Griezmann Alone Cant Save…

Since David Beckham’s first arrival in MLS in 2007, the expectations for Designated Players have been exceptionally high. This is justified, considering their salaries are often significantly higher than those of their less famous teammates.

However, it’s essential to understand that these high expectations should be viewed within the context of soccer being a team sport. The success of a DP largely hinges on the quality of the players around them. When everything clicks, a superstar can elevate a decent team to new heights; when it goes awry, it can feel like the franchise is simply wasting money.

Which brings us to Antoine Griezmann.

The World Cup champion with France has agreed to join Orlando City SC and will be transferring from LaLiga’s Atlético Madrid once the MLS summer transfer window opens on July 13. Reports indicate that Griezmann has signed a two-year contract with the option for a third year.

However, he is moving to a club that is far from being a well-functioning entity.

Currently, Orlando sits at 13th place out of 15 in the Eastern Conference, holding the league’s worst goal differential at minus-12, while also conceding the most shots on goal in the league with 40. This situation is likely to challenge Griezmann’s enthusiasm for American sports.

The team’s disappointing start led to the dismissal of long-time coach Oscar Pareja after just three games, raising questions about why he wasn’t let go at the end of the previous season. Much of the preseason effort seems to have been squandered.

It’s also evident that Orlando’s troubles run deeper than just the coaching situation, as evidenced by their 5-0 defeat against Nashville SC. The club appears to be undergoing significant rebuilding. While it’s not a complete overhaul, essential elements have certainly been removed.

Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese‘s contract was not renewed, leading him to move to Deportivo Cali in Colombia. Forward Luis Muriel has also shifted to Colombia, now playing for Junior FC. Center-back Rodrigo Schlegel is now with Liga MX’s Atlas. Right-back Alex Freeman, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, was transferred to Villarreal in LaLiga. Meanwhile, center-back Robin Jansson is still recuperating from a foot injury.

The players brought in as replacements have so far not outperformed those they replaced, raising questions about whether Griezmann fully comprehended the situation he was stepping into.

“I am very excited to begin this next chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann stated. “From my initial discussions with the club, I sensed a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, which truly resonated with me.”

It’s a stark contrast to scenarios faced by players like Son Heung-Min and Thomas Müller, who joined LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps, respectively. Both were integrated as final pieces of a strong roster rather than being expected to carry the entire team on their backs.

Even the San Jose Earthquakes, long regarded as an example of how to struggle in MLS, have a foundation that appears prepared to utilize new signing Timo Werner effectively. Although the Earthquakes may not bear many standout players, they seem to have a strategic plan in place. In fact, it appears San Jose is about a year ahead of where Orlando currently stands in terms of squad development, particularly defensively.

Will Griezmann improve the performance of the Lions? It would be challenging to do worse than their current form. He should bring some energy to an attacking front that already includes Martín Ojeda and Marco Pasalic.

He will also help the team defend from the front, as his average of 6.3 defensive interventions per 90 minutes places him in the top 25% of LaLiga forwards with more than 500 minutes played. This could alleviate some stress for a beleaguered defense. However, this is a lot to ask of a 35-year-old who has only completed a full 90 minutes six times this season, and he is not primarily being signed for his defensive capabilities.

“Antoine is a complete footballer—creative, intelligent, and clinical—and a proven winner at the highest levels of the game,” stated Orlando sporting director Ricardo Moreira. “His presence not only adds talent but also brings leadership, a relentless drive, and a winning mentality that will uplift everyone around him. This is a significant signing for our club and ownership group, and we are thrilled to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando.”

The reality is that Griezmann will need more supportive players to accompany him. This presents an imminent challenge for Moreira, who now has about four months to bring in players that will complement the unique attributes Griezmann offers. These additions do not need to be stars; rather, Orlando will greatly benefit from some hardworking players who can infuse strength and resilience into the squad.

Can Moreira accomplish this? It is possible, but given the current state of the team, he certainly has more to prove to the fan base beyond the ability to secure one aging star.