Football stars Mohamed Salah and Antoine Griezmann are set to leave Liverpool and Atletico Madrid respectively at the end of the season, closing iconic chapters in their careers as both prepare for new challenges.
Two of world football’s most influential forwards, Mohamed Salah and Antoine Griezmann, are set to begin new journeys at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of remarkable eras with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid respectively. Both players have left a lasting impact on their clubs and global football, and their departures signal significant changes for their teams as they prepare for the future.
Table of contents [Show]
Liverpool have officially confirmed that Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing an end to one of the most successful individual careers in the club’s modern history. The Egyptian superstar has spent nine memorable years at Anfield, becoming one of the most prolific and admired forwards in world football.
The 33-year-old joined Liverpool from Italian side Roma in 2017 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s attacking lineup. Over the years, Salah has delivered countless match-winning performances, helping the club secure major domestic and international titles while consistently ranking among the Premier League’s top scorers.
Liverpool announced the news in an official statement, confirming that the forward had reached an agreement with the club to conclude his long-standing association. According to the club, Salah chose to inform supporters early out of appreciation for the fans who supported him throughout his career.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media featuring memorable highlights from his time at Liverpool, Salah addressed supporters directly. He said: “Hello everyone. Unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.” His emotional message continued with gratitude toward the club’s loyal fan base, as he added: “Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Salah’s record at Liverpool places him among the club’s greatest-ever players. During his time at Anfield, he has made 435 appearances and scored an impressive 255 goals, making him the third-highest goal scorer in Liverpool’s history. His consistency, speed, and finishing ability have made him a key contributor to the club’s success during a golden period that included league titles and European glory.
Even in his final season, Salah has continued to contribute important goals. He recently scored during Liverpool’s dominant 4-0 victory over Galatasaray, a result that secured the club’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Egyptian forward has found the net in three of his last four matches, showing that he remains a dangerous attacking threat.
However, the current season has also presented challenges. Salah experienced a difficult spell earlier in the campaign following a reported disagreement with manager Arne Slot, which led to him being left out of the starting lineup for several games. Despite this setback, he worked his way back into the squad and regained form.
Although Salah scored 29 Premier League goals during Liverpool’s title-winning 2024-25 season, he has managed five league goals so far this season. Nevertheless, his overall contribution to the club remains immense, and supporters widely consider him one of the greatest players to ever wear the Liverpool jersey.
While Salah prepares to say goodbye to English football, Antoine Griezmann is also preparing for a major career move. Atletico Madrid confirmed that the French forward will join Major League Soccer club Orlando City at the end of the current season.
Griezmann, now 35, has agreed a two-year contract with the Florida-based club, becoming the latest high-profile European footballer to make the move to North America. The transfer highlights the continued growth of MLS as a destination for experienced world-class players.
Atletico Madrid confirmed that Griezmann recently travelled to Orlando with the club’s permission to finalize details of the agreement. The forward is expected to complete his tenth season with Atletico before starting the next phase of his career in the United States.
Griezmann has enjoyed a legendary spell with Atletico Madrid, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 211 goals, surpassing the previous record of 173 set by Luis Aragones. His achievements with the Spanish club include winning the 2018 Europa League and consistently performing at the highest level in European competitions.
In addition to his club success, Griezmann played a crucial role in France’s triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football in 2024 after scoring 44 goals in 137 appearances for the national team. His performances for France cemented his reputation as one of the most creative and intelligent forwards of his generation.
Griezmann first joined Atletico Madrid in 2014 from Real Sociedad and quickly became one of the club’s most important players. In 2019, he made a high-profile move to Barcelona before returning to Atletico two years later, initially on loan before completing a permanent transfer.
During the current season, Griezmann has scored 13 goals in 43 appearances under manager Diego Simeone. Atletico Madrid currently sit fourth in La Liga and remain on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Before leaving Spain, Griezmann will have opportunities to add more silverware to his impressive career. Atletico Madrid are set to face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals and Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final scheduled for April 18 in Seville.
Griezmann’s move to Orlando City reflects a growing trend of established European players choosing MLS as the next destination in their careers. In recent years, major names including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have joined clubs in the United States, contributing to the league’s increasing global popularity.
Orlando City owner Mark Wilf expressed excitement about the signing, praising the French forward’s qualities and leadership. He said: "He is one of the most gifted, accomplished and influential players of his generation, and his decision to choose Orlando City reflects the mission and culture of our club."
The club aims to strengthen its squad and compete for major titles in the coming seasons. Orlando City, which joined MLS in 2015, is still seeking its first MLS Cup victory and hopes Griezmann’s experience will help achieve that goal.
The departures of Salah and Griezmann mark the end of memorable chapters in European football. Both players have delivered exceptional performances for their clubs and inspired millions of fans worldwide.
While Liverpool supporters prepare to bid farewell to one of their greatest goal scorers, Atletico Madrid fans will also say goodbye to a player who has defined an era of success. As both stars move forward to new opportunities, their legacy in European football remains secure.
Source : Gulf News
