Antoine Griezmann Flying to Orlando to Finalize MLS Move, Reports Say

Madrid, Spain—Antoine Griezmann, Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer and a 2018 World Cup winner, is traveling to the United States this week with the club’s permission to complete what multiple Spanish and American outlets are calling “the last big contract of his brilliant career.”

Marca, Cadena SER and The Athletic, in a joint byline by Matteo Moretto, David Medina, Tom Bogert, Mario Cortegana and Paul Tenorio, reported late Sunday that the 35-year-old forward will sign a two-year deal with Orlando City SC, holding an option for the 2028/29 campaign once Major League Soccer aligns its calendar with Europe beginning in 2027/28. Griezmann is expected to be unveiled in Florida after the current European season concludes in May and will wear his trademark No. 7 shirt for the Purple Lions.

Negotiations between Orlando and the Frenchman accelerated over the past month, but Griezmann had long insisted he would not abandon Atlético mid-campaign. He now hopes to depart Spain on a high note: Atlético meet Real Sociedad—his former club—in the Copa del Rey final on April 18 in Seville, then face FC Barcelona in next month’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Despite beginning 2024-25 in a rotational role, Griezmann has delivered a series of decisive performances since November, tallying 13 goals and four assists in 42 matches across all competitions. His five Copa del Rey strikes lead the squad, while his six goals as a substitute are the most by any player in LaLiga this season, underscoring the challenge awaiting new majority owners Apollo Sports Capital when they attempt to replace the club’s iconic No. 7 this summer.

Griezmann departs Atlético having amassed 211 goals in all competitions, the most in club history, and twice finishing third in Ballon d’Or voting during his two spells in the Spanish capital. His impending arrival in MLS instantly elevates Orlando’s profile despite the team’s recent struggles, and positions the Lions to market one of global football’s most recognizable stars.