MLS · Eastern Conference · Atlanta, Georgia, US · Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta United FC

Born into a city that craved world-class soccer and immediately delivered record-shattering crowds, Atlanta United turned the American South into a fortress of tifo, thunderclaps, and the audacious belief that MLS could feel like the Bundesliga.

2017

2017–2019

Instant Impact

From expansion to MLS Cup champions in two years

When Arthur Blank, owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, was awarded an MLS expansion franchise in 2014, skeptics questioned whether soccer could thrive in a market dominated by college football and the NFL. Those doubts evaporated almost immediately. Atlanta United's 2017 debut season, led by head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino and a roster built around South American talent like Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron, drew unprecedented crowds to Bobby Dodd Stadium and later Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 2018 season was a coronation. Martinez scored a league-record 31 goals in the regular season, Almiron orchestrated the attack with dazzling creativity, and the Five Stripes rolled through the playoffs to claim MLS Cup before 73,019 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - the largest crowd ever to witness an MLS Cup final. The 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers capped a remarkable run that saw Atlanta average over 50,000 fans per home match.

The 2019 season brought a coaching change as Frank de Boer replaced the departed Martino, and Atlanta added the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup trophies to their cabinet. In just three seasons, the club had won three major trophies and redefined what an MLS expansion team could achieve.

Key Facts

  • Won MLS Cup in 2018, just their second season of existence
  • Josef Martinez set the single-season goal record with 31 in 2018
  • MLS Cup 2018 drew 73,019 fans - a championship game record
  • Also won the 2019 U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup
2020

2020–2023

Searching for Consistency

Roster turnover and coaching changes

The departure of Miguel Almiron to Newcastle United in January 2019 signaled the beginning of a transitional period. While Atlanta remained competitive, the club struggled to replicate the magic of its first two seasons. The COVID-shortened 2020 season was forgettable, and Frank de Boer was replaced by Gabriel Heinze midway through 2021, who himself lasted only a few months before giving way to interim and then permanent replacements.

Gonzalo Pineda took over as head coach in August 2021 and brought stability, but the roster underwent significant turnover. Josef Martinez, hampered by a torn ACL suffered in 2020, was never quite the same player and eventually departed. The club cycled through Designated Players looking for the right combination to recapture their early brilliance.

Despite the challenges, Atlanta United remained one of the best-attended teams in MLS, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium continuing to provide an atmosphere unmatched in the league. The passionate supporter culture - led by groups like the Resurgence, Terminus Legion, and Footie Mob - never wavered, even as results on the pitch fluctuated.

Key Facts

  • Multiple coaching changes from 2020 to 2021
  • Josef Martinez's ACL injury in 2020 derailed the attack
  • Gonzalo Pineda hired as head coach in August 2021
  • Continued to lead MLS in attendance despite on-field struggles
2024

2024–Present

The Next Chapter

Building a new identity for a passionate fanbase

Atlanta United entered a new phase focused on rebuilding their roster with a blend of young talent and experienced acquisitions. The club's front office committed to a refreshed sporting philosophy, investing in their academy pipeline while continuing to pursue impactful signings from South America and Europe.

The foundation laid in the early years - world-class facilities, a massive and engaged fanbase, and an ownership group willing to invest - positions Atlanta United to return to the top tier of MLS. The challenge is translating those structural advantages back into silverware and recapturing the electricity of those unforgettable early seasons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Key Facts

  • Renewed focus on academy development and young talent
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains one of the best venues in MLS
  • Arthur Blank's continued investment signals long-term ambition