Griezmann: MLS-be igazol, örökranglistaelső a spanyol ligában!

Antoine Griezmann, the 35-year-traditional French forward currently playing for Atlético Madrid, is set to join Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer, multiple sources confirmed Sunday. Griezmann traveled to the United States on Sunday night after Atlético’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid to finalize the deal, with a projected MLS debut in July, coinciding with the opening of the league’s summer transfer window on July 13.

The agreement, a two-year contract with an additional one-year option, marks a significant move for both Griezmann and MLS. While Griezmann will remain with Atlético Madrid through the end of their current season – which includes a Champions League quarterfinal tie against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad – his departure signals a shift in his career trajectory. He retired from international duty with France in 2024.

Griezmann is Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals, but had previously paused talks with Orlando City to complete the season with his current club. He initially joined Atlético Madrid in 2014 after beginning his professional career with Real Sociedad, where he played from 2009-2014. He later spent three seasons with Barcelona before returning to Atlético on loan, and then permanently.

The move to Orlando City fulfills a long-held ambition for Griezmann, according to reports. He is expected to inherit his familiar number 7 shirt with the MLS club. Despite his prolific goal-scoring record in Spain, Griezmann has yet to win a major title with Atlético Madrid under manager Diego Simeone, who has publicly supported his player’s decision.

Griezmann has made 792 club appearances and scored 298 goals throughout his career in Spain’s La Liga, placing him fourth on the league’s all-time appearance list and ahead of Lionel Messi among foreign players. He has also won a Europa League title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup with Atlético Madrid, and another Copa del Rey with Barcelona.

Orlando City has been pursuing Griezmann for the past month, and the player is hoping to win the Copa del Rey on April 18, when Atlético will face Real Sociedad in the final.