Orlando City Lands Superstar Griezmann in Blockbuster Deal

Current star Marco Pašalić excited to play alongside French World Cup winner

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Orlando City, currently struggling in 13th place in the MLS Eastern Conference, have pulled off a major coup by signing French superstar Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid on a long-term contract. The 35-year-old World Cup winner will join the club as a Designated Player, requiring Orlando to 'buy down' the contract of one of their existing DPs, likely Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda.

Why it matters

Griezmann's arrival is a massive statement of intent from Orlando City, who are hoping the French striker can help revive their fortunes and turn them into MLS Cup contenders. The signing also raises questions about how Orlando will manage their Designated Player spots and salary budget to accommodate the high-priced superstar.

The details

Griezmann has signed a contract with Orlando City through the 2027-28 season, with an option for 2028-29. He will join the club as a Designated Player, meaning his compensation will exceed the $401,562.50 maximum salary budget charge. To make room for Griezmann, Orlando will have to 'buy down' the contract of one of their existing three Designated Players - Marco Pašalić, Martín Ojeda, or Braian Ojeda. Reports indicate Braian Ojeda will be the player to lose his DP status.

  • Griezmann's contract with Orlando City will commence this summer.
  • Pašalić, one of Orlando's current Designated Players, is currently vying for a spot on Croatia's World Cup roster this summer.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A 35-year-old French striker who has signed a long-term contract with Orlando City as a Designated Player after leaving Atlético Madrid.

Marco Pašalić

A 25-year-old Croatian winger who is one of Orlando City's current Designated Players. He is excited to play alongside Griezmann and is currently competing for a spot on Croatia's World Cup roster.

Martín Ojeda

An Argentine midfielder who is one of Orlando City's current Designated Players, having signed a contract extension through the 2028-29 season.

Braian Ojeda

A Paraguayan midfielder who is one of Orlando City's current Designated Players, but is expected to have his DP status 'bought down' to make room for Griezmann's signing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am really happy. It's going to be a nice experience [playing with Griezmann]. I mean, I played with the greatest Croatian and European player, Luka Modrić, so it's going to be a nice period of my career to play with Griezmann, and I want to enjoy this.”

— Marco Pašalić, Orlando City Designated Player

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Orlando City will manage their Designated Player roster and salary budget to accommodate Griezmann's high-priced contract, with one of their existing DPs expected to have their status 'bought down' or potentially traded or loaned out.

The takeaway

Griezmann's blockbuster signing is a major coup for Orlando City as they look to transform themselves into MLS Cup contenders, but it also raises questions about how the club will manage their Designated Player spots and salary budget to make room for the French superstar.