Atlanta United signed Nick Firmino to a First Team contract through the 2026 season on Oct. 16, 2023, effective Jan. 1, 2024, after the midfielder earned MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors in 2023.
During the 2023 season, Firmino led ATL UTD 2 with 16 goals and six assists while starting 25 of his 27 MLS NEXT Pro appearances. The 16 goals scored set a new single-season club record, finishing fourth overall in the league, while his combined 22 goals and assists finished tied for second in MLS NEXT Pro. The midfielder earned several individual accolades during his inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro, including Best XI, mid-season MVP, Player of the Month for June and Player of the Matchday for Matchday 11, while also finishing the season as an MVP finalist. Firmino also led ATL UTD 2 in shots (76), shots on goal (33), accurate passes (1122) and was second in successful dribbles (58). The 22-year-old scored a goal in his MLS debut on June 21, 2023, coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC.
Firmino originally signed with ATL UTD 2 on March 2, 2022. The Brazilian midfielder came up through the New England Revolution Academy and signed a professional contract in November 2018, debuting in USL League One on July 25, 2020.
2023 (Atlanta United/Atlanta United 2): MLS: Made one appearance. Scored a goal in his MLS debut on June 21, 2023, coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC. MLS NEXT Pro: Firmino led ATL UTD 2 with 16 goals and six assists while starting 25 of his 27 MLSNP appearances. The 16 goals scored set a new single-season club record, finishing fourth overall in the league, while his combined 22 goals and assists finished tied for second in MLSNP. The midfielder earned several individual accolades during his inaugural season in MLSNP, including Best XI, mid-season MVP, Player of the Month for June and Player of the Matchday for Matchday 11, while also finishing the season as an MVP finalist. Firmino also led ATL UTD 2 in shots (76), shots on goal (33), accurate passes (1122) and was second in successful dribbles (58).
