When Antoine Griezmann walked off the pitch at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, he did so not just as a departing player, but as a club icon.
His final home appearance for Atlético Madrid—a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Girona—brought the curtain down on one of the most statistically dominant and emotionally complex eras in the club’s modern history.
With a summer move to MLS side Orlando City SC confirmed, the 35-year-old French forward leaves the Spanish capital after 10 seasons with the Rojiblancos, having transformed a fractured legacy into one of redemption and reverence.
By the numbers
Griezmann waved goodbye in what was his 500th match for Atlético de Madrid.
Across two spells (2014–2019 and 2021–2026), he etched his name into the club’s history books. He finishes as Atlético’s all-time top scorer with 212 goals, surpassing the legendary Luis Aragonés’ long-standing record of 173.
He is also the fourth-highest appearance-maker in the club’s history, behind only Koke, Adelardo and Jan Oblak.
On the global stage, Griezmann twice finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings (2016 and 2018) while wearing the red and white shirt, underlining his status among the elite during his peak years.
The €120m exit
Signed from Real Sociedad in 2014 as a gifted winger, Griezmann was moulded by Diego Simeone into a lethal forward and tactical cornerstone. He became the driving force of a side that disrupted the Barcelona–Real Madrid duopoly, helping Atlético win the Supercopa de España (2014), UEFA Europa League (2018) and UEFA Super Cup (2018).
However, the relationship fractured in 2019. Following a highly publicised documentary teasing his decision, Griezmann completed a €120 million move to FC Barcelona. For many Atlético supporters, it felt like betrayal. His plaque outside the stadium was vandalised, and his name became a source of frustration rather than pride.
Road to redemption
When he returned on loan in 2021, the reception was hostile. A contractual clause tied to minutes played forced Atlético to use him primarily as a substitute after the 60th minute for months.
Griezmann responded not with protest but with performance. He worked tirelessly, pressed relentlessly and gradually rebuilt trust. After his permanent return, he rediscovered and even surpassed his previous heights, eventually overtaking Aragonés’ scoring record and restoring his bond with the fans.
Final swan song
Even as his pace waned, Griezmann evolved into a creative orchestrator in midfield and a dependable presence in crucial matches.
In the 2025–26 season, he scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 54 appearances across competitions. His contributions included seven goals and three assists in La Liga, two goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League, and five goals with one assist in the Copa del Rey.
The last words
In an emotional farewell speech at the Metropolitano, Griezmann addressed his controversial 2019 departure.
“I made a mistake, a mistake of youth,” he told the crowd. “But the love you have shown me since I returned… that forgiveness is worth more to me than any La Liga or Champions League trophy. I gave everything for this shirt.”
He departs for the United States as one of Atlético Madrid’s greatest modern icons — a player who left under a cloud, returned under pressure, and ultimately walked away forgiven.