Atlético Record Scorer Antoine Griezmann Finalizes Summer Transfer to Orlando City
Orlando, Monday, 23 March 2026.
Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer is finalizing a summer transfer to Orlando City, significantly boosting Major League Soccer’s global commercial profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A Strategic Commercial Coup for Florida
Following a 3-2 derby loss to rival Real Madrid, Antoine Griezmann boarded a flight to the United States to secure his future in Major League Soccer, a move confirmed by sports journalist Matteo Moretto [2][5]. Authorized by Atlético Madrid, the French forward is finalizing a contract with Orlando City that will run through the 2027-28 season, complete with an option for the 2028-29 campaign [1][2]. The agreement represents a massive commercial milestone for Orlando City’s ownership, the Wilf family, who purchased the franchise in 2021 [1].
Unfinished Business in the Spanish Capital
Despite the impending transfer, Griezmann will not don Orlando’s No. 7 shirt immediately [1][2]. The 34-year-old forward [1] [alert! ‘The provided introductory text lists him as 35, but the primary source specifies 34’] has opted to remain in Spain through the conclusion of the current European season in May 2026 [1][3]. Earlier this month, before the primary MLS transfer window closed, Griezmann turned down an immediate move to Florida, citing a deep desire to capture more silverware with Atlético Madrid [1][4]. In a recent interview with Movistar+, he emphasized that he is “savoring the moment” and remains focused on competing on all fronts [4].
Revitalizing a Struggling Franchise
When Griezmann finally arrives in Florida this summer, he will be tasked with lifting a team that has faced significant turbulence in the early months of 2026 [1]. Orlando City is currently languishing in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, having secured just one victory in their first five matches—a bleak win rate of 20% [1]. The team’s struggles culminated in the dismissal of head coach Óscar Pareja on March 11, just three games into the season [1].