Griezmann to Orlando: French World Cup winner follows Messi and Müller to MLS

Orlando, Florida — Antoine Giezmann’s long-rumored move to Major League Soccer is officially complete. Orlando City announced on Tuesday that the 2018 World Cup champion will join the club next summer after finishing the current campaign with Atlético Madrid, bringing another global name to the rapidly growing league.

The transfer ends months of uncertainty. Last winter, negotiations for the 32-year-old’s switch to the United States collapsed in the final hours, forcing Griezmann to remain in Spain. He used the recent international break to reassess his options and ultimately gave the green light to what both clubs are calling a “summer 2025” transfer.

Griezmann’s arrival continues MLS’s trend of attracting European icons in the twilight of their careers. After Lionel Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami and the earlier stateside stint of Germany’s Thomas Müller, the French forward becomes the latest headline act to choose MLS as his next—and likely final—overseas destination.

A product of Mâconnais, Griezmann first caught the continent’s attention at Real Sociedad. In 2014, Atlético Madrid paid €54 million for his signature, and five years later Barcelona shattered his personal transfer record with a €120 million deal. Although his stint at Camp Nou failed to reach expectations, he rediscovered his best form after rejoining Atlético, first on loan and then permanently for €22 million.

For France, Griezmann earned more than 120 caps and was a key creator during the nation’s 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia, finishing the tournament with four goals and two assists.

Orlando City has yet to reveal contract terms, but the club confirmed the agreement ties the attacker to the Citrus Bowl-based side “through at least the 2026 season,” signaling a long-term commitment to both the franchise and the league.

Griezmann will remain with Atlético through the spring, giving Diego Simeone’s side a final stretch run boost before the forward turns his focus to the next chapter across the Atlantic.