Orlando City have pulled off one of the biggest signings in MLS history.
The club announced Tuesday that they have acquired forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The French superstar will formally join Orlando in July after completing the current season in Spain. He is under contract through the 2027-28 MLS season with an option for 2028-29 and will be a Designated Player.
“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 owner and chairman Mark Wilf.
Griezmann is one of the most decorated players of his generation. He helped France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the 2022 final, where they lost on penalties to Argentina. He retired from international football in 2024 with 137 caps, tied with Olivier Giroud for third most in French history, and 44 goals, fourth on the all-time list behind Thierry Henry.
At club level, Griezmann is Atletico Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals and 97 assists in 488 matches. Across his career with Atletico, Barcelona and Real Sociedad, he has contributed to 298 goals and 132 assists in 792 professional appearances. He was named LaLiga Player of the Year in 2015-16 and twice finished third in Ballon d’Or voting.
Orlando sporting director Ricardo Moreira called it a statement signing for the club.
“He brings leadership, a relentless drive and a championship mentality that will elevate everyone around him,” Moreira said.
Griezmann said he was drawn in by the club’s ambition and vision.
“From my first conversations with the club, I could feel a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future,” Griezmann said. “I look forward to giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things.”
Griezmann joins a Designated Player group that also includes Croatian midfielder Marco Pasalic and Argentine playmaker Martin Ojeda. Orlando have made the MLS Cup Playoffs in six straight seasons and recently parted ways with longtime head coach Oscar Pareja.
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