ไทย
English
中國人
The wait is over. Atlético Madrid forward and 2018 World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann officially signed a contract on Tuesday to join MLS club Orlando City in July, becoming the Lions' latest Designated Player on a deal running through the 2027–28 season.
The 35-year-old French international—who will complete the rest of Atléti's season, his 17th in La Liga—could make his debut in purple and gold in the top American league as early as July 22, when Orlando City travel to face the San Jose Earthquakes.
Griezmann has long been vocal about his ambition to wrap up his playing career in MLS, having expressed that intention as far back as 2018.
In 2020, Griezmann announced he planned to join the top American league after the 2022 World Cup: "I don't know with which team, but I really want to play there. For me it's an objective to end my career in the United States with the possibility of playing well and being a big part of the team and fighting for a title."
The following year, Griezmann indicated that 2024 would be the ideal moment to depart La Liga, where he has spent his entire professional career with Real Sociedad, Barcelona, and Atlético.
"My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024, and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States," Griezmann said in a 2021 interview with French publication Le Figaro. "I love that country, that culture, the NBA and have a desire to discover it more."
Two MLS icons are credited with fueling Griezmann's unwavering determination over the past seven years: Carlos Vela and David Beckham.
LAFC's Carlos Vela Piqued Griezmann's MLS Interest
Griezmann started tuning into MLS games regularly in 2018 after former Real Sociedad teammate Vela signed with then-expansion side LAFC.
The Frenchman even hinted at an MLS reunion with the Mexican forward that August. "Carlos ... wait for me there in Los Angeles, in MLS," he said during a Univision television appearance. "I'll be there soon."
Vela—LAFC's inaugural signing—went on to dominate MLS and quickly established himself as a club icon. In 2019, he shattered the MLS record for goals in a single season with 34—a mark that remains unbeaten to this day. He also set a record with 49 goal contributions, claiming MLS MVP honors in just his second league season.
Vela guided the Black & Gold to the 2019 Supporters' Shield and captained the team that claimed the 2022 MLS Cup-Supporters' Shield double. He retired in 2025, but not before adding one more trophy to his haul: the 2024 US Open Cup.
The LAFC legend has since become a part-owner of the club, having served as its first-ever ambassador following his retirement.
"It's kind of what I want to do myself," Griezmann told MLS on Tuesday. "He was very important for the league, for his team. He won everything, and he's someone who I admired a lot playing in Los Angeles. And I want to reach his level as closely as possible—everything he gave, what he won with his club, and on a personal level."
Inter Miami's David Beckham Fulfilled Life-Long Idolization
The timing of Griezmann's early fascination with MLS also coincides with his lifelong idol Beckham revealing Inter Miami to the world. The English football icon unveiled his club's name and badge in September 2018, with the team making its on-field debut in 2020.
"If [David Beckham] wants me in his club, then I'll go," Griezmann told L'Equipe just days after the announcement. "I want to finish my career in the US. I don't know yet if it's going to be in Miami or LA. They are two great cities. I like the mentality and the show culture of the United States."
Although Griezmann is landing roughly 200 miles north of the club Beckham co-owns, his admiration for the football legend remains as strong as ever.
"He's my childhood hero, and he's why I wear the No. 7," the Frenchman told MLS on Tuesday about Beckham, who famously wore No. 7 for Manchester United.
Griezmann will keep wearing No. 7 at Orlando, a tribute to Beckham, as he pursues the same level of achievement the Englishman enjoyed during his time in American soccer.
Beckham, who wore No. 23 throughout his entire stint with LA Galaxy (2007–2012), was a two-time MLS Cup champion in 2011 and 2012. He also helped the Galaxy claim back-to-back Supporters' Shields in 2010 and 2011.