- Josef Martinez is Atlanta United FC’s all-time leading scorer with 111 goals.
- Miguel Almiron is arguably the most talented player to play for Atlanta.
- Club captain Brad Guzan has been a stalwart in goal for nearly a decade.
Atlanta United FC is one of the rare MLS expansion franchises that enjoyed success almost immediately.
The Five Stripes debuted in 2017 and lifted the MLS Cup a year later thanks to some brilliant signings, especially in the attacking third of the pitch.
Atlanta added to its trophy case in 2019, claiming the U.S. Open Cup and the Campeones Cup, but hasn’t brought home honours in the years since.
Perhaps the recent decision to bring back one of the club’s five best players of all time will help improve their MLS odds this campaign.
5 Best Atlanta United FC MLS Players, Ranked
| Rank | Player | Position | Atlanta United Years |
| 1 | Josef Martinez | Forward | 2017-2022 |
| 2 | Miguel Almiron | Forward | 2017-2018 & 2025-Present |
| 3 | Brad Guzan | Goalkeeper | 2017-Present |
| 4 | Miles Robinson | Defender | 2017-2024 |
| 5 | Julian Gressel | Defender | 2017-2019 |
Atlanta United FC All-Time Greatest Players
1. Josef Martinez
At the peak of his powers, Martinez was one of the best strikers in MLS history. The Venezuelan had an elite combination of speed, skill, and finishing prowess and is Atlanta’s all-time leading scorer with 111 goals across all competitions.
Martinez had one of the league’s all-time seasons in 2018, scoring 31 goals to earn the Golden Boot and MLS MVP honours. He also netted the opening goal, which proved to be the game-winner, against Portland in the MLS Cup.
However, he was far from a one-season wonder, earning MLS Best XI honours in three straight seasons (2017-2019). If online sports betting were more prevalent at the time, wagering on his goal props would’ve been well worth my time.
2. Miguel Almiron
The Paraguayan forward only spent two seasons in Atlanta during his initial stint, but his impact was immense. Almiron scored 21 goals and provided 28 assists in 62 MLS games before transferring to the Premier League’s Newcastle United for a league-record fee.
The shifty left-footed winger was included in the MLS Best XI in 2017 and 2018 and took home the league’s Newcomer of the Year award in his debut campaign. Almiron returned to Atlanta ahead of the 2025 campaign, so there’s still time for him to move up this list.
3. Brad Guzan
When I bet on soccer games, it’s important to factor in the capabilities of both goalkeepers into my handicap. Few MLS keepers have had a more significant impact between the sticks than Guzan, who is still going strong at 40 years old.
The former USMNT standout, who currently serves as club captain, has made over 200 appearances and kept over 50 clean sheets for Atlanta in MLS play. He backboned the MLS Cup-winning side, posting a shutout against Portland in addition to two others during that playoff run.
4. Miles Robinson
Injuries prevented Robinson from maximizing his full potential in Atlanta, but he was still one of the league’s top centre backs when healthy.
The American made over 150 appearances for the club across all competitions and broke into the USMNT towards the end of a stellar 2019 campaign. He finished third in Defender of the Year voting that season and earned MLS Best XI honours in 2019 and 2021.
5. Julian Gressel
Atlanta worked wonders in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, trading up to get Gressel six selections after taking Robinson with the No. 2 overall pick.
The German fullback made an instant impact, providing nine assists and scoring five times en route to winning MLS Young Player of the Year honours.
Gressel remains Atlanta’s all-time assists leader in MLS (35) and was instrumental in creating opportunities for Martinez and Almiron during the franchise’s most successful period.
