Former French national football team star had always wanted to experience “life in America.” Next season, he will fulfill his dream by joining the Florida-based club.
The American dream. On Tuesday, March 24, the famous French player Antoine Griezmann announced that he will join the American club Orlando City Soccer Club starting in July, after finishing his season with Atletico de Madrid. The 2018 World Cup winner has always had a strong interest in the United States.
Trained at the Spanish club San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, the native of Macon won the hearts of the French during the 2014 World Cup, embodying an ambitious generation of French football. Apart from a disappointing stint at FC Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann has mainly been the star of Atletico de Madrid. But after a good World Cup in 2022 and a disappointing Euro 2024, the athlete announced his international retirement.
“No one knows me there.” Throughout his career, Antoine Griezmann has often expressed his dream of living in the United States. In September 2018, with “L’Equipe”, fresh off winning the World Cup, he stated that he planned to “end his career” at an American club: “I will go to MLS one day, let’s see if it will be Miami or Los Angeles. They are two beautiful cities and I love life in America. One day, I will play there.” Speaking to the American media ESPN, he further explained his desire to live in the United States because “no one knew him there.”
Starting in July, in the midst of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the 35-year-old athlete will join Orlando City, founded just 16 years ago. It was developed to promote Walt Disney World Resort. In 2015, Disney became the team’s main sponsor, aiming to reach new audiences in Latin America.
A club in search of victories. As Antoine Griezmann looks forward to a new sunny life, close to the ocean, he is joining a club in search of victories in the MLS, the American league. Orlando has never managed to win the top division title, despite a victory in the US Open Cup. With his two-year contract, the Frenchman will be instrumental in bringing trophies to the team, which has already had football stars in its ranks. In the past, Brazilian Kaka and Portuguese Nani have already graced the field for the Florida-based club. Now it’s Antoine Griezmann’s turn to try to make history for the club.
