Major League Soccer side Orlando City has officially confirmed the high-profile signing of French football icon Antoine Griezmann. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant coup for the American club as they secure one of Europe's most celebrated forwards.
A Staggering Career Move Across the Atlantic
The 35-year-old Griezmann joins Orlando City from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on a substantial two-season contract, which includes an additional one-year option. He will be registered as a designated player, a status reserved for marquee signings in MLS who command higher salaries outside the league's salary cap.
Phased Transition from Madrid to Florida
Griezmann will complete the current European season with Atletico Madrid before officially linking up with his new club in July 2026. This means he remains available for Atletico's crucial Champions League quarterfinal clash against Barcelona. His current contract with the Spanish side still has one year remaining, but manager Diego Simeone has publicly supported the veteran's decision to seek a new challenge.
'I am incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,' Griezmann declared in an official statement. 'From my initial discussions with the club, I sensed a powerful ambition and a clear vision for the future, which truly resonated with me. I cannot wait to make Orlando my new home, connect with the supporters, experience the electric atmosphere at Inter&Co Stadium, and dedicate myself fully to helping the team achieve extraordinary success.'
A Legendary Legacy in European Football
During his illustrious tenure in the Spanish capital, Griezmann cemented his status as Atletico Madrid's all-time record scorer, netting an impressive 211 goals across 488 appearances. His career also included a celebrated two-season spell at Barcelona, where he played alongside the legendary Lionel Messi.
The French forward's international career peaked with France's 2018 World Cup triumph, after which he retired from national duty in 2024. His move to MLS now sets up a fascinating reunion with former Barcelona teammate Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023.
A Long-Stated Ambition Fulfilled
Griezmann's transition to American soccer comes as no surprise, as he has openly expressed his desire to play in MLS for several years. In a 2023 interview with Spanish newspaper AS, he revealed, 'Beyond Europe, what I would like later is the MLS. I have always acknowledged that. But Atletico will be almost one hundred percent my last club in Europe. It's where I want to be, where I see myself happiest and here I am at home.'
The French star's affinity for American culture is well-documented. He frequently vacations in the United States and is a regular spectator at NBA and NFL games. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Griezmann even met star quarterback Patrick Mahomes at an NFL international game in Germany in November 2023, where they exchanged jerseys.
MLS Continues to Attract Global Superstars
Griezmann becomes the latest in a growing wave of European talent migrating to Major League Soccer. Recent years have seen French compatriots Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud move to Los Angeles FC, though Giroud has since returned to Europe with Lille. Meanwhile, Messi and Luis Suarez continue to feature for David Beckham's Inter Miami, with former Barcelona colleagues Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba having recently retired after spells with the South Florida club.
This strategic signing underscores Orlando City's ambitious vision and the increasing global appeal of MLS, as it continues to attract world-class players seeking new challenges in the latter stages of their distinguished careers.
