Antoine Griezmann Seals Landmark Transfer to MLS Side Orlando City
French international forward Antoine Griezmann has confirmed his departure from Atletico Madrid, with a summer move to Major League Soccer club Orlando City now finalized. The 35-year-old striker, who recently announced his retirement from the French national team, will bid farewell to the Spanish capital after ten remarkable seasons across two separate stints with the LaLiga giants.
Record-Breaking Legacy at Atletico Madrid
Griezmann leaves Atletico Madrid as the club's all-time record goalscorer, having netted an impressive 211 goals in 488 appearances. His decade-long association with the club has been marked by numerous achievements, including three major trophies, most notably the Europa League title in 2018. The confirmation of his transfer comes after Orlando City granted permission for Griezmann to travel to Florida to finalize contract details.
Orlando City owner and chairman Mark Wilf expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating: "Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer. He is one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club."
Final Months in Madrid and Future Ambitions
Despite the confirmed transfer, Griezmann remains committed to Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the 2026 season. He will return to training this week alongside teammates not selected for international duty, with significant challenges ahead including a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad and a Champions League quarter-final clash with Barcelona.
In an emotional statement, Griezmann reflected on his time at the club: "It's not easy to put into words what I feel, because this club is my home and you are my family. It has been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable matches, goals, joy, and a passion that only those of us who feel Atleti can truly understand."
He added: "But for now, let's leave the future in the future: because I'm not leaving yet. I still have months left wearing this shirt, months to give everything in our stadium and away from it, to lift that Copa del Rey and to dream of going as far as possible in the Champions League. We still have many opportunities ahead of us to be happy."
Illustrious Career and International Achievements
Griezmann's career highlights extend beyond club football. The forward was instrumental in France's 2018 World Cup victory and helped his national team reach the final again in 2022. His individual accolades include finishing third in the Ballon d'Or voting in both 2016 and 2018, recognition of his status among the world's elite players.
His club journey has seen significant moves, including a record-breaking transfer to Barcelona in 2019 that made him the world's sixth most expensive signing at the time, before his return to Atletico Madrid in 2021. Griezmann retired from international football in September 2024 after earning 137 caps for France, leaving behind a legacy as one of his country's most decorated modern footballers.
As he prepares for his MLS adventure, Griezmann emphasized his commitment to Atletico's immediate challenges: "I want every minute I have left here to be a tribute to this badge. The best is still to come. We'll do it as we always have: together. My present will remain red and white until the very last breath of this 2026 season. And my heart will be forever."
The move to Orlando City represents a new chapter for the veteran forward, who will bring his considerable experience and goal-scoring prowess to the growing North American league, while his legacy in European football remains firmly established through his record-breaking contributions to Atletico Madrid.
