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Jeff Carlisle
Multiple Authors
Orlando City officially announced the signing of French World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann to a Designated Player contract on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old Griezmann has inked a two-year deal that runs until the 2027-28 season, with an option for the 2028-29 season.
This agreement is subject to Griezmann passing a medical examination, obtaining his International Transfer Certificate, and securing a P-1 visa.
Griezmann will complete the current season with Atlético Madrid and will join Orlando City when the summer transfer window opens on July 13.
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter of my career with Orlando City,” Griezmann stated.
“From the very first discussions with the club, I felt a strong ambition and a clear vision for the future, which resonated with me. I can’t wait to make Orlando my new home, connect with the fans, enjoy the atmosphere at Inter&Co Stadium, and give my all to help the team achieve great success.”
Griezmann will join the Lions with an impressive track record, having scored 298 goals and provided 132 assists across 792 professional appearances with Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad.
At the club level, Griezmann has been part of teams that won the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2014 Spanish Supercopa with Atlético Madrid; the Copa del Rey in 2020-21 with Barcelona; and a LaLiga 2 title in the 2009-10 season with Real Sociedad.
In this season with Atlético, Griezmann has netted 13 goals and provided four assists across all competitions.
“Signing Antoine is a pivotal moment not just for our club, but for our community, our supporters, and Major League Soccer as a whole,” declared Orlando City owner/chairman Mark Wilf.
“He is among the most talented and accomplished players of his era, and his choice to join Orlando City embodies our club’s mission and culture. We’re focused on consistently building a championship-caliber roster year after year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reaffirms our commitment and belief in the club’s potential.”
Throughout his career, Griezmann has earned numerous individual accolades, including LaLiga’s Player of the Year for the 2015-16 season, winning the Onze d’Or (2014-15) and the Onze de Bronze (2016-17), and finishing third in the Ballon d’Or voting in 2016 and 2018.
He has been named to the LaLiga Team of the Season four times, including three in the past four seasons.
On the international stage, Griezmann played a crucial role in leading France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and to a runner-up finish in 2022.
He received the Bronze Ball and Silver Boot at the 2018 World Cup and was named Man of the Match in the final. Additionally, he contributed to Les Bleus winning the UEFA Nations League title in 2020-21.
In 2024, Griezmann announced his retirement from international football, concluding his international career with 44 goals—the fourth-highest in French national history—alongside 38 assists over 137 appearances.
“Antoine is a complete player—creative, intelligent, and clinical—and he has proven himself as a winner on the biggest stages,” said Orlando City GM and sporting director Ricardo Moreira.
“In addition to his exceptional talent, he brings leadership, a relentless drive, and a winning mentality that will elevate everyone around him. This is a landmark signing for our club and ownership group, and we are genuinely excited to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando.”