Atlanta United today announced it has signed midfielder Jay Fortune to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season with an option for 2029-30. Fortune ranks second all-time in appearances and third in goals among Atlanta Homegrown signings.
“Jay's journey is a great example of what we hope to see from players coming through our Academy,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He's worked hard to develop every aspect of his game and has grown into a player we trust and rely on. Just as importantly, he’s developed into a true professional and, despite his age, has quickly emerged as a player with strong leadership qualities. Jay has earned the respect of his teammates through his daily approach, and we're delighted to keep him with the club as he continues to take on an even bigger role in the years ahead.”
Fortune, 23, has made 74 MLS regular season and playoff appearances since his debut with the First Team in 2023, recording four goals and four assists. The Raleigh, North Carolina native joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2018 and worked his way through the ranks in the U-17 and U-19 squads before making his professional debut with Atlanta United 2 on July 11, 2020. Over the next three and a half seasons, he became a mainstay in the team’s midfield where he started 52 of his 68 appearances and recorded four goals and an assist in the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro, including captaining the side.
The midfielder signed a Homegrown contract with the club on July 21, 2022, which became effective Jan. 1 2023. He made his MLS debut on March 11, 2023 against Charlotte FC and went on to make 17 MLS appearances that season, including all three of Atlanta’s Round One playoff series matches. Fortune started 13 of his 27 appearances in his second MLS season in 2024 and recorded one goal and two assists. He scored his first MLS goal at Charlotte FC on Aug. 31, the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win. He made 15 appearances and scored one goal in 2025 before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. This season, the Homegrown has scored twice in 10 MLS appearances, including five starts.
Fortune represents Trinidad and Tobago at the international level and has scored two goals in 14 appearances since his debut in 2021.
Player Profile
Name: Jay Fortune
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: Dec. 30, 2002 (23)
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina
Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago, United States
Transaction: Atlanta United signs Jay Fortune to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season with an option for 2029-30 on Aug. 26, 2026.
