One of the most decorated and iconic players of the modern era is officially making his way to the United States. Following months of intense speculation and rumors, it has been confirmed that Antoine Griezmann will join Major League Soccer, signing a landmark deal with Orlando City SC. However, the Frenchman isn’t ready to cross the Atlantic just yet. Before the highly anticipated Antoine Griezmann MLS debut, the 35-year-old forward is determined to finish his storied European career on the highest of highs by securing the one trophy that has eluded him: the UEFA Champions League.
The Final Quest: Champions League Glory with Atlético Madrid
Antoine Griezmann’s legacy at Atlético Madrid is already set in stone. As the club’s all-time leading scorer with over 210 goals, he has surpassed legends like Luis Aragonés to become the definitive face of the modern Colchoneros. Despite his individual brilliance and a trophy cabinet that includes the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a Europa League title, and a UEFA Super Cup, Griezmann has never lifted the Champions League trophy or won a LaLiga title with Atlético.
The current 2025-26 campaign represents his final opportunity to change that narrative. Atlético Madrid remains a formidable contender in European competition, and Griezmann has made it clear that his focus remains entirely on the pitch in Madrid until his contract concludes this summer. For a player who has often been the bridesmaid in major finals—including the heart-breaking 2016 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid—leaving for the Antoine Griezmann MLS chapter with a European winners' medal would be the ultimate poetic exit.
Details of the Landmark Deal with Orlando City SC
The move to Florida is not just a rumor; it is a finalized agreement that marks a significant milestone for Orlando City SC and the league as a whole. According to club announcements and official reports, Griezmann has signed a two-year contract with the Lions, which includes an option to extend through the 2028-29 season. He is set to officially join the roster as a Designated Player when the MLS secondary transfer window opens in July 2026.
The deal is reportedly a club-record signing for Orlando, reflecting the immense value Griezmann brings both on and off the field. By choosing Orlando, Griezmann fulfills a long-stated ambition to play in the United States, a country whose sports culture—particularly the NBA—he has followed passionately for years. His arrival will see him don his familiar No. 7 jersey, instantly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in North American soccer.
What Griezmann Brings to the Lions’ Den
Orlando City SC general manager Ricardo Moreira has described Griezmann as a "complete footballer," highlighting his creativity, intelligence, and clinical finishing. His addition to a roster that already features talent like Luis Muriel and Facundo Torres is expected to elevate the club into immediate MLS Cup contention. Beyond the stats, Griezmann brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of the game:
- Experience: Over 790 professional appearances across LaLiga and European competitions.
- Versatility: Ability to play as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or winger.
- Leadership: Former captain of the French national team with 137 caps and 44 goals.
- Marketability: A global icon who will draw massive crowds to Inter&Co Stadium.
A Legacy Defined by Excellence
While some critics point to his lack of a domestic league title in Spain, Griezmann’s career is defined by consistency and big-game performances. During his time at Barcelona and across two spells with Atlético Madrid, he has remained one of the most productive attackers in world soccer. His decision to move to the Antoine Griezmann MLS stage at 35 shows a player who is still physically capable of competing at a high level while looking to embrace a new lifestyle challenge.
As the clock ticks down on his time in Europe, every match for Atlético Madrid takes on added significance. Whether he manages to hoist the Champions League trophy in May or not, his impact on Spanish football is undeniable. For fans in Orlando and across the United States, the wait for July is on, as they prepare to welcome a true legend of the game to the purple and gold.
Sources & Original Reporting
