Atlanta United fans, meet the future. The club officially announced today that it has signed Santiago Pita to a Homegrown contract for the 2026 MLS season, with club options that run through 2029. It’s another strong statement from Atlanta United that the pathway from academy to first team is alive and thriving.
Pita, just 18 years old, signs from ATL UTD 2 after a breakout professional season in MLS NEXT Pro. He was also a standout for the U-18 Academy squad during the 2024–25 MLS NEXT season, where his creativity, energy, and attacking instincts jumped off the screen.
Why Atlanta United Believes in Pita
Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson made it clear why the club moved quickly to secure Pita long-term:
“Santiago is a technically savvy player who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. He was a standout player in his first professional season with ATL UTD 2, and we believe he can become a key contributor to our First Team as he continues to develop.”
That versatility is exactly what Atlanta United values. Pita can operate centrally as a creator or stretch defenses from the wing—something that fits perfectly within Tata Martino’s attacking system moving forward.
Strong Production at the Professional and Academy Levels
Once Pita became a regular starter with ATL UTD 2, his impact grew rapidly. In 2025, he started 10 of 12 matches, scoring two goals and adding two assists while proving he could handle the physicality of the pro game at just 18 years old.
At the academy level, his numbers were just as impressive. During the 2024–25 MLS NEXT season, Pita logged 1,857 minutes, scoring four goals and adding four assists. At the prestigious Generation adidas Cup, he chipped in with a goal and an assist while helping Atlanta United reach the final four of the tournament.
Before joining Atlanta’s system, Pita developed at Weston FC in Florida, one of the premier youth programs in the country.
A Rising International Presence
Pita’s game has already earned him attention on the international stage. He is eligible for the United States, Venezuela, and Portugal, giving him multiple national team pathways.
He has already represented both the U.S. and Venezuela at the youth level:
- Scored in the UEFA Friendship Cup Final with the U.S. U-18 National Team
- Won the tournament alongside future Atlanta United teammates Dominik Chong Qui and Kaiden Moore
- Called into the U.S. U-19 National Team during the November 2025 FIFA window
- Represented Venezuela’s U-20 National Team with one goal in three appearances
That level of international experience at such a young age only strengthens his long-term upside.
What This Means for Atlanta United
This signing continues a trend that Atlanta United has built its identity around: developing elite talent from within. From Miles Robinson to Caleb Wiley and now Santiago Pita, the Homegrown pipeline remains one of the strongest in Major League Soccer.
With Pita officially locked in through 2029 via club options, Atlanta United is betting on his growth—and rightfully so. His technical skill, attacking instincts, and international experience give him a real chance to become an impact first-team contributor in the near future.
This isn’t just a depth signing. This is a future-building move, and one Atlanta United fans should be excited about.
