Griezmann Goes Stateside: Atlético Ace Lands in Orlando with MLS Ambitions Sky-High
Antoine Griezmann has sealed a summer move from Atlético Madrid to Orlando City in MLS, signing a two-year Designated Player deal after flying to Florida to finalise terms. The 2018 World Cup winner will finish the 2026 season with Atleti before boosting Orlando's sluggish start in the Eastern Conference. Club chiefs hail his leadership and talent as a game-changer for their ambitions.
Griezmann Goes Stateside: Atlético Ace Lands in Orlando with MLS Ambitions Sky-High
Picture this: you're nursing a pint, scrolling your phone, and Antoine Griezmann drops the bombshell he's swapping the Bernabéu showdowns for sunshine and Inter&Co Stadium. Yeah, the French maestro has inked a deal with Orlando City, set to rock up in MLS this summer. After weeks of whispers, he jetted over to Florida to put pen to paper on a two-year contract – with options to extend the party.
It's the kind of move that makes you spit out your lager. Griezmann, Atlético Madrid's all-time top scorer, will wrap up the 2026 season in red and white before donning the purple for the Lions. Expect him on the pitch as early as July, facing off against the San Jose Earthquakes. As a Designated Player, his hefty wages get the special treatment, though Orlando will need to shuffle the deck – maybe buy down one of their current big guns like Martín Ojeda or Marco Pašalić.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
Griezmann didn't skimp on the sentimentality. He penned a heartfelt goodbye to Atleti, vowing to give his all until the final whistle of the campaign. "My heart stays red and white forever," he basically said, while teasing that the best is yet to come together. It's classic Griezzy – passion personified.
Over in Orlando, the excitement's palpable. General manager Ricardo Moreira couldn't hide his glee: the 34-year-old (turning 35 soon) brings creativity, clinical finishing, and a trophy cabinet stuffed with goodies. 2018 World Cup winner, 44 goals for Les Bleus, La Liga Team of the Season four times, and Ballon d'Or nearly-man twice. Even this season, he's chipped in six league goals and five in the Copa del Rey. Form dip? What form dip? He's still got the sauce.
Orlando, meanwhile, are crying out for a spark. Sat 13th in the Eastern Conference with a measly three points from five games, they've mustered just a goal per match. Griezmann could be the jolt they need, joining a lineage of Euro imports like Kaká and Nani who've lit up Florida before.
Sunshine, Stadiums, and Superstar Dreams
Why Orlando? Griezmann's long harboured MLS dreams, often spotted courtside at NBA games, geeking out over American sports. "The club's got real hunger and a sharp plan for tomorrow," he enthused. He can't wait to soak up the vibe at Inter&Co Stadium, charm the fans, and drag the Lions up the table.
For Orlando, this is statement stuff. Their young squad – think the Ojeda duo – gets a leadership masterclass. Sure, they'll need to tinker with the Designated Player slots, but who cares when you're landing a global icon? It's like signing Messi 2.0, but with better hair and a penchant for purple kits.
Griezmann's European tale is golden: captaining France, etching his name in Atleti folklore, and now eyeing MLS glory. At 37 by contract's end, he's got time to bag titles and maybe sip piña coladas post-match. Orlando fans, your summer just got a whole lot spicier. Cheers to that – pass the salt for the chips.