Orlando City Signs French Star Antoine Griezmann

Current Lions players excited to play alongside World Cup winner

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:18pm

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Orlando City has signed French superstar Antoine Griezmann to a multi-year contract, making him the club's third Designated Player. Current Orlando City players, including Marco Pašalić, have expressed excitement about playing alongside the 2018 World Cup champion, though the signing will require the team to buy down or move one of their existing Designated Players.

Why it matters

Griezmann's arrival is a major coup for Orlando City, who have struggled to start the MLS season. The addition of the global star could help revitalize the team's offense and bring more attention and excitement to the club. However, fitting Griezmann's contract under the Designated Player rules will require some roster maneuvering.

The details

Griezmann, 35, signed a contract through the 2027–2028 season, with an option for 2028–29. As a Designated Player, his total compensation will exceed the league's maximum salary budget charge of $401,562.50. Orlando City already has three Designated Players on its roster, including Pašalić, Martín Ojeda, and Braian Ojeda. To accommodate Griezmann, the club will have to buy down one of the existing Designated Players using Targeted Allocation Money or potentially trade or loan out that player.

  • On March 28, 2026, Orlando City announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann.
  • Griezmann's contract with Orlando City will begin this summer.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A 35-year-old French soccer star who has won the World Cup and played for top European clubs like Atlético Madrid. He is joining Orlando City as a Designated Player.

Marco Pašalić

A 25-year-old Croatian midfielder who is currently an Orlando City Designated Player. He has expressed excitement about playing alongside Griezmann.

Martín Ojeda

An Argentine midfielder who is an existing Designated Player for Orlando City, having signed a contract extension through the 2028–29 season.

Braian Ojeda

A Paraguayan midfielder who was recently acquired by Orlando City as a Designated Player, though he may lose that status to accommodate Griezmann's signing.

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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

One of Orlando City's three existing Designated Players will have their salary 'bought down' using Targeted Allocation Money to make room for Griezmann on the roster. Alternatively, the club could trade or loan out one of the current Designated Players.

The takeaway

The signing of Antoine Griezmann is a major coup for Orlando City, but it will require some roster maneuvering to fit his Designated Player contract under the league's rules. Current players are excited about the opportunity to play alongside the World Cup winner, though it remains to be seen how the team will adjust to accommodate the new star.