Antoine Griezmann Inks Two-Year Deal With Orlando City SC

Antoine Griezmann Inks Two-Year Deal With Orlando City SC

Less than 24 hours after Atlético Madrid's 3-2 derby defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday, Antoine Griezmann was already on a flight to Orlando. That tells you everything you need to know about where his priorities lie. The deal is official: two years guaranteed, with a club option for a third season. His MLS debut is tentatively scheduled for July.

According to reports from ESPN and The New York Times, the contract extends through the 2027-28 campaign — which will be the first complete season under MLS's newly adopted European-style calendar — with the possibility of an additional year. This isn't about a ceremonial sendoff. Griezmann is making a genuine commitment.

Madrid commitments come first

Don't expect to see him in Florida immediately. Atlético Madrid still have meaningful fixtures ahead, including a UEFA Champions League quarter-final matchup against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final showdown with Real Sociedad. Griezmann plans to honour those commitments. While his Atlético contract technically runs until 2027, manager Diego Simeone has publicly stated he'll back whatever decision the Frenchman makes. The separation appears mutual and respectful.

But it's hardly a storybook ending. Despite becoming Atlético's all-time leading scorer with 210 goals — a remarkable achievement in Spanish football history — Griezmann never won a major trophy under Simeone's management. For a player of his stature, at a club that reached two Champions League finals during his tenure, that absence looms large. It's arguably the defining paradox of his time at the Metropolitano.

What Orlando City is bringing in

Griezmann stepped away from international duty in 2024 after a decorated career with France, including winning the 2018 World Cup. Now 33, he's obviously not the explosive wide attacker who terrorized La Liga defences in his prime. However, he remains a technically gifted, tactically astute footballer with elite game intelligence and vision.

MLS has seen plenty of high-profile European signings over the years — some thrive, others fade. What sets Griezmann apart is his authentic connection to American culture. He's a frequent presence at NBA games, has repeatedly expressed his fondness for the United States, and actively pursued this opportunity before the La Liga season concluded. Yet he chose to delay his arrival to fulfil his obligations in Madrid. That's not the profile of someone simply collecting a paycheque.

  • Contract terms: Two guaranteed years with a one-year club option
  • Projected debut: July 2025 (MLS summer transfer window opens July 13)
  • Atlético Madrid career: 210 goals — all-time club record
  • International career: Retired in 2024 as a 2018 World Cup champion

Orlando City's attacking prospects for the 2025 MLS campaign just became significantly more intriguing. The real test is whether Griezmann can elevate a team that's shown flashes of quality but lacked consistency into legitimate championship contention. That question won't be answered until he steps onto the field.