Just as Major League Soccer has grown significantly in recent years with the arrival of global stars like Lionel Messi, Liga MX is looking to follow a similar path. Monterrey shocked the soccer world a few months ago by signing Sergio Ramos, and now they are reportedly targeting another major name: a World Cup-winning player who has been shining for years in La Liga.
“Monterrey has inquired about the current situation of Frenchman Antoine Griezmann,” reported journalist Diego Armando Medina of TUDN through his social media channels. “We’re talking about a legend of Atletico de Madrid, a historic figure for France, who at 34 years old is still physically in great shape, playing in top-level soccer, and who still has two years remaining on his contract with Atleti.”
Indeed, despite his age, Griezmann remains a key figure at the club level, serving as a leader at Atletico Madrid and one of the standout stars in La Liga. He’s had two stints with the Spanish side: the first from 2014 to 2019, and the second following his time at Barcelona, from 2021 to the present.
Still, rumors have long circulated about the possibility of Griezmann leaving Atletico to play for another club, with the potential of leaving La Liga for the first time in his professional career. In the past, he’s been linked to Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC emerging as a top contender. Now, Liga MX appears to be another serious option.
Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid.
Monterrey has an ambitious project
At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Monterrey was the only Mexican club—and one of just two from Concacaf along with Inter Miami—to advance past the group stage. Their biggest achievement was a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, the most recent UEFA Champions League runners-up.
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There, Rayados proved they have the tools to compete with the best clubs in the world. Their success is due to a strong mix of top-tier Mexican talent and prominent international stars like Sergio Canales, Oliver Torres, Lucas Ocampos, and Sergio Ramos.
The Real Madrid legend joined Monterrey in February of this year after a six-month break following his stint with Sevilla. Since then, he has played 18 matches with the Mexican side across Liga MX, the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and the Club World Cup, scoring 5 goals.
Ramos has shown his enduring quality, honed during years at the highest level of European soccer—and Griezmann could bring something similar. Just as Sergio was a World Cup winner with Spain in South Africa 2010, Antoine achieved that same feat with France in Russia 2018. That kind of pedigree would be a massive addition to Mexican soccer.
How much does Griezmann earn at Atletico Madrid?
Antoine Griezmann is under contract with Atletico Madrid through June 30, 2027. According to Fichajes.com, he has the second-highest salary on the roster, earning €12.5 million per season (around $14 million). Only Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak earns more, with a salary of €20 million.
