Griezmann to Orlando City: MLS Deal Confirmed for French Star

March 23, 2026 Lucas Fernandez – World Editor World

Antoine Griezmann, the Atlético Madrid forward and 2018 World Cup champion, is set to join Orlando City SC in July 2026, according to multiple reports confirmed Sunday. The move, a free transfer, will see the 35-year-old French international player arrive in Major League Soccer after finalizing his current season with the Spanish club.

The agreement comes after weeks of negotiation, with Griezmann having initially been linked to a move to Orlando earlier in March, a deal he reportedly paused to focus on Atlético Madrid’s commitments in the Copa del Rey and Champions League. Sources at ESPN and The Athletic confirmed that Griezmann was authorized by Atlético to travel to Orlando to finalize the agreement.

Griezmann is Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals, a record established over numerous appearances for the club alongside stints with Real Sociedad and Barcelona. He has also represented France 81 times, scoring 44 goals and providing 30 assists for the national team. Whereas he retired from international duty in 2024, his arrival in Orlando is expected to significantly bolster the MLS club’s profile.

Orlando City, currently 13th in the Eastern Conference with one win in five games, recently parted ways with coach Óscar Pareja, signaling a period of rebuilding. Griezmann is expected to be a central figure in that process and will inherit the No. 7 shirt, according to sources. The MLS summer transfer window opens July 13, 2026, aligning with the start of the league’s season which is increasingly synchronized with the European calendar.

Griezmann has previously expressed a desire to play in MLS, citing an affinity for American sports and culture. He has been a frequent visitor to the United States and has been seen attending NBA games. His decision to join Orlando City ends speculation linking him to other MLS clubs, including LAFC, Chicago Fire, and Inter Miami.

Despite his continued success with Atlético Madrid, where he has won a Europa League, Supercopa, and UEFA Super Cup, Griezmann has yet to secure a Copa del Rey title with the club. He will remain with Atlético until the conclusion of the current season, which includes a Champions League quarterfinal tie against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad.