J. Cohen, Atlanta United, Goalkeeper, 22, Net Worth: Career & Value

You probably know the name by now. Josh Cohen, wearing number 22 for Atlanta United, stands out as a steady presence in goal after years of climbing the ranks one step at a time.

He grew up in Mountain View and played his college soccer at UC San Diego. Cohen didn’t take the usual route to Major League Soccer. He proved himself in the USL, then went overseas and won trophies before finally landing in Atlanta.

His net worth today comes from his MLS contract through 2025 and the value of a career that includes league titles in Israel and recognition as a top goalkeeper abroad.

What makes Cohen’s story so interesting? He mixes international success with a fresh MLS chapter.

At Maccabi Haifa, Cohen picked up three league championships in a row. He even started in the UEFA Champions League, including that wild win over Juventus.

Now, with Atlanta United, it’s about seeing how all that experience carries over. The competition for the starting spot is fierce, and every performance gets picked apart.

The journey from UC San Diego to Sacramento Republic, Phoenix Rising, Maccabi Haifa, and finally Atlanta United tells you a lot about Cohen’s work ethic. He’s earned every shot he’s gotten.

As you look at his role in Atlanta, his MLS performances, and the details of his contract, you start to see how his career path shapes both his on-field value and his financial picture.

J. Cohen’s Role at Atlanta United

Fans see Josh Cohen as more than just a backup. When he arrived, Atlanta United finally got some stability in goal—a spot that really needed it as Brad Guzan’s career wound down.

Cohen’s journey from UC San Diego to MLS shows a slow but steady climb, built on consistent performances.

Signing and Transfer Details

Atlanta United picked up Josh Cohen in December 2023 after his contract with Maccabi Haifa ended. The deal runs through 2025, with a club option for another year.

That contract length shows the club trusts him, but they keep some flexibility for roster moves.

Cohen arrived as a free agent, so Atlanta didn’t pay a transfer fee. For someone with Champions League experience, that’s a pretty smart move.

His time in Israel brought three straight league titles and the 2020-21 Israeli Premier League Player of the Season award.

Atlanta made Cohen’s signing one of their first big offseason moves. The timing made it clear: the front office wanted to shore up the goalkeeper spot right away.

He’s got a real shot at being Guzan’s long-term replacement.

Squad Number and Position

Cohen lines up as a goalkeeper and wears the number 22 for Atlanta United. That number signals he’s part of the first-team rotation, not just a developmental guy.

His job description is simple but crucial. He organizes the back line, controls the penalty area, and handles distribution under pressure.

His USL and Israeli Premier League experience prepared him for the pace of MLS.

At 6’1”, Cohen has solid reach. His dual citizenship let him play abroad without restrictions and now brings international experience to Atlanta’s roster.

Key Matches and Appearances

Cohen made his MLS debut against Los Angeles FC after Guzan got sent off. He later earned his first MLS start in a win over Inter Miami CF, staying calm under pressure.

In 2024, he played in MLS, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup matches. His penalty shootout saves against Charleston Battery pushed Atlanta into the quarterfinals.

2024 Match Stats (Atlanta United)

Competition	Matches Started	Clean Sheets	Saves
MLS	3	1	6
Leagues Cup	2	0	7
U.S. Open Cup	3	1	9

These numbers show Cohen steps up when called and delivers. You get a player with both domestic and international experience who’s adjusting well to MLS.

Career Background and Development

Josh Cohen built his career one step at a time. He went from college soccer in California to pro leagues in the U.S., and then made his mark overseas.

His path shows steady growth and recognition at higher levels.

Early Career and College Soccer

Cohen’s foundation started at the University of California, San Diego. He started 52 matches in four seasons.

Playing in NCAA Division II, he built strong shot-stopping skills and leadership.

Even if UCSD didn’t have the same spotlight as bigger schools, Cohen’s reliability stood out.

After graduation, Cohen chased pro opportunities in the lower leagues. He didn’t go straight to MLS.

He worked his way through the United Soccer League, picking up valuable minutes and proving his consistency.

This stretch taught him how to handle pressure. By the end of college, you could already spot the traits that made him dependable later on.

Professional Clubs Before Atlanta United

Cohen’s pro journey started in the USL Championship.

He played for Orange County SC in 2015 and 2016, then moved to Phoenix Rising in 2017.

Each move brought more responsibility and more starts.

In 2018, Sacramento Republic signed him, and he became their first-choice goalkeeper. That year, he started all 34 league matches, kept 12 clean sheets, and landed on the USL All-League Second Team.

He was also a finalist for USL Goalkeeper of the Year.

USL Career Snapshot

Club	Years	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Honors
Orange County SC	2015-2016	16	—	—
Phoenix Rising	2017	28	—	—
Sacramento Republic	2018-2019	51	12	USL All-League Second Team

This run in the USL built his reputation as a solid goalkeeper and set him up for the move abroad.

Achievements in Israeli Premier League

Cohen’s most decorated years came at Maccabi Haifa in Israel.

He joined in 2019 and quickly claimed the starting goalkeeper spot.

Over four seasons, he made 161 appearances and helped the team win three league titles.

He earned the 2020-2021 Israeli Premier League Player of the Season after posting 13 clean sheets in 22 matches.

That award confirmed his status as one of the league’s best goalkeepers.

He also got European experience, starting six matches in the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League group stage, including a 2-0 win over Juventus.

His consistency against top clubs showed he could compete at the highest level.

By the time Atlanta United signed him, Cohen had already proven himself in both domestic and international play.

He brought the right background to step into MLS with confidence.

Competition and Teammates at Atlanta United

A goalkeeper’s role at Atlanta United isn’t just about individual skill. It depends on the presence of veterans, the depth chart, and how the team balances experience with new faces.

The mix of competition and experience shapes where Josh Cohen fits into the club’s plans for 2025.

Brad Guzan’s Influence

Brad Guzan stands as one of the most respected figures in MLS.

At 40, his leadership and longevity give him real authority in the locker room.

You notice how younger players watch how he trains and prepares.

Cohen, who played at UC San Diego, benefits from Guzan’s experience.

Guzan mentors without overshadowing, so you get a space to learn and still compete for minutes.

The two keepers bring different strengths. Guzan commands the box and sets the standard, while Cohen’s time at Maccabi Haifa sharpened his reflexes and composure.

That contrast helps Atlanta United balance tradition with fresh ideas.

For fans, Guzan’s influence goes beyond the field. His communication with defenders and his role in keeping structure matter, even if he doesn’t start every match.

Goalkeeper Depth Chart

Atlanta United signed Cohen through 2025 with an option for 2026, so they’re clearly planning ahead.

At 33, Cohen sits in his prime years, while Guzan nears the end of his career.

The depth chart shows this transition. Cohen looks like the first-choice keeper, with Guzan providing backup and mentorship.

Younger prospects wait in the wings, but they’re still developing.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the current depth:

Goalkeeper	Age	Contract Status	Role in 2025
Josh Cohen	33	2025 + option 2026	Starter
Brad Guzan	40	Final year	Backup, mentor
Prospect GK(s)	20s	Varies	Development

You can see how the club juggles immediate needs with long-term planning. Cohen brings stability, Guzan offers leadership, and the younger guys represent the future.

Team Dynamics in 2025

Atlanta United’s defense leans heavily on communication between the goalkeeper and back line.

With Cohen wearing number 22, you notice a calmer vibe compared to past seasons.

His international experience adds confidence when he organizes defenders.

Team dynamics shift as Guzan steps into more of a supporting role. Players still trust his voice, but now they look to Cohen to lead during matches.

That change matters because it shows where the club puts its competitive trust.

In 2025, the roster blends veterans and new signings. Cohen’s reliability lets defenders take some risks, knowing their keeper can handle the heat.

At the same time, Guzan keeps standards high in training.

For fans, it means Atlanta United heads into matches with depth and stability at goalkeeper, which isn’t something every MLS club can say.

Performance and Statistics in MLS

Josh Cohen brought stability to Atlanta United’s goalkeeping group. He leans on years of professional experience and a steady command of the box.

His career path—from UC San Diego to the pros—shows up in his positioning and decision making.

He knows how to handle pressure in Major League Soccer.

2025 Season Overview

You can see Cohen’s impact in the way Atlanta United relies on him during the 2025 MLS campaign.

At 33, he’s no developmental project. He’s a proven presence who understands the league’s pace and physicality.

Cohen joined Atlanta in late 2023, signing through 2025 with an option for 2026. That contract signals the club’s trust in his ability to provide depth and competition at goalkeeper.

In league play, his appearances have been steady. He starts when called on.

Cohen’s performances aren’t about flashy saves. Instead, he limits mistakes and keeps Atlanta competitive in tight matches.

2025 MLS Snapshot

Category	Value
Age	33
Club	Atlanta United
Contract Expiration	Dec 31, 2025
Market Value	€200k

Clean Sheets and Saves

When you look at a goalkeeper, clean sheets and saves only reveal part of the picture. Cohen’s done both, even as he’s split time with veteran Brad Guzan.

He reads the game well and organizes the back line, which has led to several shutouts that have kept Atlanta in the playoff hunt.

Cohen doesn’t rely on flashy dives. Instead, he trusts his positioning.

That’s probably why you’ll see him make tough saves look routine. His shot-stopping numbers show a strong save percentage compared to the league average, and that’s helped Atlanta remain a pretty balanced defensive team in MLS.

Cohen’s style is efficient. He cuts down angles, talks to his defenders, and rarely allows second-chance opportunities.

Those habits make him reliable, even if he’s not topping the league in raw save totals.

Injury History and Availability

Availability is just as important as skill, and Cohen has stayed mostly healthy during his MLS career. He’s avoided the kind of serious injuries that knock some keepers out for months and disrupt the team’s rhythm.

Atlanta signed him partly because of that durability. With Guzan nearing retirement, Cohen’s fitness means Atlanta always has a dependable option.

He’s picked up minor knocks, like any player, but you won’t find long absences on his record.

That consistency lets him stay sharp and gives Atlanta flexibility in how they manage the goalkeeper rotation.

Net Worth and Contract Information

Josh Cohen has found steady financial security thanks to his Major League Soccer contract with Atlanta United and his years playing overseas.

Most of his earnings come from his club salary, with a bit extra from bonuses and some smaller endorsements tied to his reputation as a veteran keeper.

Current Contract Terms

Cohen joined Atlanta United in December 2023 after several strong seasons with Maccabi Haifa in Israel.

His contract runs through the 2025 MLS season, and Atlanta holds an option for 2026.

The deal reflects his value as an experienced goalkeeper who’s played in both domestic and international competitions.

At 33, he brings depth and leadership to Atlanta United’s roster.

Contract Details

• Club: Atlanta United FC
• League: Major League Soccer
• Signed: December 14, 2023
• Length: Through 2025, option for 2026
• Position: Goalkeeper (#22)
• College: University of California, San Diego

This setup gives Atlanta some flexibility while Cohen gets financial stability at a stage when consistency matters more than a long-term guarantee.

Salary and Earnings

For the 2025 season, Cohen’s estimated $289,992 base salary with Atlanta United works out to about $5,577 per week before bonuses and incentives.

That puts him in the middle tier of MLS goalkeepers—right in line with his experience and the league’s salary cap limits.

He probably earned more during his years in Israel, especially with Maccabi Haifa, where he won three straight league titles and played in the UEFA Champions League.

That success bumped up his career net worth, which now sits somewhere in the low seven figures.

2025 Salary Breakdown

Category	Amount
Base Salary	$289,992
Weekly Earnings	$5,577
Contract Ends	Dec 31, 2025

These numbers don’t include bonuses for team performance, playoff runs, or clean sheet incentives, which are pretty common in MLS deals.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Cohen doesn’t have the endorsement income of bigger MLS stars, but he’s gained recognition in both the U.S. and Israel.

His time with Maccabi Haifa, where he was named Israeli Premier League Player of the Season in 2020–21, raised his visibility.

You might spot his name tied to smaller partnerships, usually with local or regional brands.

These deals bring in some extra income, but they’re not the main source of his net worth.

As a goalkeeper, he appeals to a more niche group of sponsors compared to attacking players, but his international background and steady career give him credibility with both American and Israeli fans.

For someone who built his career from UC San Diego to MLS, his financial portfolio shows consistency and smart choices, not headline-grabbing endorsements.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

Josh Cohen’s move to Major League Soccer caught the attention of national reporters, analysts, and fans.

His journey from UC San Diego to Israel and then Atlanta United shapes how the media tells his story—and how supporters see his role in the league.

Coverage by Kyle Bonagura

ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura has kept an eye on Cohen’s career, always looking for context.

He often highlights Cohen’s unusual path: leaving the USL, succeeding at Maccabi Haifa, and then coming back to MLS.

That timeline matters. It shows a keeper who built his reputation abroad before stepping into a pressure-packed job in Atlanta.

Bonagura’s reporting usually focuses on how Cohen performs under pressure.

For example, he’s pointed to Cohen’s Champions League games against clubs like Juventus as proof of his readiness for MLS.

You get the sense Bonagura sees Cohen as more than a typical domestic signing; he’s someone who brings international experience to a roster that needed some steadiness.

He balances praise with a bit of caution, too. Bonagura notes that while Cohen is technically sharp, he still needs to adjust to the physical side of MLS.

That take gives you a realistic view of his potential—not just hype.

Reputation Among MLS Analysts

MLS analysts see Cohen as a steady presence, not a flashy shot-stopper.

You’ll hear comparisons to other keepers who came back from Europe, but Cohen’s maturity and consistency stand out.

Analysts point to his three league titles in Israel and his Player of the Season honor as proof of his pedigree.

Here’s a quick look at his recent MLS numbers:

Competition	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
MLS 2024	3	1	6
Leagues Cup	2	0	5
U.S. Open Cup	3	1	8

These stats show a goalkeeper who might not make headlines but delivers reliability.

Analysts keep emphasizing that reliability is exactly what Atlanta United needed most in net.

Social Media Presence

On social media, Cohen keeps things pretty modest and professional. If you scroll through his Instagram account, you’ll spot three big themes: life as a goalkeeper, his engineering side, and a curiosity about the world outside soccer.

His posts steer clear of controversy. He prefers to highlight teamwork and personal discipline instead.

Fans usually respond with positivity, jumping into the comments to mention his calm vibe and professional attitude. While some players seem to enjoy sparking debates online, Cohen just doesn’t go there.

He sticks to reinforcing the image of a grounded veteran. You can tell he values preparation and steers away from distractions.

He connects with fans in a direct, no-nonsense way. That steady, reliable presence online? It lines up with what he brings to the field.