Antoine Griezmann Set to Join Orlando City After Champions League Semi-Final

Key facts

• Antoine Griezmann plans to join MLS side Orlando City this summer.
• Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal could be his final European game.
• Griezmann won the 2018 World Cup with France.
• He has played for Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.
• Griezmann has scored memorable European goals dating from 2013 to 2026.
• He previously scored at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
• The match is a Champions League semi-final, second leg.

A Career-Defining Night in North London

Antoine Griezmann steps onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening aware that this could be his last appearance in European club football. The 2018 World Cup winner is expected to join Orlando City in Major League Soccer this summer, ending a glittering European chapter that has spanned more than a decade. The Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal carries immense weight for the French forward. A victory would keep alive his dream of winning the competition before departing for the United States. Defeat would bring a sudden, poignant close to his European journey.

A Storied European Career Nears Its End

Griezmann's European odyssey began at Real Sociedad, where he first made his mark before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2014. He later spent two seasons at Barcelona before returning to the Spanish capital. Across these clubs, he has amassed a collection of memorable goals in both the Champions League and Europa League. His European highlights include strikes from 2013 through to the current season, with a notable goal already scored at Arsenal's home ground. That previous success at the Emirates offers a hint of what he might produce on Tuesday night.

The Orlando Move and Its Implications

The decision to join Orlando City represents a major shift for the 33-year-old, who has spent his entire career in Europe's top leagues. MLS has increasingly attracted high-profile players in the twilight of their careers, but Griezmann's move is particularly significant given his status as a World Cup winner and one of France's most decorated footballers. For Atlético Madrid, losing Griezmann will deprive them of a creative force who has been central to their recent successes. The club will need to plan for life without him, potentially accelerating a rebuilding process that manager Diego Simeone has been managing.

Numbers Behind the Narrative

Griezmann's European goal tally spans from 2013 to 2026, according to available records, underlining his longevity at the highest level. He has scored in multiple competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League, and has been a consistent performer in knockout stages. The semi-final against Arsenal is the second leg, with the aggregate score yet to be determined. A place in the final is at stake, offering Griezmann one last chance to add to his European legacy before heading to Orlando.

Wider Context: A Changing of the Guard

Griezmann's potential departure comes at a time when several European stars are considering moves to MLS or other leagues. The trend reflects the growing financial power of American soccer and the appeal of a less demanding schedule for veteran players. For French football, Griezmann's exit from Europe marks the end of an era. He has been a symbol of the national team's golden generation, which won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022. His move to Orlando will be watched closely by fans who have followed his career since his early days at Real Sociedad.

What Comes Next for Griezmann and Atlético

If Tuesday is indeed his European farewell, Griezmann will hope to sign off with a performance that helps Atlético reach the Champions League final. A win would set up a showdown in the final and give him a chance to lift the trophy he has pursued for years. Regardless of the result, his legacy in Europe is secure. From his early promise in San Sebastián to his World Cup triumph and his return to Atlético, Griezmann has left an indelible mark. Now, a new chapter awaits in Florida.

The bottom line

• Antoine Griezmann is expected to leave Atlético Madrid for MLS side Orlando City this summer.
• Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal could be his last European match.
• Griezmann has scored memorable European goals across multiple competitions since 2013.
• He previously scored at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, offering a positive omen for the match.
• The move reflects a broader trend of European stars joining MLS later in their careers.
• Griezmann's departure will require Atlético Madrid to adjust their squad and tactics.