Antoine Griezmann’s move to Orlando City SC marks not only the departure of one of Atlético’s top scorers, but also the beginning of a new era for the Madrid club. The Frenchman’s decision to leave Spain after a decade with Los Colchoneros has come as an unexpected turn for fans and management alike. Now Atlético must look for new ways to move forward, as the loss of their attacking leader is bound to affect the team’s results in the coming seasons.
Griezmann, who became a club icon and its all-time leading scorer, will officially end his spell at Atlético at the conclusion of the current season. As reported by MARCA, talks with the American club have been ongoing in recent weeks, and the player’s trip to the USA following the derby against Real was agreed with the management. The outcome is a contract signing that will see the Frenchman join Orlando City SC in the summer of 2026, with the agreement running through the end of the 2027-28 season and an option to extend.
What this means for Atlético
Griezmann’s departure means not only the loss of a key striker, but also the need to overhaul the entire attacking setup. Over ten years at the club, the Frenchman played 488 matches and scored 211 goals, becoming Atlético’s all-time top scorer. His contribution to the team’s success is difficult to overstate: during his time, the club won the Spanish Super Cup, Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup. Now the coaching staff must find new solutions to stay competitive both domestically and in Europe.
In the coming months, Griezmann will continue playing for Atletico, focusing on the Copa del Rey and the fight to reach the Champions League semifinals. The club’s management expects that his experience and leadership will help the team finish the season strong. However, it is already clear that the Frenchman’s move to MLS will become one of the most talked-about topics in Spanish football this year.
Deal details
The contract between Atletico and Orlando City SC was finalized after both sides agreed on potential transfer terms last summer. According to MARCA, the Frenchman accepted a salary deferral to facilitate the move. As a result, the club managed not only to retain the player for two more seasons, but also to secure favorable conditions for his career continuation overseas. The American side announced that Griezmann will be their key player, under a Designated Player contract with an option for one more season.
The move to the United States opens up new opportunities for Griezmann and gives Atletico a chance to refresh the squad and rethink its strategy. Meanwhile, fans are anxious about how the team will perform without its main scorer. Analysis by russpain.com points out that such transfers rarely go smoothly for top clubs, especially when it comes to long-serving leaders.
Reaction and expectations
The announcement of the transfer sparked a strong reaction among Atlético fans. Many believe the club is losing not just an outstanding player, but also an icon of an era. In his message to supporters, Griezmann emphasized that he intends to give his all on the pitch and fight for trophies until the end of the season. His words about Atlético becoming like family to him resonated with thousands of fans who are already preparing to bid farewell to their favorite.
Madrid faces decisive matches in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, where the team is counting on the Frenchman’s skill and experience. However, it is already clear that the summer of 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history. The question of who can replace Griezmann in attack remains open and is the subject of much debate among experts and supporters.
Antoine Griezmann is a French forward who, over ten years at Atlético, became not only the club’s top scorer but also one of La Liga’s most recognizable players. He began his career at Real Sociedad and moved to the Madrid club in 2014. During his time there, Griezmann won several trophies and was repeatedly named player of the season. His move to Orlando City SC marks a new chapter for him, and forces Atlético to start building a team without their main leader.
