Antoine Griezmann confirms Atlético Madrid exit for Orlando City move

Antoine Griezmann will leave Atlético Madrid this summer to join Major League Soccer side Orlando City, ending his 12-year association with the Spanish club. The 33-year-old French forward confirmed his departure in an emotional Instagram post, calling Atlético his "home" and its supporters his "family."

Griezmann, Atlético's all-time top scorer with 208 goals across two spells, stated he will remain committed to the club until his contract originally expires in 2026, but will instead begin a new chapter in the United States. "My present remains rojiblanco until the last breath of this 2026 season," he wrote, while pledging his heart "will stay that way forever."

The move signals a career transition for the 2018 World Cup winner, who helped Atlético win eight trophies including the 2020-21 La Liga title. His 368 appearances rank fourth in club history. Orlando City will acquire a proven big-game performer – Griezmann scored in both the 2018 World Cup final and 2016 Champions League final.

While financial terms remain undisclosed, the transfer allows Atlético to phase in younger attackers while granting Griezmann a marquee role in MLS. Orlando City, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, gain global recognition through signing one of Europe's most decorated active forwards. The move continues MLS's trend of attracting aging stars, following recent arrivals of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.