ORLANDO, Fla. – In a move that reverberates across the global soccer landscape, Orlando City SC has officially signed French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atlético de Madrid. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a significant moment not only for the club and its supporters but for Major League Soccer as a whole. Griezmann, 35, has agreed to a two-year contract extending through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for 2028-29, pending medical clearance, an International Transfer Certificate, and a P-1 visa.
The transfer, confirmed by both Orlando City and Atlético Madrid, brings to a close a decade-long association between Griezmann and the Spanish club, punctuated by 211 goals and countless memorable moments. Griezmann himself traveled to Orlando with the club’s permission to finalize the details of the contract, signaling his commitment to this new chapter in his illustrious career.
A Fond Farewell from Madrid
Griezmann’s departure from Atlético Madrid is being felt deeply by the club’s faithful. He initially joined Los Colchoneros in July 2014 from Real Sociedad and quickly established himself as a pivotal figure. Over two spells with the club – the first ending with a controversial transfer to Barcelona in 2019, and a return in 2021 – Griezmann became Atlético’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the legendary Luis Aragonés with 211 goals in 488 appearances. He ranks fourth in total appearances for the club, behind Koke, Adelardo, and Oblak.
His trophy cabinet with Atlético includes a Spanish Super Cup in 2014, and both the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018. While his time at Barcelona yielded a Copa del Rey title in 2020-21, his return to Madrid was driven by a desire to reconnect with a club and a city he clearly cherished. As Griezmann stated in an emotional message to the Atlético faithful, “My heart will be rojiblanco forever.”
A New Challenge in MLS
But now, Griezmann is setting his sights on a new challenge: Major League Soccer. The move to Orlando City represents a long-held ambition for the French international, who has frequently expressed his admiration for American sports culture, particularly the NBA and NFL. He has often attended games in both leagues during his downtime, and now will have the opportunity to immerse himself fully in the American sporting landscape.
“I am very excited to initiate this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann said in a statement released by the club. “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 seem 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.”
What This Means for Orlando City and MLS
Orlando City’s acquisition of Griezmann is a watershed moment for the club and the league. Mark Wilf, Orlando City SC Owner & Chairman, described the signing as a “landmark moment” that reflects the club’s ambition to build a “championship-caliber roster.” The arrival of a player of Griezmann’s stature elevates the profile of MLS on the global stage and signals a growing trend of established European stars choosing to play in North America.
Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director, highlighted Griezmann’s all-around qualities, stating he is a “complete footballer—creative, intelligent, clinical—and he is a proven winner.” Moreira believes Griezmann’s leadership and championship mentality will be invaluable to the team.
Griezmann’s impact extends beyond the field. His presence is expected to boost ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and overall interest in Orlando City and MLS. The league has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, attracting a growing fanbase and securing lucrative broadcast deals. Griezmann’s arrival is likely to accelerate this trend, further solidifying MLS’s position as a major force in global soccer.
A Decorated Career
Antoine Griezmann’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. He has scored 298 goals and added 132 assists in 792 professional appearances for Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad. He was a key member of the French national team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and has consistently performed at the highest level for his country.
His versatility and tactical intelligence have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. Capable of playing as a striker, attacking midfielder, or winger, Griezmann possesses a rare combination of skill, vision, and work rate. He is a proven goalscorer, a creative playmaker, and a tenacious defender.
What’s Next for Griezmann and Orlando City?
Griezmann will remain with Atlético Madrid until the end of the current season, giving him the opportunity to finish his tenure with the club on a high note. Atlético faces a crucial Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on April 18th, and a challenging Champions League quarterfinal tie against Barcelona. Griezmann has vowed to give his all for the club until his departure.
He is expected to join Orlando City when the MLS secondary transfer window opens in July. Fans in Orlando will eagerly await his arrival, anticipating the impact he will have on the team and the league. The club will provide further updates on his arrival and debut as they develop into available.
Orlando City’s next match is scheduled for [insert next confirmed match date/time/opponent here – verify]. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay up-to-date on Griezmann’s arrival through the official Orlando City SC website and social media channels.
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