Orlando City SC has officially announced the signing of global soccer icon and 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The French superstar will join the Major League Soccer club in July 2026 after completing the 2025-26 season with Atletico. Griezmann, 35, has signed a contract through the 2027-28 season with an option for 2028-29, becoming a Designated Player for the Lions. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marking a landmark moment for Orlando City and MLS.
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Griezmann’s Transfer Details
The French attacker will join Orlando City when MLS’s secondary transfer window opens in July 2026, pending medical clearance and receipt of his international transfer certificate and P-1 visa. Financial terms were not disclosed by either club. Griezmann will serve as a Designated Player, allowing Orlando to allocate salary cap resources strategically. His potential debut could come as early as July 22 against San Jose Earthquakes, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup conclusion.
| Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Antoine Griezmann |
| Joining Club | Orlando City SC (MLS) |
| Leaving Club | Atletico Madrid (LaLiga) |
| Transfer Window | July 2026 (secondary window) |
| Contract Duration | Through 2027-28 season |
| Contract Option | Additional year option for 2028-29 |
| Player Status | Designated Player |
| Age | 35 years old |
| World Cup | 2018 FIFA World Cup winner |
Griezmann’s Historic Atletico Madrid Legacy
Griezmann departs Atletico as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 211 goals and 97 assists in 488 matches across two separate spells (2014-19 and 2021-26). His decade with Los Colchoneros established him as one of the most prolific and influential players in club history. In the 2025-26 season alone, Griezmann contributed 13 goals and 4 assists in 43 appearances for Atletico.
| Griezmann’s Atletico Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
| All-time Goals | 211 goals |
| All-time Assists | 97 assists |
| Total Appearances | 488 matches |
| Spells at Club | Two (2014-19, 2021-26) |
| 2025-26 Season Goals | 13 goals |
| 2025-26 Season Assists | 4 assists |
| UEFA Europa League | 2017-18 winner |
| La Liga Player of Year | 2015-16 |
Career Achievements and Accolades
Across 792 professional appearances with Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Real Sociedad, Griezmann has recorded 298 goals and 132 assists. The French forward was named LaLiga Player of the Year in 2015-16 and placed third in Ballon d’Or voting twice (2016 and 2018). His international resume includes 38 assists across 137 appearances for France, contributing to the national team’s 2018 World Cup victory.
Major club titles include the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League with Atletico, the 2020-21 Copa del Rey with Barcelona, and the 2014 Supercopa de España with Atletico. His versatility, intelligence, and championship mentality have defined his career across Europe’s elite clubs.
Orlando City’s Statement and Vision
Orlando City owner and chairman Mark Wilf stated: “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.”
General Manager Ricardo Moreira added: “Antoine is a complete footballer—creative, intelligent, clinical—and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game. Beyond his talent, he brings leadership, a relentless drive and a championship mentality that will elevate everyone around him.”
Griezmann’s MLS Welcome
Griezmann expressed enthusiasm for his new chapter: “I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City. 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. 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.”
Strategic Implications for Orlando City
The signing represents Orlando’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster despite their difficult start to the 2026 MLS season. Orlando City has struggled with only five goals in their first five matches, making Griezmann’s arrival crucial for offensive production and creative inspiration. The club must address its current Designated Player situation with Martin Ojeda, Braian Ojeda, and Marco Pasalic before summer arrivals.
Timeline to Arrival
Griezmann will complete the 2025-26 LaLiga season with Atletico Madrid before transferring to Orlando. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude before his July arrival, allowing the French star to participate in the global tournament. His potential debut against San Jose Earthquakes on July 22 represents an early opportunity to impact Orlando’s second-half campaign and rally supporters.
Griezmann’s Final Message to Atletico
Upon announcement, Griezmann posted an emotional farewell to Atletico supporters: “It is not easy to put words to what I feel, because this club is my home and you are my family. It has been an incredible honor to wear this shirt and represent this badge. I will always carry Atletico Madrid in my heart.”
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FAQs
When will Antoine Griezmann join Orlando City?
Griezmann will officially join Orlando City in July 2026 when MLS’s secondary transfer window opens, after completing the 2025-26 season with Atletico Madrid.
How long is Griezmann’s Orlando City contract?
Griezmann has signed through the 2027-28 season with an additional option for the 2028-29 season, giving Orlando flexibility in the player’s tenure.
How many goals has Griezmann scored for Atletico Madrid?
Griezmann is Atletico’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals and 97 assists in 488 matches across two spells (2014-19 and 2021-26).
What is Griezmann’s international record?
Griezmann has 38 assists across 137 appearances for France and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, establishing himself as a world-class international performer.
What role will Griezmann have at Orlando City?
Griezmann will join as a Designated Player, allowing Orlando to allocate resources strategically while addressing their current three Designated Player roster spots.
