Based in Georgia, Atlanta United are one of the more exciting teams in Major League Soccer. They play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the finest home grounds in the world.
The club was established in 2014 and made a name for itself quickly, winning several notable titles, including the MLS Cup in 2018.
History of Atlanta United: Founded in 2014
Atlanta United joined the list of MLS teams in 2014 and hit the ground running. In their debut season, under former Barcelona and Argentina manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino, they reached the playoffs as a first-year expansion side. Their second year was the big one: they won the MLS Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.
Who founded Atlanta United?
Atlanta United were founded by entrepreneur Arthur M. Blank. A successful businessman and philanthropist based in Atlanta, Blank has had numerous ventures across the city.
He is the co-founder of The Home Depot and the owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. In 2014 he added another to the list, buying the rights to an MLS expansion team that became Atlanta United.
Club President: Who is Garth Lagerwey?
Garth Lagerwey is an American soccer executive who was appointed President of Atlanta United ahead of the 2023 season. Before that, he was General Manager and President of Soccer Operations at Inter Miami CF.
Earlier in his career, Lagerwey spent several years in executive roles with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC. He is known for his work in soccer operations and player recruitment, and he helped build successful teams throughout his career.
Stadium of Atlanta United: The Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is Atlanta United's home, with a capacity of over 70,000. It is one of the most technologically advanced grounds in the world, with a retractable roof so fans can watch in any weather.
The stadium also has state-of-the-art amenities, including high-definition video displays, premium seating and a range of dining and entertainment options. As well as hosting Atlanta United, it is the home field of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.
Sitting in the heart of Atlanta, the venue is a magnet for sports fans and visitors.
Fans and Culture of Atlanta United
Atlanta United fans are known for their passionate support. They are often called the "17s," a nod to the club's inaugural season in 2017. The supporters are also known for building a welcoming, inclusive environment for all fans, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
The club has built a distinct culture. It leans hard into entertaining, attacking soccer, which earned it a reputation as one of the most watchable teams in the league. As someone who scouts games, this is a side I always looked forward to, because they went for it.
Sporting Rivalries of Atlanta United
Atlanta United have picked up rivals since their 2017 debut. The most intense is the "Southern Derby" against Orlando City SC, driven by the proximity of the two cities.
Another growing one is with Nashville SC, the "Three Stripes Cup," which formed when Nashville joined MLS. Their regional meetings with the New York Red Bulls add extra edge.
The rivalry between Atlanta United and D.C. United goes back to the league's early years, with plenty of high-stakes games, including the 2018 U.S. Open Cup final.
Atlanta United Key Individuals
Notable Players in the History of Atlanta United
Across their history, Atlanta United have had a run of skilled, versatile players who gave everything for the club. Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez is one such name. He stole the show in 2018 as MLS MVP and set a single-season goal record with 31 goals. That kind of ruthless in front of goal over a full season is rare in any league.
Another key figure in the 2018 MLS Cup win was Miguel Almiron, a creative Paraguayan attacking midfielder who later moved to Newcastle United. Ezequiel Barco, the Argentine attacking midfielder who joined in 2018, was one of the most expensive transfers in MLS history at the time.
Nigerian-American defender George Bello came through the academy after joining in 2016 and made his first-team debut in 2019.
Best Manager in the History of Atlanta United
The most successful manager in the club's history is Gerardo "Tata" Martino. He was handed the expansion team ahead of their first MLS season in 2017, and he delivered.
Under Martino, Atlanta captured their first MLS Cup in 2018. That same year the team also won the 2018 U.S. Open Cup and reached the final of the Campeones Cup, the match between the champions of MLS and Liga MX. Martino was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2018 for his work.
Atlanta United Record Breakers
All-Time Top Scorers of Atlanta United
The figures below are as of the 2022-23 season. Josef Martinez had scored the most goals for Atlanta United, in 158 appearances, with the best goals-per-game ratio of the group at 0.70. Julian Gressel had the second-most appearances (118), while Miguel Almiron reached his tally in the fewest (70).
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED |
| Josef Martinez | 111 |
| Miguel Almiron | 22 |
| Hector Villalba | 22 |
| Julian Gressel | 20 |
| Ezequiel Barco | 19 |
All-Time Assist Providers of Atlanta United
For context on the minutes behind these numbers as of the 2022-23 season: Gressel logged 9,300 minutes for Atlanta United, Almiron 5,855, Villalba 5,917 and Barco 7,500.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF ASSISTS |
| Julian Gressel | 39 |
| Miguel Almiron | 30 |
| Hector Villalba | 18 |
| Ezequiel Barco | 19 |
| Joseph Martinez | 19 |
Who Has the Most Appearances for Atlanta United?
As of the 2022-23 season, 6'4" American goalkeeper Brad Guzan had the most appearances for Atlanta United. He was part of the United States squad at the 2010 World Cup.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF APPEARANCES |
| Brad Guzan | 165 |
| Joseph Martinez | 158 |
| Jeff Larentowicz | 132 |
| Julian Gressel | 118 |
| Miles Robinson | 118 |
Most Expensive Transfers in the History of Atlanta United
Argentine star Thiago Almada was signed by Atlanta United in February 2022.
| NAME | CLUB FROM | CLUB TO | TRANSFER AMOUNT |
| Thiago Almada | Vélez Sarsfield | Atlanta United | $16 million |
| Pity Martinez | River Plate | Atlanta United | $15.5 million |
| Ezequiel Barco | Independiente | Atlanta United | $15 million |
| Luiz Araujo | Lille | Atlanta United | $12 million |
| Miguel Almiron | Lanus | Atlanta United | $8 million |
Conclusion: The Atlanta United Legacy
Atlanta United have packed a lot of success into a short history. With the league growing and the soccer culture building across America, they should stay one of the teams to watch. That attacking brand of football is how they made their name, and it is how they will keep causing problems.
For the current picture, including live squad ratings, fixtures and transfer news, see the club page at /teams/atlanta-united-fc.