When you check out Atlanta United’s midfield, number 35 really pops—not just because of his footwork. J. Fortune, or Ajani Fortune, started as a promising academy kid and now, he’s a steady part of Major League Soccer. He joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2018. By 2022, he’d signed a Homegrown contract and started finding his groove, balancing creativity with a controlled approach.
You’ll spot him making an impact for Atlanta United and also suiting up for Trinidad and Tobago internationally. His journey shows steady growth, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adjust when things get tense. J. Fortune’s net worth sits somewhere between $500,000 and $1 million, mostly from his MLS contract, bonuses, and international play.
What grabs your attention is how fast he’s gone from academy hopeful to someone who genuinely influences matches. Following his career, you get a sense of how Atlanta United grows talent, how international games shape young midfielders, and how financial rewards follow when you perform. He’s just 22, but his story already has some interesting chapters.
J. Fortune’s Current Role at Atlanta United
Right now, J. Fortune is stepping into a more defined place with Atlanta United. He wears No. 35 and lines up in MLS as a young midfielder, still trying to cement his spot.
His game time, recent performances, and injury status all affect how much he’s able to impact the squad.
Squad Number and Position
Fortune sports the No. 35 jersey for Atlanta United. He usually plays central or attacking midfield, helping connect defense to attack.
He shifts between midfield roles, and that flexibility has really helped Atlanta, especially alongside players like Bartosz Slisz.
His style? Lots of quick, short passes and smart movement. Sometimes he starts, other times he comes off the bench—coaches pick him based on what’s needed that day.
That adaptability has made him a handy option during the regular season, especially when injuries or packed schedules force lineup changes.
He built his foundation after joining the Atlanta United Academy in 2018. Going to Georgia State University gave him local ties and a smooth path into the pro game.
Recent Performance Highlights
Fortune made his MLS debut in March 2023 against Charlotte FC. That was a big step, showing he’d climbed the ranks.
By 2024, he’d logged 19 league appearances, starting six times, and kept earning trust from the coaches.
In big moments—like the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs against Inter Miami—he handled pressure, kept the ball moving, and didn’t shy away from tough situations. His passing accuracy and high pressing stood out.
Here’s a snapshot of his 2024 MLS regular season:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 19 |
| Starts | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passing Accuracy | 82% |
Those numbers show a player who’s contributing, even if he’s not starting every week. His job has been to support the attack, cover ground, and relieve pressure from the bigger names.
Injury Status and Recovery
In June 2025, Atlanta United announced that Fortune suffered a mid-foot sprain in his left foot. The injury needed surgery, and the club confirmed he’d miss the rest of the MLS season. You can check out the official update from Chicks into Sports.
The timing was rough—he’d just started getting more minutes in the midfield rotation. With Bartosz Slisz and others already carrying a lot of weight, Fortune’s absence left a gap in the center.
Recovery times for this kind of injury can vary. The club said they’d give more info after surgery.
For now, his progress has paused, but at 22, he’s got time to bounce back and reclaim his spot.
Professional Career Overview
Ajani “Jay” Fortune’s journey has been all about steady progress. He’s spent time in the academy, played minutes in the USL Championship, and then broke through into Major League Soccer.
His rise feels patient, with growth showing up in the games that matter.
MLS Debut and Early Matches
Fortune first hit the MLS stage with Atlanta United in 2023 after signing his Homegrown deal that January. His MLS debut came against Charlotte FC. He looked calm on the ball and wasn’t afraid to press up the field.
He kept getting more chances, including a start against FC Cincinnati. That game really showed off his ability to link up play under pressure.
His early MLS minutes weren’t about flashy stats. Instead, he focused on completing short passes, tracking back on defense, and handling quick transitions.
College: He played at Georgia State University before turning pro, which helped him develop technically and learn to lead a midfield.
| Season | Club | Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Atlanta United | MLS | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | Atlanta United | MLS | 22 | 2 | 3 |
Key Contributions in USL Championship
Before getting his MLS shot, Fortune established himself with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. He made his professional debut on July 11, 2020, against the Charleston Battery, logging solid minutes in midfield.
He faced teams like Memphis 901 FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Miami FC, and those games sharpened his tactical instincts.
Matches against FC Tulsa and Indy Eleven tested his defensive reading, while games with the Charlotte Independence highlighted his control of tempo.
Over several seasons, he grew into a reliable starter. You could see his passing get sharper, his movement off the ball improve, and his leadership start to show.
These performances built the trust that eventually led to a first-team spot.
Notable Matches and Milestones
A few games really stand out in Fortune’s pro story. His MLS start against FC Cincinnati in 2023 was a turning point, giving him the belief that he could hang with top midfields.
In 2024, he played in the MLS Cup Playoffs against Inter Miami. That was a pressure cooker, and he kept his cool.
On the USL side, his debut against the Charleston Battery was a big first step. Later on, matches with FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS Next Pro helped him stay sharp ahead of MLS games.
Each milestone just adds to the sense that Fortune’s career is building brick by brick.
International Career and Achievements
Fortune’s growth isn’t just about club matches. Watching him with Trinidad and Tobago, you see a player adapting to the international stage and making steady progress from youth level to senior caps.
Trinidad and Tobago National Team
You first saw Fortune with Trinidad and Tobago’s senior team in early 2021. He made his debut against the USMNT in a friendly, taking on a midfield role that required composure.
By June 2023, he’d scored his first international goal—a big one—in a 3-1 Gold Cup win over St. Kitts and Nevis. That goal felt like a breakthrough.
He’s kept getting call-ups and adding appearances. Each cap adds to his reputation as a midfielder who can balance defense with smart passing.
Senior National Team Highlights
| Year | Opponent | Competition | Result | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | USMNT | Friendly | 0-7 loss | Senior debut |
| 2023 | St. Kitts and Nevis | Gold Cup | 3-1 win | First international goal |
| 2023-2025 | Various | Friendlies & Qualifiers | Mixed results | Regular call-ups |
Youth International Experience
Before his senior debut, Fortune played for Trinidad & Tobago U-17s. That early exposure taught him the pace and tactical demands of international soccer.
He learned to adjust to different styles and picked up lessons in positioning and ball control. While his U-17 days didn’t bring trophies, they built the base for what came next.
Those experiences definitely shaped the player he’s become for Atlanta United and the national team.
Major International Tournaments
The Gold Cup has been Fortune’s biggest international stage so far. Playing in the 2023 edition and scoring against St. Kitts and Nevis was a real confidence boost.
He’s also played in World Cup qualifiers, where every touch matters. Facing regional rivals forced him to adjust to all kinds of playing styles, from physical Caribbean teams to more technical Central American squads.
Those tournaments gave him valuable experience under pressure and set him up for bigger roles with both Trinidad and Tobago and Atlanta United.
Development Through Atlanta United Academy
Ajani “Jay” Fortune’s rise started in the Atlanta United Academy, where he built his technical skills and set the stage for his pro career.
His path included steady growth in the academy, leadership roles, and a smooth transition into the first team.
Progression in the Academy
Looking back at Fortune’s academy days, you see a player who joined in 2018 and quickly stood out for his control in midfield.
He became known for consistent passing and vision, which caught the eye of coaches and scouts.
Playing against older players, he had to get tougher and make faster decisions. That mix of calm and grit made him reliable in tight games.
By the end of his academy run, Fortune was already getting minutes with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. Those matches gave him real professional experience before he signed a Homegrown contract in 2022.
Key Academy Highlights
| Year | Team | Notable Development |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Atlanta United Academy | Joined system, refined technical skills |
| 2020 | Atlanta United 2 | First USL Championship minutes |
| 2022 | Signed Homegrown deal | Secured contract through 2024 season |
Leadership and Captaincy
Fortune’s leadership really started to show as he grew older in the academy. Coaches trusted him with the captain’s armband in several age groups.
As captain, he set the tone in training and games. Younger players looked up to him for guidance, and his calm presence helped steady the group during rough patches.
His leadership wasn’t just about wearing the armband. He carried himself like a pro off the field, too, and teammates respected that. That early responsibility made the transition to pro soccer a little smoother.
Transition to First Team
Ajani Fortune’s jump to Atlanta United’s first team happened after he put in some solid shifts with ATL UTD 2. Those games really showed that he could handle a faster, tougher style of play.
Once he signed his Homegrown deal, Atlanta United made it clear he factored into their future. He started training with the senior squad, getting the chance to learn from veterans like Brad Guzan and Dax McCarty.
In 2021, he picked up his first cap for the Trinidad and Tobago national team—a big confidence boost. By 2023, his minutes with the first team kept going up, which proved that his academy work actually paid off at the MLS level.
That leap from academy soccer to the first team? It’s tough. Fortune pulled it off by staying patient and always improving. His journey says a lot about the strength of Atlanta United’s youth system.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Ajani Fortune’s financial story is what you’d expect from a young pro just getting started. Most of his earnings come from his Atlanta United contract, with a bit more possible from sponsorships and performance bonuses down the line.
Current Estimated Net Worth
At 22, Fortune’s net worth is pretty modest compared to some of the established MLS names. Right now, it’s estimated somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000, mostly from his salary and a few bonuses.
He skipped college soccer and went straight from the Atlanta United Academy into the pros. That move gave him a head start financially over players who spend four years in NCAA programs.
He doesn’t have those big endorsement deals you see with stars, so his value depends on how he grows in MLS. Playing for Trinidad and Tobago helps raise his profile, which could matter for future contracts and sponsorships.
Contract Details and Salary
Fortune signed a Homegrown Player contract with Atlanta United in July 2022, and it kicked in for the 2023 season. The contract runs through 2024, but Atlanta holds a few option years after that. He gets some security, and the club keeps flexibility while he develops.
MLS salaries are all over the place, but most Homegrown deals land between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, plus possible bonuses. With more playoff games in 2023 and a bigger role in 2024, he’s probably earning toward the top end of that range.
Here’s a quick look at his pro timeline:
| Year | Team | Competition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Atlanta United Academy | Youth | Joined development system |
| 2022 | Atlanta United 2 | USL Championship | Gained pro experience |
| 2023 | Atlanta United | MLS | Debut vs Charlotte FC |
| 2024 | Atlanta United | MLS | 19 matches, 6 starts |
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Fortune hasn’t landed any big national sponsorships yet. For now, you’ll probably see him working with local or regional brands around Atlanta’s sports scene.
These deals usually mean making appearances, doing some social media, or helping out with community events.
His time with Trinidad and Tobago’s national team could open the door to brands in the Caribbean. Sportswear and lifestyle companies might start to notice—a young, bilingual player with international ties is always interesting.
As he gets more minutes and attention with Atlanta United, bigger endorsement chances should follow. Right now, though, his main income is still his club contract, with sponsorships adding a little extra.
Personal Background and Off-Field Life
Fortune comes across as a young midfielder who’s juggled family, culture, and steady progress through Atlanta United’s academy. His story is built on discipline at home, a strong community vibe, and hobbies that keep him grounded outside soccer.
Early Life and Family
Ajani “Jay” Fortune was born in December 2002 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He moved to Marietta, Georgia, at 16 to join the Atlanta United Academy.
His parents are from Trinidad and Tobago, and their background shaped both his playing style and his identity.
Family support stands out in his story. His dad coached him early on, drilling him on skills that became his strengths in midfield. His brother played soccer too, which added some healthy competition and motivation at home.
He went to high school in North Carolina before diving into Atlanta United’s development system. Later, he took some college courses in business management, so he’s thinking about life beyond soccer. That kind of balance isn’t something you see from every young pro.
| Family Member | Role in Development |
|---|---|
| Father | Early coach, mentor |
| Mother | Support system, cultural grounding |
| Brother | Training partner, inspiration |
Community Involvement
If you pay attention to Fortune’s career, you’ll notice he cares about more than just the game. He keeps ties to both Atlanta and Trinidad and Tobago, so he’s got a strong sense of community.
Representing Trinidad and Tobago at the Gold Cup gave him a boost of pride and some extra visibility. That connection to his roots really matters to him.
In Atlanta, he shows up at youth clinics and academy events, encouraging the next wave of players. You can tell he understands what it means to be a homegrown player, especially in the way he interacts with young fans.
He also chips in with his dad’s soccer program, which helps develop local talent. Staying involved lets him keep his family’s influence going and give something back to the next generation.
Interests Outside Soccer
Off the field, Fortune keeps things pretty simple, but he’s always got a purpose in mind. He studies business management, and honestly, he’s already thinking about launching something sports-related once he’s done playing. That kind of focus? It really shows he’s planning ahead, not just living in the moment.
Music is a big part of his daily life. He usually listens to artists like Gunna, Wizkid, and Burna Boy—those tracks get him hyped before games.
He also carves out time for visualization and breathing exercises. They help him get his mind right before stepping onto the pitch.
If you check out his habits, you’ll see he cares a lot about balance. Fortune likes hanging out at Atlantic Station in Atlanta; he’s even called it one of his favorite places.
These routines, even the small ones, help him feel grounded in the middle of a pretty demanding career.
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