ORLANDO — Antoine Griezmann scored his first career brace in MLS, netting both goals in Orlando City SC’s 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake at Inter.co Stadium and earning Major League Soccer Player of the Matchday honors for Matchday 22 of the 2026 season.
The former FIFA World Cup winner has now started all six regular-season matches since joining Orlando from Atlético Madrid, playing all 540 minutes and totaling three goals and two assists. Before Griezmann’s arrival, the Lions had recorded 14 points and sat outside a playoff position in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Following the weekend victory, Orlando has climbed to 9th place and now occupies an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs berth, compiling a 3-2-1 record across his six starts — all against current playoff-positioned teams.
After falling behind in the first half, Griezmann equalized in the 53rd minute, picking up the deflected ball in the six-yard box and tapping home his finish from close range. He then delivered the game-winner nine minutes before the full-time whistle, when he calmly navigated multiple Salt Lake defenders and scored to send Inter.co Stadium into a frenzy.
Griezmann is the second Orlando City player named MLS Player of the Matchday this season, joining Martín Ojeda, who earned the honor at Matchday 11. He is the eighth different former World Cup winner to receive the award, joining Lionel Messi (14 times), Thierry Henry (six), David Villa (four), Thiago Almada (three), Youri Djorkaeff (two), Kaká (one) and Thomas Müller (one).
The award is selected through a combination of media and fan voting conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters comprises 75 percent of the vote, while an Instagram fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent.
Griezmann and Orlando City look to continue their push up the Eastern Conference table when they travel to face Minnesota United FC on Saturday at Allianz Field at 8:30 p.m. ET on MLS on Apple TV.