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Football Insider

Antoine Griezmann Joins Orlando City: A New Chapter Begins

Exciting news for soccer fans as Antoine Griezmann has officially signed with Orlando City, paving the way for his move to Major League Soccer this summer. Learn more about this high-profile transfer and what it means for both the player and the club.

FranceTransfersMajor League SoccerAtletico MadridOrlando CityA. Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann Joins Orlando City: A New Chapter Begins

Antoine Griezmann has completed a deal to sign for Orlando City, with a view to moving to MLS this summer, the club announced. The former France captain has been linked with a move to the Florida club for weeks, and traveled to the United States to seal a permanent switch Sunday night. He will pen a two year contract with the MLS franchise.Reports first emerged that Griezmann would consider leaving for Orlando City at the end of February, but Atletico Madrid's qualification for the Copa del Rey final reportedly stalled his move - as he was eager to end his time at Atletico Madrid with silverware. Still, the Frenchman has kept his intent to seal the deal - despite the closure of MLS's primary transfer window. He will now officially move to North America following the end of the European club season.Griezmann has long made it clear that he wanted to play in Major League Soccer. The Frenchman is an avowed fan of American sports, and is often pictured at NBA games. Now the move is finally sealed."I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City," said Griezmann in a statement."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. I look forward to making Orlando my new home, meeting the supporters, feeling the energy at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving everything I have to help the team achieve great things."Griezmann also posted a farewell message to Atletico Madrid, a club with which he reached iconic status. "We still have many opportunities ahead of us to be happy. I want every minute I have left here to be a tribute to this badge. The best is still to come. We’ll do it as we always have: together," he wrote on social media."My present will remain red and white until the very last breath of this 2026 season. And my heart will be forever."Orlando believe the arrival of the French legend will help kickstart a season that has gotten off to a slow start. Orlando are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference with just three points in five matches. "Antoine is a complete footballer - creative, intelligent, clinical - and he is a proven winner on the biggest stages of the game," said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City general manager and sporting director in a statement."Beyond his talent, he brings leadership, a relentless drive, and a championship mentality that will elevate everyone around him. This is a statement signing for our club and ownership group, and we are thrilled to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingGriezmann will likely be among the best players in the league. The Frenchman captained his national team, bagged 44 goals for Les Bleus, and won the 2018 World Cup. His club career has been slighty less trophy-laden, but still immensely successful. He is Atletico Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, has been named to La Liga's Team of the Season on four separate occasions, and has finished third in the Ballon d'Or race twice. The 34-year-old has seen his form dip a little this year, but still remains a key piece for Atleti. He has scored six goals and added an assist in the Spanish top flight, and scored five goals in Atleti's Copa del Rey run.Orlando have a young core, a history of bringing in top players from Europe, including Kaka and Nani. And in Griezmann, they might just have a level-raising star on the way.

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Antoine Griezmann's Transition to Orlando City

It's official - Antoine Griezmann, the former France captain, has completed a much-anticipated move to Orlando City. After months of speculation and negotiations, Griezmann will now be calling MLS his new home. The French forward will be signing a two-year contract with the MLS franchise, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in his illustrious career.

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Long-Planned Move Comes to Fruition

Griezmann's desire to play in Major League Soccer has been well-known, and after considering a move to Orlando City earlier this year, the deal has finally been sealed. The closure of MLS's primary transfer window was not a hindrance to the player's determination to make this move, and he will be joining the North American league once the European club season concludes.

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Griezmann's Vision for the Future

Expressing his excitement for the new challenge, Griezmann shared his thoughts on joining 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 French star is eager to immerse himself in the vibrant soccer culture of Orlando, meet the passionate supporters, and contribute his best to the team's success.

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Orlando City's Ambitious Signing

The addition of Antoine Griezmann is a significant boost for Orlando City, who have had a slow start to the season. General Manager Ricardo Moreira highlighted Griezmann's exceptional skills, championship experience, and leadership qualities as key factors that will elevate the team's performance. The arrival of the French legend is seen as a pivotal moment for the club's aspirations in MLS.

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A Star-Studded Career Comes to MLS

As one of the standout players in world football, Griezmann's arrival in MLS is expected to bring a new level of energy and competitiveness to the league. With an impressive track record that includes leading France to a World Cup victory and achieving remarkable success at Atletico Madrid, Griezmann's presence in Orlando will undoubtedly raise the stakes for the team and the competition.

Published on Mar 24, 2026