“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career,” said Antoine Griezmann, as he prepares to transition from Atletico Madrid to Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC this summer. This statement encapsulates the enthusiasm surrounding his move, which is expected to reshape his career trajectory at the age of 35.
Griezmann, who is the all-time leading goalscorer for Atletico Madrid, has had a remarkable career in Spain, recording 298 goals and 132 assists across 792 professional appearances. His contributions to Atletico Madrid have been pivotal, helping elevate the club’s profile on the international stage and securing three major trophies, including the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.
Having returned to Atletico Madrid for a second spell, Griezmann has continued to demonstrate his prowess on the field, netting 13 goals and providing four assists in all competitions this season. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both him and the club, where he has been a key figure since his initial arrival from Real Sociedad.
As Griezmann prepares to join Orlando City, he will do so as a designated player when the MLS secondary transfer window opens in July. This move is not just a personal milestone for Griezmann but also a landmark moment for Orlando City. Mark Wilf, a representative of the club, remarked, “Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer.”
Griezmann’s decision to join the MLS comes after a distinguished international career with France, where he retired in 2024 with 44 goals in 137 caps. His accolades include being named La Liga Player of the Year in 2015-16 and finishing third in the Ballon d’Or voting in both 2016 and 2018. These achievements highlight his status as one of the top players in the world.
In addition to his individual accolades, Griezmann’s move to Orlando City signifies a growing trend of established players transitioning to Major League Soccer, which has been gaining traction as a competitive league. Ricardo Moreira, a key figure in the club, noted, “Antoine is a complete footballer – creative, intelligent, clinical – and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game.”
As he looks forward to this new chapter, Griezmann expressed his eagerness to integrate into the Orlando community. “I look forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at Inter+Co Stadium, and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things,” he stated. This sentiment reflects his commitment to not only contribute on the field but also to engage with the local fanbase.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific terms of his contract, which could see him play until 2029. However, the excitement surrounding Griezmann’s arrival in Orlando is palpable, as fans and analysts alike anticipate the impact he will have in the MLS and on the growth of soccer in the United States.