Jay Fortune is up for the call, and he's in Atlanta for the long run.
The club announced the midfielder signed a contract extension Wednesday, running through the 2030 season. It's a massive step for a Homegrown Academy product and a commitment to the club that fostered his development.
"Atlanta gave me my first opportunity in the in the professional space, so automatically that alone adds a bit of extra love and care that I have for the club and for the fans and everybody," Fortune said. "The reception has been great ever since I made my first appearance, going back to the Second Team up until now. Being able to be here, call this place home and continue to play for the badge every weekend is something I'll cherish forever."
It feels a natural move for the 5-Stripes to lock the 22-year-old down for the future, as he has quickly not only become a dependable starter but a figure at the club and in the city.
In terms of Homegrowns, Fortune is second in the club's history in appearances and third in goals. He also has a propensity for scoring in style.
Fortune's first goal for club came in his home state of North Carolina against Charlotte FC Aug. 31, 2024. It was a screamer that earned the 5-Stripes three points.
His two May goals this season were both spectacularly struck. Against LA Galaxy, he went on a solo run to remember. Against Orlando, he rescued a point on the road with a precise, angled strike.
"As a midfielder, the way I like to play is following up the play a little bit behind, late runs into the box and stuff like that, which has me in and around the top of the box," Fortune said. "My dad, brother and I, we spent hours on the fields working on finishing all around the box. I enjoy just scoring harder."
What happens up until the ball hits the back of the net is magical, but Fortune's celebration game is just as exciting. He's developed a signature phone call routine, which he explained has a couple of different meanings.
"I like to say it's a moment of a goal might be needed, not just for myself but for the team, to answer that call in the moment," Fortune said, "Other days, it might just be me talking to the guys I play PlayStation with."
His presence between the lines alone would be enough to justify Atlanta United's move, but the 22-year-old is much more than just a standout talent. Fortune is an exemplary citizen, one of the club's Atlanta United Unified ambassadors and a frequent participant in Community Impact events.
"What I have is a great opportunity and a blessing," Fortune said. "... I try my best to be as humble as possible, and I try my best to help out in ways that I can. And luckily, with this club, they have lots of opportunities for that to happen. It's an easy fit for me to be able to do it."
Fortune is part of a healthy contingent of Homegrown players in the First Team, setting an example for current and future Academy talent. His development involved significant time with Atlanta United 2, injury setbacks and fighting for playtime amongst competitive midfield groups. He's earned every ounce of success he's had, and he credits his family for helping a younger Jay Fortune stay strong to get to where he is today. He spoke to that young kid in reflection after signing his extension.
"Along the way, there will be sacrifices," Fortune said. "There will be hard work, you put in days that you don't want to show up. But it's for a good reason. It's for a good cause. During that time, I was able to have a great support structure with me. Family, my mom, dad, brother, everybody. They were great throughout this entire period."
Fortune's connection with the 17s is a special one. The midfielder is a fan favorite and a voice for ATLiens who love the club.
"The fans are the greatest in the league by far, and to be able to see them every weekend at the Benz is a great feeling," Fortune said. "The support they provided for me when I was with the Second Team, those same fans are the same ones that have supported me with the First Team and many more along the way. Being able to sign this deal to stay along and to continue to play in front of [them] is a great feeling, one that I'll never take for granted. All I want to do is bring wins to Atlanta."
