Antoine Griezmann 'very excited' to join MLS side Orlando City from Atletico Madrid as free agent in summer
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Updated 24/03/2026 at 18:09 GMT
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Having spent the entirety of his senior career in Spain, Atletico Madrid talisman Antoine Griezmann is set for a move to the MLS. The 35-year-old has agreed a contract with Florida-based franchise Orlando City, joining his new club in July 2026. Described as "a landmark moment" for the league, Griezmann's deal at Orlando will run for two years with the option of a further season.
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Antoine Griezmann will bid farewell to Atletico Madrid for a second time in the summer, with the France attacker set to join MLS side Orlando City.
The 35-year-old spent a total of 10 years at Atletico, with his two five-year spells bookmarking a stint at Barcelona.
In all, Griezmann has scored 298 goals in 792 senior appearances for a trio of Spanish clubs, which also includes Real Sociedad.
Upon signing his contract, which will run for two years from July 2026 with the option of a further season, Griezmann said Orlando's "clear vision" was a deciding factor in the move.
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”I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” said Griezmann. ”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.”
Having retired from international football in September 2024, the forward is expected to officially join his new club at the expiry of his current deal at the end of July.
Orlando owner and chairman Mark Wilf called the signing "a landmark moment" for the league.
”Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer,” said Wilf.
”He is one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club.
"Our focus is on consistently building a championship-caliber roster every year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reinforces that commitment and our belief in what the club can achieve.”
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The Lions finished ninth in the Eastern Conference in 2025 and their best post-season run came a year earlier when they reached the semi-finals of the MLS Cup play-offs.
Orlando's only major honour as an MLS franchise was the capture of the U.S. Open Cup in 2022, the oldest current competition in the country.
Griezmann is following in the footsteps of Brazil icon Kaka, who spent his final three seasons before retirement at the Florida-based club.
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