“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” said Antoine Griezmann, reflecting on his recent transfer from Atlético Madrid to Orlando City SC. This move, effective from July 2026, not only signifies a new beginning for the 35-year-old forward but also a landmark moment for Major League Soccer (MLS).
Griezmann, a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, has had a storied career, becoming Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals. His impressive tally of 298 goals and 132 assists across 792 professional appearances underscores his status as one of football’s elite talents.
Mark Wilf, co-owner of Orlando City SC, emphasized the significance of this signing: “Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer.” This statement highlights the ambition of Orlando City SC to elevate their profile within the league.
Ricardo Moreira, the club’s sporting director, praised Griezmann’s capabilities, stating, “Antoine is a complete footballer—creative, intelligent, clinical—and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game.” Such accolades reflect the high expectations surrounding his performance in the upcoming seasons.
Griezmann’s contract with Orlando City SC extends through the 2027-28 season, with an option for 2028-29, suggesting a long-term commitment to the club and the league. His decision to join MLS comes after he announced his retirement from international play in 2024, making this transition even more pivotal.
In the current season with Atlético Madrid, Griezmann has logged 13 goals and four assists, showcasing that he remains a formidable force on the pitch. His accolades include being named LaLiga’s Player of the Year in the 2015-16 season and winning the Golden Boot at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
As Griezmann embarks on this new journey, he expressed his enthusiasm for Orlando’s vision: “From my first conversations with the Club, I could feel a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that really spoke to me.” This sentiment resonates with fans eager to see how he will impact the team.
With Griezmann’s arrival, Orlando City SC aims to enhance its competitive edge in MLS, potentially drawing more attention to the league as a whole. As the soccer world watches, the implications of this transfer could be far-reaching.
As the countdown to his debut in Orlando begins, supporters and analysts alike are keen to see how Griezmann will adapt to his new environment and what this means for the future of soccer in the United States.
