Antoine Griezmann to Join Orlando City SC on Two-Year Deal After 3-2 Derby Loss

Antoine Griezmann will sign a two-year contract with Orlando City SC following his 210-goal career at Atlético Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann has finalized a two-year contract with Orlando City SC, a transaction that includes a supplemental one-year option for the Major League Soccer franchise. The 2018 World Cup champion departed for Florida on Sunday evening immediately following Atlético Madrid’s 3-2 derby defeat against Real Madrid. This transfer, verified by multiple sources to ESPN, concludes the attacker's tenure in LaLiga as he prepares for a North American debut this July. The French veteran remains committed to the Colchoneros through the conclusion of the current European campaign before the MLS summer registration window officially opens on July 13.

Antoine Griezmann Orlando City negotiations reached a climax after the forward established himself as Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals. Despite this prolific individual output, the 33-year-old has not secured a major domestic trophy under the tactical guidance of Diego Simeone. His previous employment agreement with the Spanish organization was originally slated to expire in 2027, yet the transition to the United States facilitates an exit three years ahead of schedule. Simeone has publicly voiced his unwavering endorsement for any professional path chosen by the longtime talisman, recognizing his immense impact on the squad’s offensive statistics over several distinct seasons.

Before relocating to Orlando, the former France international faces a demanding schedule of high-stakes fixtures on the European continent. Atlético Madrid is currently finalizing preparations for a Champions League quarterfinal showdown against Barcelona. Furthermore, the club is positioned to compete in a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. Griezmann’s commitment to remain in Madrid through the end of the domestic season ensures his availability for these pivotal knockout stages. While ESPN initially reported in February that preliminary discussions were occurring for a winter exit, the player opted to postpone the move to fulfill his obligations to his current teammates.

This transition to Orlando City SC follows Griezmann’s formal retirement from international competition in 2024. Having reached the zenith of global football with a World Cup trophy six years prior, the versatile attacker is redirecting his professional energy toward club success in a different hemisphere. Sources confirm that while the contractual arrangement was paused during the January window, the Sunday night flight signifies the definitive conclusion of the negotiation process. Gustavo Hofman and Jeff Carlisle provided the primary reporting on this multi-year pact, which places one of Europe’s most consistent finishers into the American top flight during the mid-summer registration cycle.

The financial structure of the deal aligns with the Designated Player regulations, allowing Orlando to secure a high-profile talent without compromising the broader roster salary cap. Griezmann's arrival is expected to coincide with the club's push for the MLS Cup playoffs, providing a veteran presence in the final third of the pitch. His 210-goal tally in Spain serves as a benchmark for the level of clinical finishing the Florida-based side anticipates. The agreement marks one of the most significant acquisitions in the history of the Orlando franchise, which joined the league in 2015.

During his final months in the Spanish capital, the forward has maintained a rigorous training regimen to ensure peak physical condition for the humidity of the American South. The July 13 start date allows for a brief integration period with the existing Orlando squad before the Leagues Cup tournament commences. This timing is strategic, as it permits the player to bypass the early stages of the MLS regular season while arriving in time for the most critical matches of the second half. The move also reunites him with several former colleagues who have previously made the jump from European leagues to the United States.

Statistical analysis of Griezmann's recent performances shows a player who remains highly effective in creative roles, often dropping deep to facilitate ball progression. In the 3-2 loss to Real Madrid, he recorded a high percentage of successful passes in the final third, demonstrating that his technical proficiency has not waned with age. Orlando City scouts have reportedly monitored these metrics for over eighteen months before extending the formal offer. The two-year duration of the contract provides the club with stability in their attacking lineup through the 2026 season.

As the July debut approaches, the marketing department in Orlando has already begun preparations for the influx of international interest. The presence of a World Cup winner is projected to increase ticket sales and global jersey distribution significantly. This commercial aspect was a secondary consideration in the deal, which was primarily driven by the technical staff's desire for a proven goalscorer. Griezmann’s ability to play across multiple positions—including second striker, winger, and attacking midfielder—gives the coaching staff tactical flexibility that was previously lacking. The finalization of this deal represents a major shift in the club's long-term sporting project.