Orlando City confirmed on Tuesday the acquisition of French World Cup-winning forward Antoine Griezmann under a Designated Player agreement.
Griezmann, aged 35, has entered into a two-year contract, valid until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, with an option for the 2028-29 season.
The agreement is subject to the France international 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 when the summer transfer window opens on July 13.
“I am very excited to start this new 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 resonated with me. I look forward to making Orlando my new home, engaging with the supporters, experiencing the atmosphere at Inter&Co Stadium, and giving my all to help the team achieve great success.”
Griezmann will arrive at the Lions after reaching the pinnacle of the sport. He has netted 298 goals and provided 132 assists in 792 professional matches with Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad.
At the club level, Griezmann has been part of squads that secured the 2017-18 UEFA Europa League, the 2018 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2014 Spanish Supercopa with Atlético de Madrid; the 2020-21 Copa del Rey with Barcelona; and the 2009-10 LaLiga 2 title with Real Sociedad.
This season with Atleti, Griezmann has recorded 13 goals and four assists across all competitions.
“Signing Antoine to Orlando is a significant milestone not only for our club but also for our city, our supporters, and for Major League Soccer,” stated Orlando City owner/chairman Mark Wilf.
“He is among the most talented, accomplished, and influential players of his generation, and his choice to join Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club. Our aim is to consistently develop a championship-caliber roster each year, and adding a world-class player like Antoine reinforces that commitment and our confidence in what the Club can accomplish.”
Griezmann has also received numerous individual accolades throughout his career, including being named LaLiga’s Player of the Year for the 2015-16 season, winning the Onze d’Or in the 2014-15 season and the Onze de Bronze in the 2016-17 season, and finishing third in the Ballon d’Or voting in both 2016 and 2018.
He has been selected to the LaLiga Team of the Season four times, three of which occurred in the last four seasons.
On the international stage, Griezmann played a crucial role in leading France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finishing as runners-up in 2022.
Griezmann received the Bronze Ball and Silver Boot awards at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, along with Man of the Match honors in the final. He also contributed to Les Bleus’ triumph in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
Griezmann announced his retirement from international football in 2024, concluding his career with 44 goals—the fourth-most in French national team history—along with 38 assists across 137 appearances.
“Antoine is a complete footballer—creative, intelligent, and clinical—and he is a proven winner on the grandest stages of the game,” said Orlando City GM and sporting director Ricardo Moreira.
“In addition to his skill, he brings leadership, an unwavering drive, and a championship mentality that will elevate those around him. This is a significant signing for our club and ownership group, and we are excited to welcome Antoine and his family to Orlando.”
