The question sounded ambitious when Antoine Griezmann first arrived in Major League Soccer. Could a 35-year-old World Cup winner, fresh off a decorated career in Europe, really transform Orlando City SC from a team sitting outside the playoff picture into a legitimate MLS Cup contender?
Six matches into his MLS career, that question no longer feels far-fetched. In fact, after another match-winning performance that earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors, the better question might be this: How far can Griezmann take Orlando?
Griezmann throws a perfect deep ball and NFL teams are wondering if he wants to try out
A transformational arrival
When Orlando City signed Griezmann from Atlético Madrid, the move immediately became one of the biggest stories in MLS. The French forward arrived with a résumé that few players in league history could match. A FIFA World Cup champion with France, a UEFA Champions League veteran, and one of the most accomplished attackers of his generation, Griezmann brought star power and elite experience to Central Florida.
Since joining Orlando, Griezmann has started all six regular-season matches, playing every minute available while contributing three goals and two assists. The team has gone 3-2-1 during that stretch, with all six matches coming against teams currently positioned in the MLS Cup Playoffs race.
Before Griezmann’s arrival, Orlando had accumulated just 14 points and sat 12th in the Eastern Conference, outside the playoff picture. Following the club’s recent victory over Real Salt Lake, the Lions climbed into ninth place and currently occupy a playoff spot.
The match that showed his value
Griezmann’s performance against Real Salt Lake may have been the clearest indication yet of what he can mean to Orlando’s championship aspirations. With the Lions trailing in the second half, the Frenchman delivered exactly the type of moment elite players are expected to produce.
In the 53rd minute, he pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard box and calmly finished to level the match. With nine minutes remaining, Griezmann collected the ball, weaved through multiple defenders, and scored the game-winning goal that sent Inter&Co Stadium into celebration.
The brace was his first in MLS and earned him Player of the Matchday recognition. It was also the kind of performance championship contenders rely on from their biggest stars. MLS history is filled with examples of teams that found another level after adding a proven international star.
What separates Griezmann from many high-profile imports is that he has not arrived merely as a recognizable name. He has immediately become one of Orlando’s most influential players. His movement creates opportunities for teammates. His vision unlocks defenses. His ability to score and create chances forces opponents to adjust their game plans. Just as important, Antoine brings experience from football’s biggest stages.