Antoine Griezmann Named Orlando City’s Newest Designated Player

Orlando City have landed the signature they have chased for years: Atlético Madrid forward and 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann will join the Lions in July as the club’s newest Designated Player, penning a contract that runs through the 2027–28 MLS season.

The 35-year-old Frenchman, set to complete his 17th La Liga campaign with Atléti, could make his MLS debut on July 22 when Orlando travels to face the San Jose Earthquakes. Griezmann’s arrival ends a flirtation with Major League Soccer that dates back to 2018, when he first declared his intention to finish his career in the United States.

“I don’t know with which team, but I really want to play there,” Griezmann said in 2020, pinpointing the post-2022 World Cup window for a potential move. By 2021 he had circled 2024 as the optimal departure date from Spain, telling Le Figaro, “My contract with Barcelona runs until June 2024, and after that I think it will be the right time to go to the United States.”

Two MLS icons helped keep that ambition alive. The first was former Real Sociedad teammate Carlos Vela, whose record-shredding 2019 season with LAFC—34 goals and 49 goal contributions—captivated Griezmann from afar. “He was very important for the league, for his team,” Griezmann said Tuesday. “I want to reach his level as closely as possible—everything he gave, what he won with his club.”

The second influence was childhood idol David Beckham. Griezmann, who wears No. 7 in homage to Beckham’s Manchester United days, publicly campaigned to join Inter Miami weeks after the Englishman unveiled the expansion project in September 2018. While the French star will ultimately land 200 miles north of Miami, the pursuit of Beckham-esque success in MLS remains unchanged.

Beckham captured two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields during six seasons with LA Galaxy; Griezmann now hopes to replicate that silverware haul in purple and gold. He will keep the No. 7 shirt with Orlando, honoring the legacy that began with his hero and continues with his own American adventure.