MLS NEXT Pro News

Atlanta United signs Nick Firmino after record-breaking 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season

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ATLANTA (Oct. 17, 2023) – Atlanta United today announced it has signed midfielder Nick Firmino to a First Team contract through the 2026 season. After starring for Atlanta United 2 and earning a spot in MLS Next Pro’s Best XI this season, Firmino will officially join the First Team on Jan. 1, 2024.

“Nick is a player who has continued to improve and perform at a high level during the past two seasons, capped off by his MLSNP Best XI honors,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He’s a versatile midfielder with a good engine who has a nose for goal. We’re excited to continue to watch his development at the club.”

During the 2023 season, Firmino led ATL UTD 2 with 16 goals and six assists while starting 25 of his 27 MLSNP appearances. The 16 goals scored set a new single-season club record, finishing fourth overall in the league, while his combined 22 goals and assists finished tied for second in MLSNP.

The midfielder earned several individual accolades during his inaugural season in MLSNP, including mid-season MVP, Player of the Month for June and Player of the Matchday for Matchday 11, while also finishing the season as an MVP finalist. Firmino also led ATL UTD 2 in shots (76), shots on goal (33), accurate passes (1122) and was second in successful dribbles (58).

The 22-year-old scored a goal in his MLS debut on June 21, 2023, coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC.

Firmino originally signed with ATL UTD 2 on March 2, 2022. The Brazilian midfielder came up through the New England Revolution Academy and signed a professional contract in November 2018, debuting in USL League One on July 25, 2020.

Player Profile 

Name: Nick Firmino

Pronunciation: Nick Fir-mean-o

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-11

Birthdate: January 30, 2001 (22) 

Birthplace: Mantena, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Transaction: Atlanta United signs Nick Firmino from Atlanta United 2 through the 2026 season on Oct. 17, 2023.