French international Antoine Griezmann has completed his move to Orlando City SC, with the transfer confirmed ahead of his official arrival in July 2026, ending his long association with Atlético Madrid.
“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann said after signing. “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.”
The 34-year-old forward agreed a two-year contract, with an option for a third, bringing clarity to months of speculation around his future. Despite having a contract in Madrid until 2027, both player and club reached an understanding that allows him to leave this summer on a free transfer.
Griezmann departs Atlético as one of the most influential players of the Diego Simeone era. Across two spells, he scored over 200 goals and delivered in decisive moments, helping the club secure European and domestic honours while maintaining a consistent level of performance rarely matched in his position.
Club sources indicate he had earlier explored a mid-season exit, but Atlético held firm due to ongoing commitments in key competitions. He remained through the crucial stretch of the campaign before finalising the move, a decision seen internally as a mark of respect to the team’s ambitions.
His signing represents a major statement from Orlando City, who continue to build towards genuine MLS Cup contention. The club expects Griezmann to take on a central attacking role, offering creativity, movement and leadership to a squad still evolving.
The move also adds weight to Major League Soccer’s growing reputation as a destination for elite talent. Griezmann joins a league that already features Lionel Messi, reinforcing its appeal beyond commercial value to competitive relevance.
Attention will now shift to his adaptation. The demands of MLS, from long-distance travel to a more physical style of play, present a different challenge. Orlando, however, believe his intelligence and technical quality will translate quickly.
For Atlético supporters, his exit signals the close of a defining chapter. For Orlando, it marks the beginning of one.
