Atlanta United today announced it has signed midfielder Mauricio Amaro from Defensor Sporting Club to a contract through the 2028-29 season with an option for the 2029-30 season. Amaro will occupy U-22 Initiative and international roster spots pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“We’re excited to add a top young talent like Mauricio to Atlanta United,” Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s a player who will strengthen our midfield with his tackling, ball winning, competitiveness and ability to drive forward and split lines in possession. We look forward to welcoming him to the club.”
Amaro began his career at Defensor SC and progressed through the club’s youth system before earning a place with the First Team, making his Uruguayan first division debut at 17 years old against Wanderers on June 18, 2023. During his time with the club, the Montevideo native made a total of 64 appearances in all competitions and logged more than 4,300 minutes, recording two assists. He established himself as a regular starter over the past two seasons, starting 21 of his 31 league appearances in 2025 and all 20 appearances with one assist in 2026. Amaro helped Defensor SC win the 2024 Uruguayan Cup, starting three matches and adding one assist in the competition.
At the international level, he has represented Uruguay’s U-20 national team where he has made five appearances since his debut in 2024.
Player Profile
Name: Mauricio Amaro
Pronunciation: Mauricio Ah-MAH-roh
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Birthdate: July 19, 2005 (21)
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Citizenship: Uruguay
Transaction: Atlanta United signs Mauricio Amaro through the 2028-29 season with an option for the 2029-30 season on Aug. 7, 2026, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. Amaro will occupy a U-22 Initiative roster spot.
Atlanta United roster (as of Aug. 7, 2026)
Goalkeepers (2): Jayden Hibbert, Lucas Hoyos
Defenders (10): Junior Alonso, Elías Báez, Dominik Chong Qui, Paulo Díaz, Matthew Edwards, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Tomás Jacob, Enea Mihaj, Kaiden Moore^
Midfielders (11): Miguel Almirón, Steven Alzate, Mauricio Amaro, Jay Fortune, Adrian Gill, Alexey Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, Santiago Pita, Will Reilly, Cooper Sanchez, Adyn Torres
Forwards (6): Luke Brennan, Ashton Gordon*, Latte Lath~, Fafa Picault, Sergio Santos, Cayman Togashi
* On loan with Chattanooga FC (through Dec. 31, 2026)
^ On loan with Philadelphia Union (through Dec. 31, 2026)
~ On loan with Union Berlin (through 2026-27 season)
