Antoine Griezmann to MLS is looking unlikely after the Frenchman reaffirmed his loyalty to Atlético Madrid as the Copa del Rey final looms
The narrative surrounding Antoine Griezmann’s future has taken a definitive turn following Atlético Madrid’s emphatic 5-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
Despite intense rumours linking the 34-year-old forward with a move to MLS outfit Orlando City before the American transfer window shuts in late March, Griezmann used his post-match platform to end all speculation.
The Frenchman, who recorded a goal and provided a critical assist to Julián Alvarez on Tuesday, made it clear that his immediate future remains firmly planted at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Griezmann’s performance served as a reminder of his enduring importance to Diego Simeone’s tactical setup.
Addressing the media after the final whistle, the veteran playmaker dismissed the idea of a departure, stating that the joy he finds in the current squad outweighs the allure of a stateside adventure.
“I’m very happy here. I’m really enjoying myself. What I do on the pitch speaks for itself. The idea is to go all the way,” Griezmann said.
Antoine Griezmann vs Tottenham Hotspur pic.twitter.com/FYnKS5AJdn
— ＊ (@jaraaxz_) March 10, 2026
2026 Copa del Rey final date
The primary driver behind Griezmann’s decision to stay appears to be a deep-seated desire to add the one domestic trophy missing from his Atlético resume.
Los Rojiblancos have secured their place in the 2026 Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 18 at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
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This final carries a poetic weight for the Frenchman, as Atlético will face Real Sociedad, the very club where Griezmann’s professional journey began.
Having never won the Copa del Rey during his storied tenure in Madrid, the opportunity to lift the trophy against his former side is a prospect he is unwilling to forfeit.
Griezmann was vocal about the importance of the upcoming final, labelling it as the definitive objective of his 2026 campaign.
“Playing in the Copa del Rey final: That’s my dream, my goal, and hopefully we can achieve something great,” he remarked.
It is this detail that all but rules out Antoine Griezmann moving to MLS this transfer window. With the Copa del Rey final taking place on April 18, and the MLS transfer window closing on March 26, it is highly unlikely that the Frenchman would sacrifice winning a trophy with Atletico to secure a move to MLS.
Antoine Griezmann salary
As of the 2025/26 season, Antoine Griezmann remains one of the highest earners at Atlético Madrid, reflecting his status as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Following his permanent return from Barcelona in 2022, Griezmann accepted a restructured wage to fit within the club’s financial framework.
Currently, he earns a gross annual salary of approximately €9,380,000, which translates to a weekly wage of roughly €180,385.
While this is a step down from the record-breaking figures of his first stint and his time in Catalonia, he remains the third-highest-paid player on the squad, trailing only Jan Oblak and Julián Alvarez.
Antoine Griezmann stats this season
The France international has recorded 13 goals and four assists in 40 games across all competitions. Six of these goals have come in LaLiga, where he has started in just six of his 24 appearances.
Meanwhile, Griezmann has netted in four of his five games in the Copa del Rey, including a goal in his team’s 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the semi-finals of the competitions.
