ATLANTA (Oct. 29, 2026) — MLS NEXT Pro announced today that Atlanta United 2 forward Arif Kovac has been named the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas. Kovac took home the 2026 Golden Boot with 20 goals, the joint-second-highest total in league history, and also shared the league lead with 23 goal contributions, earning him a selection to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI.
The Most Valuable Player presented by adidas was voted on by the Head Coaches and Chief Soccer Officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team members.
After appearing in three matches and scoring one goal in 2025, Kovac became one of the leading representatives of ATL UTD 2's development on the pitch in 2026. Kovac made his first professional start on April 10 against Inter Miami CF II, where he scored his first goal of the season. On May 16, Kovac set a NEXT Pro record with five goals and six goal contributions in a 6-2 victory over Huntsville City FC, earning him the designation of MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 11. Over his next 17 appearances, Kovac tallied 13 additional goals and two additional Player of the Matchweek awards for Matchweeks 19 and 21.
Alongside his league accomplishments, Kovac set new single-season team records in goals (20), goal contributions (23), shots (80) and shots on target (42), helping ATL UTD 2 secure its most-ever points, wins, goals and assists as the club clinched a top-three seed and its first-ever playoff appearance.
"We are extremely proud of Arif and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition," said Director of Methodology Javier Peréz. "To be named league MVP is a tremendous achievement and reflects his hard work and growth throughout the season. Arif played an important role in a historic year for this club, and this award is also a credit to his teammates and the staff who helped make that success possible. Together, this group has set a standard that we look forward to building on for years to come."
MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas Winners
2026: Arif Kovac, Atlanta United 2
2025: Sam Sarver, North Texas SC
2024: David Poreba, Chicago Fire FC II
2023: Jack Lynn, Orlando City B
2022: Jacen Russell-Rowe, Columbus Crew 2
