Details of Antoine Griezmann's transfer to Orlando City
Orlando City FC officially announced on Tuesday the signing of French star and Atlético Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann . This move confirms Major League Soccer's (MLS) continued success in attracting top international football stars. The club explained in an official statement on its website that Griezmann signed a contract that will begin in July 2026 and run until the end of the 2027-2028 season, with an option to extend for an additional season (2028-2029).
Griezmann's first comment on his new move
The French star expressed his immense happiness with the move, saying after signing the contract: “I’m incredibly excited to begin this new chapter in my career with Orlando City. From my first conversations with the club, I sensed a great ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that’s what really attracted me.” He added: “I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and doing my best to help the team achieve great things.”.
A legendary career in European stadiums
Griezmann, who will be 35 years old at the start of his contract, will join Orlando City after a glittering career in European football. His statistics speak for themselves: he has scored 298 goals and provided 132 assists in 792 professional appearances for Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona. Griezmann is Atlético Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals in all competitions. His club trophy cabinet includes the Europa League (2017-18), the UEFA Super Cup (2018), and the Spanish Super Cup (2014) with Atlético Madrid, as well as the Copa del Rey (2020-21) with Barcelona and the Spanish Second Division title with Real Sociedad.
An unforgettable mark with the French national team
On the international stage, Griezmann boasts a distinguished record, having played a key role in France's 2018 World Cup victory in Russia, their runner-up finish in the 2022 Qatar edition, and their triumph in the 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League. The player announced his retirement from international football in 2024, concluding his career with "Les Bleus" with 44 goals and 38 assists in 137 international appearances.
General context: Why the American league, and specifically in 2026?
Antoine Griezmann's move to Major League Soccer (MLS) comes at a crucial juncture, both in terms of sporting and economic significance. MLS is experiencing a surge in star players, particularly following Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami and the arrival of other French stars like Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris at American clubs. The choice of 2026 as the start date for the new contract carries strategic weight; that year, the United States (co-hosted with Canada and Mexico) will host the FIFA World Cup, meaning the game's popularity will reach its peak in North America.
Expected impact of the deal locally and internationally
Domestically, the presence of a star of Griezmann's caliber will raise the level of competition in Major League Soccer and will be a major marketing coup for Orlando City, attracting more fans and sponsors. Internationally and regionally, in Spain, Griezmann's departure from Atlético Madrid will mark the end of a golden era for coach Diego Simeone, who will have to find a replacement capable of filling the technical and leadership void left by the club's all-time leading scorer.
