For the second time in his career, Antoine Griezmann is closing the chapter on Atletico Madrid – this time, however, most likely for good. Unsurprisingly, the 35-year-old is moving to the MLS after the season.
The self-confessed US fan Antoine Griezmann, who has great enthusiasm for the NBA and NFL, has repeatedly flirted with a move to the United States in recent transfer windows. Most recently, there had already been speculation about an early departure this season.
Griezmann himself, however, dismissed these rumors – and formulated big goals for the rest of the season with Atletico: “I want to reach the Champions League final and win the Copa del Rey – that would be my dream.” FC Barcelona await in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, while Atletico are already two steps further in the Copa del Rey and will face San Sebastian, coached by Pellegrino Matarazzo, in the final on April 18.
However, the attacker, who retired from the French national team in 2024, has now used the international break to finalize his departure next summer. The two clubs have announced that Griezmann will leave the Rojiblancos for a second time in his career after the 2025/26 season and will instead join MLS club Orlando City SC, who have made a poor start to the new season with one win and four defeats. Griezmann has signed a contract until the summer of 2028 with an option for a further season.
“One of the most successful and influential players of his generation”
“I’m looking forward to making Orlando my new home,” said the prominent new signing, while owner Mark Wilf spoke of a “milestone for our club, our city, our fans and Major League Soccer”. “He is one of the most talented, successful and influential players of his generation.”
Because Griezmann still had a contract in the Spanish capital until 2027, a transfer fee will be paid for the 2018 world champion. Negotiations about a transfer had been going on for weeks. However, it comes as no surprise that Orlando would be the final destination. The MLS club had acquired the so-called “discovery rights” for Griezmann some time ago and therefore had priority over other league rivals.
Luis Aragones has long since overtaken Griezmann
With Griezmann, a true club icon is leaving Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman played for the Colchoneros from 2014 to 2019 and then again from 2021, interrupted only by two moderately successful years at FC Barcelona. He still has twelve appearances left until the end of the season to reach the mark of 500 competitive games for Atleti.
No one will be able to dispute his title as the club’s record goalscorer any time soon. At the end of December 2023, Griezmann had already caught up with the legendary Luis Aragones with his 173rd competitive goal. He has now scored over 200 goals for “his” club, making him unforgettable in Madrid for a long time to come.
Griezmann would love to leave a legacy in Orlando too.