Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid to Join Orlando City
Synopsis
In a significant move, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann will depart the club at season's end to sign with MLS's Orlando City. With a remarkable record as Atletico's all-time leading scorer, this transition marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
Key Takeaways
Antoine Griezmann to leave Atletico Madrid for Orlando City.
He is Atletico's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals.
Griezmann has had a successful career in European football.
His departure marks a new chapter in MLS.
Griezmann has also had a significant impact on the French national team.
Madrid, March 23 (NationPress) Forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid is set to depart the club at the conclusion of the current season to join the Major League Soccer team Orlando City.
Reports from prominent Spanish sports newspapers such as Diario AS, Sport, and El Mundo Deportivo confirm that Atletico has granted Griezmann permission to head to the United States during this international break to finalize his contract with Orlando City. Club insiders have validated this transition.
"Antoine Griezmann has received authorization from his club to travel to Orlando during his free days to further discussions regarding his future," the source indicated on Monday.
While there was speculation about Griezmann's potential exit from Atletico in February when the MLS transfer window was open, his impressive performance and Atletico's ongoing participation in the Champions League, along with a spot in this season's Copa del Rey final, convinced him to remain until the season's end, according to Xinhua.
Griezmann holds the record as Atletico's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals and ranks fourth in terms of appearances in the club's history, having played 488 matches over a decade.
He commenced his senior club journey with Spanish club Real Sociedad in 2009, where he was a youth product, and celebrated winning the Segunda División in his inaugural season.
In 2014, the 35-year-old, originally from Mâcon, France, transferred to Atletico Madrid for a then-club record fee of €30 million, where he claimed titles such as the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa de España, and the La Liga Best Player award. He was also nominated for both the Ballon d'Or and Best FIFA Men's Player awards in 2016 and 2018.
In 2019, Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona became a record-breaking deal at €120 million, making him the fifth-most expensive player in history. During his time there, he secured a Copa del Rey title before returning to Atletico Madrid in 2021, subsequently becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer.
Griezmann has also represented France in 137 matches, netting 44 goals for his national team.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the impact of Antoine Griezmann's transfer on both Atletico Madrid and Orlando City. This move signifies a strategic shift for Griezmann, who has had a storied career in European football, and opens new opportunities for growth in the MLS.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Griezmann leaving Atletico Madrid?
Griezmann is leaving Atletico Madrid to join Orlando City in MLS at the end of the season, allowing him to pursue new opportunities.
What records does Griezmann hold at Atletico?
Griezmann is Atletico Madrid's all-time leading scorer with 211 goals and ranks fourth in overall appearances.
What achievements does Griezmann have in his career?
Griezmann has won multiple titles including the UEFA Europa League, La Liga Best Player award, and has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or.
How many goals has Griezmann scored for France?
Griezmann has scored 44 goals in 137 appearances for the French national team.
What was Griezmann's transfer fee to Barcelona?
Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona in 2019 was a record €120 million.
