The rumors are finally over, and the “Little Prince” is heading to Disney World. In a move that has sent shockwaves from Madrid to Florida, Antoine Griezmann has reached a verbal agreement to join Orlando City SC, marking the end of one of the most storied careers in La Liga history.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the 35-year-old French icon will join the MLS side on a free transfer in July 2026, after Atlético Madrid graciously agreed to let their all-time leading scorer leave a year before his contract officially expires.
The Silverware Delay
Orlando City originally pushed to bring Griezmann stateside this month for the start of the MLS season, but the deal hit a snag for a very noble reason. With Atleti qualifying for the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad (scheduled for April 19), Griezmann was reportedly adamant about finishing his European chapter with one last trophy for the Colchoneros.
Despite the MLS primary transfer window being closed, the agreement is locked in. Griezmann has been granted official permission to travel to the U.S. during this international break to finalize the paperwork on a deal that will reportedly run through the end of the 2027-28 season.
Rivaling Messi’s Millions
Orlando isn’t just bringing in a name; they are making a massive financial statement. Reports indicate the Lions have tabled a contract worth between €10 million and €15 million per season. At the top end of that scale, Griezmann would become the second-highest earner in MLS history, sitting just behind his former Barça teammate, Lionel Messi.
For Griezmann, a well-known fanatic of American culture and the NBA, the move is a dream realized. He’s been a regular at courtside seats in the States for years, and now he’ll be the face of a franchise that has struggled for consistency since parting ways with manager Oscar Pareja earlier this month.
An End of an Era in Madrid
Griezmann leaves a massive void at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. With 210 goals across two spells, he surpassed Luis Aragonés as the club’s greatest-ever marksman. Though his influence has slightly waned this season—netting 13 times in 43 appearances—his departure marks the end of the Diego Simeone “Old Guard.”
As he boards the plane for Orlando this week, Griezmann isn’t just joining a team; he’s becoming the latest global superstar to choose MLS over a comfortable retirement in Europe.
