Griezmann Finally Lands MLS Dream: Orlando City Bags French Star Until 2028

Well, blow me down – after years of chinwagging about it, Antoine Griezmann has actually done the deed. The Atlético Madrid talisman and 2018 World Cup hero has inked a blockbuster deal to join Orlando City as their latest Designated Player. He'll wrap up his La Liga commitments this season before rocking up stateside in July, locked in through the 2027-28 campaign.

Picture this: the 35-year-old Frenchman could make his purple-and-gold bow as early as 22 July, when the Lions trek across to face San Jose Earthquakes. It's the stuff of transfer soap operas, innit? Griezmann's been banging on about finishing his career in MLS since, ooh, practically the last World Cup.

A Seven-Year Itch for the Stars and Stripes

Griezmann's MLS fixation isn't some recent whim – it's been brewing like a proper French stew. Back in 2020, he let slip that post-2022 World Cup, he'd be eyeing a move to America's top flight. "I fancy being a big cog in the machine, scrapping for silverware," he reckoned at the time.

Fast-forward to 2021, and the chap was plotting his La Liga exit for 2024, having graced the Spanish top tier with Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and now Atlético. "That contract ends in June 2024, perfect timing for the US adventure," he told Le Figaro. He raved about the culture, the NBA vibes – the full Yankee package.

It's taken a bit longer than planned, mind. But persistence pays off, and now Orlando's got themselves a world-class forward who's still got plenty of petrol in the tank.

Vela and Becks: The MLS Musketeers Who Lit the Fire

No chat about Griezmann's Stateside obsession is complete without tipping the hat to two MLS icons who planted the seed. First up, his old Real Sociedad mucker Carlos Vela. The pair shared pitches from 2011-14, but it was Vela's LAFC exploits from 2018 that hooked Griezmann proper.

Griezmann even flirted with a Black & Gold reunion that summer: "Hold tight, Carlos, I'm coming to Los Angeles!" Vela didn't hang about – he smashed the single-season goal record with 34 in 2019, nabbed MLS MVP, and led LAFC to the Supporters' Shield that year. Captained them to MLS Cup glory in 2022, plus the double, and chipped in with a 2024 US Open Cup. Bloke retired last year but owns a slice of the club now. Griezmann's dead jealous: "That's the level I want to hit – everything he achieved."

Beckham's Magic: From Childhood Hero to MLS Pioneer

Then there's David Beckham, Griezmann's lifelong idol. Timeline's spot on – Becks unveiled Inter Miami in September 2018, right when Griezmann's MLS chatter kicked off. "If he wants me, I'm there," the Frenchman drooled to L'Équipe. He was torn between Miami and LA, loving the glitz and showbiz.

No Miami move for him, though – Orlando's about 200 miles north. Still, the No. 7 shirt stays with Griezmann, a nod to Becks' Manchester United days (even if Galaxy got No. 23). Beckham bagged two MLS Cups (2011, 2012) and a pair of Shields with the Galaxy. Griezmann's chasing that legacy, and Orlando fans are rubbing their hands.

Orlando's Lion Roars Louder Now

This signing's a coup for Orlando City, who'll hope Griezmann brings his Atlético nous – think silky skills, work rate off the ball, and clutch moments. At 35, he's no spring chicken, but Vela proved you can dominate MLS late on.

As reported by the lads at SI Soccer, Griezmann's buzzing: admiration for his heroes, hunger for trophies. MLS just got a tad more glamorous. Fancy a pint to toast the move? Cheers to the Frenchman – may his American chapter be as epic as the hype.

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