Official: Antoine Griezmann’s Atlético era comes to an end: the club legend heads to Orlando City

A historic chapter at Atlético Madrid is officially closing. The club has announced that it has reached an agreement with Orlando City SC for Antoine Griezmann to join the MLS side starting next season. With the team’s permission, Griezmann traveled to Orlando during the squad’s two-day break to finalize his contract with the Florida club — a move first reported by Diario AS.

“Our club’s all-time leading scorer will take on a new professional challenge in MLS next summer after wearing Atlético’s colors for 10 seasons,” the Spanish club said in its statement.

A Decade of Greatness in Red and White

Griezmann arrived at Atlético from Real Sociedad in July 2014. Since then, the iconic No. 7 has become the club’s all-time top scorer with 211 goals, surpassing the legendary Luis Aragonés, who scored 173. His 488 appearances make him the fourth-most-capped player in Atlético history.

Across those 10 seasons, Griezmann delivered countless unforgettable moments and lifted three trophies with the club, lifting the Spanish Super Cup (2014), Europa League (2018) and the European Super Cup (2018).

A Franchise star in Orlando

Orlando City SC also made the move official on its social channels, outlining the terms of the deal: Griezmann will join the club in July 2026 on a contract running through the 2027–28 season, with an option for 2028–29, and will arrive as a Designated Player.

“Antoine’s arrival is a milestone not only for our club, but for our city, our fans, and Major League Soccer,” said Mark Wilf, owner and president of Orlando City SC. “He’s one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando reflects our ambition and culture. Our goal is to build a top-tier roster every year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reinforces that commitment.”

Griezmann: “I’m very excited”

“I’m very excited to begin this new chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann said on the club’s website. “From my first conversations, I sensed real ambition and a clear vision for the future, and that convinced me. I can’t wait to make Orlando my new home, meet the fans, feel the energy at Inter&Co Stadium, and give everything I have to help the team achieve great things.”

He also shared an emotional message for Atlético fans: “It’s hard to put into words what I feel, because this club is my home and you are my family. It’s been an incredible journey — unforgettable matches, goals, joy, and a passion only those who live Atlético can understand.

But let’s leave the future for later — because I’m not gone yet. I still have months left in this jersey, months to give everything at our stadium and away, to fight for the Copa del Rey, and to dream of going as far as possible in the Champions League.

“We still have so many chances to be happy. I want every minute I have left here to be a tribute to this badge. The best is yet to come. And as always, we’ll do it together.

“My present remains red and white until the final whistle of this 2026 season. And my heart will be forever. Aúpa Atleti.”

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