Griezmann Signs with Orlando City: French Star Heads to MLS in July 2026

Orlando City SC has officially secured the signing of Antoine Griezmann, one of football’s most accomplished attackers, who will join the MLS club on a free transfer from Atlético Madrid starting in July 2026.

The 35-year-old World Cup winner put pen to paper on a two-year contract through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for an additional year in 2028-29. He is expected to wear the No. 7 shirt and arrive as a Designated Player.

Griezmann expressed his excitement in the official announcement: “I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City. 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.”

The move marks the end of an era at Atlético Madrid, where Griezmann made over 250 appearances across two spells, contributing crucial goals and helping the club secure the 2021 La Liga title and two Europa League trophies. A brief stint at Barcelona and earlier success with Real Sociedad rounded out his European journey, though a Champions League crown eluded him.

For MLS, the arrival of the versatile French forward — known for his creativity, work rate, and clinical finishing — represents a major coup. It sets up tantalizing Florida derbies against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, potentially boosting the league’s profile and attendance much like Messi’s 2023 arrival did.

Griezmann will complete the current La Liga season with Atlético before relocating to the United States. Orlando City fans are already buzzing about the attacking flair he will bring to Exploria Stadium.