Antoine Griezmann leaves Europe for the United States: what will the footballers life be like in Orlando?

Former French national team football star had always dreamed of “living the American life.” Next season, he will fulfill his dream by joining the club based in Florida.

The American dream. On Tuesday, March 24th, 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 over 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 been the star player of Atletico de Madrid. But after a good World Cup in 2022 and a disappointing Euro 2024, the athlete announced his retirement from international competitions.

“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,” shortly after winning the World Cup, he stated that he planned to “finish his career” in an American club: “I will one day go to the MLS, but let’s see if it will be Miami or Los Angeles. They are two beautiful cities, and I love the American life. One day, I will play there.” Speaking to the American media ESPN, he even justified his desire to live in the United States because “no one knew him there.”

Starting from next July, during 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 the 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. While Antoine Griezmann expects a new sunny life, not far from the ocean, he joins a club in search of victories in the MLS, the American championship. Orlando has never managed to win the title of the top division, despite a victory in the US Open Cup. With his two-year contract, the Frenchman will be central to bringing trophies to the team, which has had football stars in the past. Brazilian Kaka and Portuguese Nani have already played for the Florida club. Now it’s Antoine Griezmann’s turn to try to make history for the club.