Antoine Griezmann is back in the spotlight, and this time the reason is clear, official, and big. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Orlando City SC announced that it had signed the French star from Atlético de Madrid.
The contract begins in July 2026, runs through the 2027 to 2028 season, and includes an option for 2028 to 2029. Orlando also confirmed that Griezmann will join as a Designated Player once Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window opens in July, pending medical clearance, his International Transfer Certificate, and a P-1 visa.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Antoine Griezmann
This is not just another transfer update. It is the official start of a major new chapter for one of the most respected forwards of his generation. Orlando City owner Mark Wilf called it a landmark moment for the club, while general manager Ricardo Moreira said Griezmann brings leadership, quality, and a winning mindset.
Griezmann himself said he felt strong ambition from the club from the very first talks and is excited to make Orlando his new home. When a player of this level speaks directly about a fresh start, people pay attention fast.
What Griezmann Brings to Orlando City on the Pitch
Orlando is not signing a player built only on name value. The club’s official release says Griezmann arrives with 298 goals and 132 assists in 792 professional appearances across Atlético de Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad.
That is the kind of record that explains why this move feels so important. Orlando also highlighted the honors that came with that career, including the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España, Copa del Rey, and the LaLiga 2 title with Real Sociedad.
This is a player with years of top-level football behind him, not a short hot streak.
Why Atlético Madrid Is Saying Goodbye to a Club Great
Atlético de Madrid’s own announcement makes the emotional weight of this story even stronger. The club said Griezmann is its all-time leading scorer, with 211 goals, and added that his 488 appearances place him fourth on the club’s all-time list for games played.
Atlético also confirmed that he traveled to Orlando with club permission during a short break to finalize the deal. That detail matters because it shows this move was handled openly and officially, not through rumor or noise.
Just as important, Griezmann made it clear he is not mentally checking out before the season ends. In a message published by Atlético on March 24, he said his present remains in red and white until the very last breath of this 2026 season.
He also said he still wants to give everything on the pitch and chase more success before leaving. That gives this story two layers at once, a confirmed summer move and a serious final stretch with Atlético still in front of him.
The Career Weight Behind the Name
Griezmann’s profile has never rested on club football alone. Orlando’s official statement notes that he helped France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finish as runner-up in 2022, and win the 2020-2021 UEFA Nations League.
The same release says he retired from international football in 2024 with 44 goals in 137 appearances. UEFA also officially named him Player of the Tournament at Euro 2016 after he finished with six goals and two assists.
That history explains why even one transfer headline carrying his name can instantly become major news.
What to Watch Before Griezmann Starts This New Chapter
The move is official, but the switch is not immediate. Orlando says Griezmann joins in July 2026, while Atlético says he will complete the current season before taking on this new challenge. So right now, this is both a goodbye story and a future story.
Orlando has secured a global name with real production behind him, and Atlético now begins preparing for life after one of the biggest figures in club history.
