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Orlando City SC Signs World Cup Star Griezmann

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Orlando City Soccer Club (Orlando City SC) signs French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid, joining in July 2026.
Griezmann's contract runs through the 2027-28 season with an option for 2028-29.
He expressed excitement about joining Orlando, citing the club's ambition and vision.
He is Atlético Madrid's leading scorer with 298 goals in 792 appearances.
He helped France win the 2018 World Cup and finish runner-up in 2022.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia culminated on July 15, with France defeating Croatia 4-2, securing their second title. This marked the first World Cup final to utilize video assistant referees (VAR). France's victory reflects the nation's strong football legacy, having previously won in 1998, while the growing ambition of Major League Soccer (MLS) to attract international talent, exemplified by Antoine Griezmann's move to Orlando City SC, signals a shift in soccer's landscape in the U.S.

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Story summary

Orlando City Soccer Club (Orlando City SC) signs French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid, joining in July 2026.
Griezmann's contract runs through the 2027-28 season with an option for 2028-29.
He expressed excitement about joining Orlando, citing the club's ambition and vision.
He is Atlético Madrid's leading scorer with 298 goals in 792 appearances.
He helped France win the 2018 World Cup and finish runner-up in 2022.

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