Antoine Griezmann will officially become an Orlando City player in the summer of 2026 — this transfer has already been confirmed by the MLS management. As noted by AS, the deal could have taken place as early as March, but the Frenchman himself insisted on finishing the season with Atlético Madrid and trying to win the national title. MLS competition director Alfonso Mondelo explained that league clubs had been monitoring Griezmann for some time, but the timing of the transfer was determined solely by the player.
According to Mondelo, interest in the Frenchman did not arise overnight: MLS had already tried to sign Griezmann last season, but negotiations were unsuccessful at the time. The player himself has made no secret of his fondness for life in the United States and has often visited the country, showing an interest in the NFL and NBA. Now, after finishing the season in Spain and taking part in the World Cup, Griezmann will join Orlando City, strengthening both the club and the league as a whole.
Changes in the transfer market
MLS emphasizes that the market situation has changed: whereas the league previously had to persuade stars to come, now the players themselves are showing initiative. Mondelo notes that Griezmann is no exception: he is attracted not only by the level of football, but also by the lifestyle in the US. According to him, the average age of new foreign players in MLS is now 24, indicating a shift in strategy: the league is betting not only on well-known veterans, but also on young promising footballers.
At the same time, Mondelo emphasizes that even veteran stars like Messi or Son remain desirable for any club in the world. In his opinion, Griezmann is still a key figure at Atlético Madrid, and his transfer is an important signal for the entire league.
Impact on fans and the national team
The growing interest in football in the United States is driven not only by high-profile transfers, but also by a shift in fans’ attitudes. According to Mondelo, today most Americans under 40 have played football themselves, and attending matches has become a family tradition. Special attention is also given to women’s football, which has achieved significant success in recent years.
Speaking about the prospects of the national team, Mondelo expressed confidence that under Pochettino’s leadership, the team can make it out of the group at the World Cup and deliver a strong performance. He highlighted that the squad includes players from top European clubs who regularly compete in the Champions League. Despite some disappointing matches, the league is counting on a deep tournament run from the national team.
Context for Spain
Griezmann’s possible transfer to MLS could become a significant event for Spanish fans, given his role at Atlético Madrid and the popularity of Spanish football in the US. In recent years, international interest in Spanish athletes has been steadily growing, as evidenced by attention to other sports as well: for example, Carlos Alcaraz recently made a strong start at the tournament in Monte Carlo, sparking discussion among football and tennis fans. More about Alcaraz’s performance can be found in the article about his victory over Baez — details on the Spaniard’s start in Monte Carlo.
