Griezmann Won't Join MLS This Season

The French star plans to finish the season with Atlético Madrid.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Antoine Griezmann, the French soccer star, has decided not to join an MLS team this season as previously rumored. According to reports, Griezmann will remain with Atlético Madrid for the rest of the 2026 season, though he still dreams of playing in MLS in the future. Several MLS clubs, including Orlando City, Inter Miami, CF Montréal, and Los Angeles, had shown interest in signing Griezmann, but he has opted to stay in Spain for now as Atlético Madrid continues to compete for the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles.

Why it matters

Griezmann's decision to stay with Atlético Madrid is a blow to MLS teams that were hoping to sign the high-profile French player. His potential move to the league had generated significant excitement and speculation, so his decision to remain in Spain for now is disappointing for MLS fans and the league's expansion efforts.

The details

For several weeks, there were strong rumors that Griezmann was close to joining Orlando City in the middle of the 2026 season. However, according to reports from the French sports daily L'Équipe, Griezmann has now decided to finish the season with Atlético Madrid. The 35-year-old still dreams of joining MLS in the future, but his immediate future will remain in Spain as Atlético Madrid continues to compete for domestic and European titles.

  • Griezmann was rumored to be close to joining an MLS team for several weeks.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A 35-year-old French soccer player who currently plays for Atlético Madrid.

Atlético Madrid

A professional soccer club based in Madrid, Spain, that competes in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football.

Orlando City

A professional soccer club based in Orlando, Florida, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Inter Miami

A professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

CF Montréal

A professional soccer club based in Montréal, Québec, Canada, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Los Angeles

A city in California that is home to several professional sports teams, including in MLS.

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What they’re saying

“Although he still dreams of joining the MLS, the Frenchman has reportedly decided to finish the season with Atlético Madrid, according to information from L'Équipe.”

— L'Équipe, French sports daily (L'Équipe)

What’s next

Griezmann's future beyond the 2026 season will likely be decided this summer, as several MLS teams, including Orlando City, Inter Miami, CF Montréal, and Los Angeles, have expressed interest in signing him.

The takeaway

Griezmann's decision to remain with Atlético Madrid for the rest of the 2026 season is a setback for MLS teams hoping to sign the high-profile French player, but it also highlights the continued appeal of top European leagues for elite soccer talent.