Simeone Praises Departing Griezmann Ahead of Atletico-Barca Clash

Atletico Madrid coach lauds club's all-time top scorer before Champions League quarterfinal.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting an abstract soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, with the players' figures broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep reds, oranges, and blues.Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann takes on Barcelona's defense in a fractured, cubist interpretation of their Champions League quarterfinal clash.Today in Orlando

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has praised departing forward Antoine Griezmann ahead of the club's Champions League quarterfinal first leg match against Barcelona on Wednesday. The 35-year-old French striker, Atletico's all-time top goalscorer, is leaving the club at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando.

Why it matters

Griezmann has been a key player for Atletico Madrid for many years, and his departure will be a significant loss for the club. His relationship with Simeone has been an important part of Atletico's success, so Simeone's comments highlight the importance of Griezmann to the team.

The details

Griezmann is Atletico Madrid's all-time top goalscorer and has been a crucial player for the club since joining in 2014. He is leaving Atletico at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando. Simeone praised Griezmann's contributions to the team ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Barcelona.

  • Atletico Madrid is set to face Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Griezmann will be leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Diego Simeone

The head coach of Atletico Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann

A 35-year-old French striker who is Atletico Madrid's all-time top goalscorer and is departing the club at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando.

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What they’re saying

“Griezmann has been a key player for Atletico Madrid for many years, and his departure will be a significant loss for the club.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Head Coach

What’s next

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will face off in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Griezmann's departure from Atletico Madrid will be a major loss for the club, as he has been their all-time top scorer and a crucial player for many years. Simeone's praise for the departing striker highlights the importance of their relationship and Griezmann's contributions to Atletico's success.