Antoine Griezmann Shocks Football World, Swapping Atlético Madrid for Orlando City

It's now confirmed. Orlando City have officially signed Atlético Madrid star Antoine Griezmann on Tuesday morning local time, making the 2018 World Cup champion the latest high-profile player to make his way to MLS.

Griezmann traveled to Florida on Sunday following Atléti's 3–2 defeat to Real Madrid to finalize the terms of his deal, which is scheduled to begin during MLS's summer transfer window following the 2026 World Cup. The forward could make his debut in purple and gold in the top American league as early as July 22, when the Lions head to face the San Jose Earthquakes.

The 35-year-old French international has penned a contract running through the 2027–2028 season—at which point he will be 37—with an option to extend through 2028–29. Griezmann will serve as Orlando City's newest Designated Player, meaning his "total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge," as defined by MLS.

Each MLS side is permitted only three Designated Player slots on their roster, and the Lions have already filled all three: Argentine midfielder Martín Ojeda, Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda, and Croatian winger Marco Pašalić.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN IS A LION 🦁👑

We have signed global soccer icon and 2018 @FIFAWorldCup winner @AntoGriezmann from @Atleti. He will join the club in July 2026 on a contract through the 2027–28 season, with an option for 2028–29 as a Designated Player 👏

The 2018 World Cup champion brings plenty to the table for Orlando City, who currently find themselves 13th in the Eastern Conference with only one victory from their first five league matches. The Lions are in dire need of a clinical finisher, having averaged just one goal per game so far—a sharp contrast to the 17 goals they have already let in.

The prolific striker is bringing to a close a career spanning more than 15 years in La Liga—with spells at Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, and Atléti—during which he netted 298 goals across 792 appearances. He contributed 44 goals and 38 assists for the French national side before stepping away from international football in 2024. Griezmann's most iconic moment came during France's 2018 World Cup final victory, where he converted a penalty and set up another goal to claim both Player of the Match honors and the Silver Boot.

This report will be updated.