Orlando City SC has announced the signing of French forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The 35-year-old will complete his current season with Atletico before joining Major League Soccer after the World Cup in July. He arrives as a Designated Player amid the club's challenging start to the season.
Orlando City SC owner and chairman Mark Wilf described the acquisition as a landmark moment for the club, city, and MLS. 'Bringing Antoine to Orlando is a landmark moment not only for our club, but for our city, our supporters and for Major League Soccer,' Wilf said. He praised Griezmann as one of the most gifted players of his generation, aligning with the club's goal of building a championship roster. Sporting director Ricardo Moreira echoed this, calling Griezmann a complete footballer with leadership and a championship mentality. 'This is a statement signing for our club and ownership group,' Moreira added. Griezmann himself expressed excitement about the move. 'I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,' he said. 'From my first conversations with the club, I could feel a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future.' The forward, who has long planned to end his career in the US, brings an impressive record from Spain: 298 goals and 132 assists in 792 appearances for Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad. He aims to cap his Atletico tenure with success in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on April 18. Griezmann will join when MLS's secondary transfer window opens. Orlando has faced turbulence this season, sacking coach Oscar Parejo after a 5-0 loss to New York City FC on March 7. Assistant Martin Perelman stepped in, securing a win over Montreal but suffering another 5-0 defeat to Nashville SC over the weekend.
