Antoine Griezmann is heading to Major League Soccer. The Atlético Madrid star and French World Cup winner has received authorization from his club to fly to Orlando during his scheduled days off to complete a deal to join Orlando City this summer, multiple sources confirmed.

The 35-year-aged forward is traveling to the United States to put pen to paper on what has been described as the last big contract of his brilliant career. Griezmann is expected to commence playing for the MLS side in July 2026, following the conclusion of the European football season in May.

Contract Details and Timeline

According to reports, Griezmann will sign a two-year contract with Orlando City SC, including an additional one-year option. The deal runs through the 2027-28 season, which marks the first full season of MLS operating on a calendar more aligned with top European leagues. An option for the 2028-29 season is also included.

Upon arrival, Griezmann is due to inherit the No. 7 shirt. The move ends a weeks-long negotiation in which Orlando initially hoped to woo Griezmann to the U.S. Ahead of the close of MLS’s primary transfer window this month. However, the Atlético legend ultimately opted to stay with his club as it chases domestic and European titles.

• Contract Length: Two years with an option for a third year.
• Start Date: July 2026 (MLS summer window opens July 13).
• Jersey Number: No. 7.
• Transfer Type: Free transfer from Atlético Madrid.

Atlético Madrid Legacy

Griezmann leaves Atlético Madrid as the all-time leading scorer in the club’s history. Throughout two different stages with the team—from 2014 to 2019 and from 2021 to the present, interrupted by two years at Barcelona—he has played 488 games, scoring 211 goals and providing 97 assists.

Despite his scoring prowess, Griezmann has not won a Copa del Rey with the Spanish club. His trophy case with Atlético includes a Europa League, Supercopa, and UEFA Super Cup. He was also a Champions League runner-up in 2015-16.

Atlético Madrid understands that granting permission to finalize his signing for the North American team is the best way to allow him to focus one hundred percent on the remaining important stretch of the season. Griezmann remains with Atlético until the end of the current campaign, which includes:

• Copa del Rey Final: July 18 against Real Sociedad.
• Champions League Quarterfinals: Against Barcelona (First leg April 8, Return leg April 14).

“Claramente sin él es imposible que podamos alcanzar los objetivos que tenemos planteados.” — Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Coach (regarding MLS star power context)

Orlando City Context

Griezmann would be the central part of what looks like a rebuild in Orlando City. The Central Florida club parted ways with longtime coach Óscar Pareja after just three games this season. Currently, Orlando sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, with just one win in five games.

The French forward has voiced, in the past, a desire to play one day in MLS. He has an affinity for American sports and culture, has vacationed often in the U.S., and is spotted at NBA games. This move fulfills his long-held ambition of playing in Major League Soccer.

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