 |
| Antoine Griezmann Joins Orlando City SC: French Star Set to Leave Europe as 8th Most Expensive Player Ever |
Antoine Griezmann, the French international and former World Cup winner, is set to take his footballing career across the Atlantic. Orlando City SC confirmed on Tuesday that Griezmann will join the Major League Soccer side this July, signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for a further year.
Despite being 35 years old, Griezmann remains a highly valued asset, holding a market value of €10 million. This will make him the most valuable signing in Orlando City’s history and a marquee addition to the MLS.
A Long-Awaited Move to MLS
Griezmann has long expressed admiration for Major League Soccer and openly discussed his desire to play in North America. Although he extended his contract with Atlético de Madrid last summer until 2027, limited playing time this season prompted a change of heart. The left-footed striker started in only 24% of Atlético’s LaLiga matches this season, influencing his decision to seek a new challenge abroad.
According to club statements, Griezmann traveled to Orlando during a team break to finalize the agreement with the Florida side. The transfer is reported to be a free move, marking the end of a decade-long association with Atlético Madrid, where he became one of the club’s all-time leading scorers.
Career Stats & Legacy
Griezmann has had a storied career in Europe. Over 488 career appearances, he has scored 211 goals and provided 97 assists across all competitions. His journey includes moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs:
- €54 million from Real Sociedad to Atlético Madrid in 2014
- €120 million to Barcelona in 2019
- €22 million return to Atlético Madrid after a loan spell
Over his career, Griezmann has commanded a total of €206 million in transfer fees, making him the 8th most expensive footballer in cumulative transfer history. Only a handful of stars, such as João Félix and Ousmane Dembélé, have exceeded this sum in Europe.
Orlando’s Big Signing
Orlando City SC reportedly had been pursuing Griezmann for some time. Sporting director Ricardo Moreira visited Spain multiple times to push the deal forward. While other MLS clubs showed interest, Orlando’s discovery rights within the league gave them priority to sign the Frenchman.
The club sees Griezmann as a transformative player who can elevate their squad’s quality and attract international attention. His arrival is expected to make a major impact both on the field and in terms of marketing and fan engagement.
Griezmann’s Role & Expectations
Though now in the later stage of his career, Griezmann brings unmatched experience and leadership to Orlando City. His versatility as a second striker or attacking forward will allow coach Óscar Pareja to implement more tactical options.
Fans can expect him to be heavily involved in goal creation, combining his vision, positioning, and finishing skills with the team’s existing talent. Griezmann’s presence also sets a benchmark for future signings in MLS, showing that top European stars are willing to compete in North America before retirement.
Conclusion
Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City SC marks the end of an era in Europe and the beginning of an exciting chapter in MLS. At 35, he arrives not only as the club’s most valuable player but also as one of the most decorated footballers ever to play in North America.
While Europe has been his stage for over a decade, MLS now provides a platform for Griezmann to leave a lasting legacy in the United States, inspire young players, and compete at a new level.
As he embarks on this journey, all eyes will be on Orlando City SC and their French superstar, eager to see whether his European brilliance can translate into MLS success.