his long-standing relationship with Erika Choperena. Their love story, beginning in Spain, has blossomed from a persistent courtship into a strong family unit, standing as a testament to stability in the often-turbulent world of celebrity relationships.
Their journey began in 2011 in San Sebastián, Spain, where Griezmann was playing for Real Sociedad. Erika Choperena, a Spanish native from the Basque region, was studying pedagogy and later became a qualified child psychologist. According to Griezmann's autobiography, "Getting to the Top of World Football," their initial encounters were casual, with their paths crossing due to Erika's school being near his training grounds. He admitted to a lengthy pursuit, stating, "For a year and a half, I sent her messages, I tried to seduce her." His persistence eventually paid off, and they began dating.
The relationship remained relatively private in its early stages. Erika maintained a beauty blog, "Cordialmente Erika," but she was forced to deactivate it in 2014 when their relationship became public knowledge, and the site was inundated with visitors. This early period established a pattern for Erika, who largely prefers to remain out of the intense media spotlight, despite her husband's global fame. She has often been described as "very kind but very discreet" by those close to the couple.
A significant milestone in their relationship occurred on April 8, 2016, when they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mia. This arrival came a year before their marriage, showcasing the depth of their commitment to each other and their growing family. Mia's birth marked the beginning of a unique family tradition that would later capture public attention.
Antoine and Erika formalized their union in a private ceremony on June 15, 2017, at the historic Palacio de Galiana in Toledo, Spain. The wedding was a low-key affair, reflecting their preference for privacy. This marriage cemented their bond, which had already proven its strength through several years of dating and the birth of their first child.
Their family continued to grow in a truly remarkable way. On April 8, 2019, their second child, a son named Amaro, was born. Amaro was named after Antoine's Portuguese grandfather, Amaro Lopes. This meant that both Mia and Amaro shared the same birthday, a rare coincidence that added a unique charm to their family story.
The extraordinary pattern continued with the birth of their third child, daughter Alba, also on April 8, 2021. All three of Griezmann and Choperena's children share the same birthday, a fascinating and widely reported detail that highlights the unique nature of their family. Griezmann has often expressed his joy and pride in his family, occasionally sharing glimpses of their life on social media, though Erika largely keeps her personal life off public platforms.
Throughout Griezmann's career, including his high-profile transfers from Real Sociedad to Atlético Madrid, then to Barcelona, and back to Atlético, Erika has been a constant source of support. She is often seen cheering him on at major tournaments, such as the World Cups, but generally maintains a low profile at club games, prioritizing her career as a child psychologist and their family life. Her dedication to her profession and her family is a defining characteristic of their partnership.
The couple's relationship is characterized by mutual respect and a shared desire for privacy. They have successfully navigated the pressures of celebrity, maintaining a stable and loving environment for their children. While Griezmann's professional life is intensely scrutinized, his romantic history remains refreshingly uncomplicated, with Erika Choperena being his sole publicly known and enduring love interest. Their story is one of quiet devotion, built on a foundation of persistence, shared values, and a commitment to family, rather than the fleeting romances often associated with public figures.