M. Klich, Atlanta United, Midfielder 43, Net Worth: Full Profile & Career

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

When you check out Atlanta United’s midfield in 2025, Mateusz Klich stands out. He wears number 43, and after a December trade from D.C. United, the Polish international quickly settled into the heart of the pitch.

M. Klich‘s net worth sits comfortably in the millions, thanks to a long career in Europe, MLS, and international football. His move to Atlanta brought some much-needed experience and leadership to a roster that was in the middle of a transition.

If you look back, Klich started at Cracovia and then made his name at Leeds United in the Premier League. His vision and passing helped him become a reliable starter. Instead of following the U.S. college path, he came up through Poland’s football system and built his reputation in Europe before heading to MLS.

That journey means his financial profile includes not just MLS paychecks but also solid earnings from top European leagues.

When Atlanta traded a first-round SuperDraft pick for Klich, that said a lot about how much the club valued his skill set. Even though his time in Atlanta was pretty short—he got waived in 2025—he still offered a glimpse of how veteran experience can shape a team’s midfield identity.

Fans remain interested in his career, earnings, and what he might do next.

M. Klich’s Transfer to Atlanta United

YouTube video

Mateusz Klich’s arrival in Atlanta gave the club an experienced central midfielder with a track record in both MLS and Europe. The trade also showed Atlanta’s focus on leadership and depth as they tried to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Details of the Trade From D.C. United

Atlanta United picked up Mateusz Klich from D.C. United in exchange for the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. D.C. held onto a chunk of his 2025 salary budget charge and kept his Designated Player slot.

There was a conditional part, too. If Atlanta re-signs Klich, D.C. gets $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM). This deal lowered Atlanta’s immediate costs and gave D.C. some future flexibility.

At 34, Klich brought two full MLS seasons with him, logging over 2,600 minutes each year. His durability and passing accuracy made him a solid addition.

He spent time with Leeds United in the Premier League and also played in Germany and the Netherlands.

Key Trade Elements

  • From Atlanta: 2025 SuperDraft pick (No. 23)
  • To Atlanta: Mateusz Klich, international roster slot
  • Conditional: $50,000 GAM if re-signed
  • D.C. United Retains: Salary charge portion, DP slot

Role and Expectations at Atlanta United

You could expect Klich to fit into Atlanta’s midfield right away. Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson described him as a player who creates chances and controls tempo—exactly what Atlanta needed after a shaky season in the middle.

Klich’s vision and passing looked set to balance Atlanta’s attack. He finished 2024 with 13 assists, which says a lot about his ability to deliver in MLS.

His experience in big matches, like Euro 2020 with Poland, brings a level of calm that younger teammates can look to.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his recent MLS stats:

SeasonClubMatches StartedGoalsAssistsPassing AccuracyChances Created
2023D.C. United313982.5%72
2024D.C. United3231383.3%75

Klich, who came up through Cracovia before heading abroad, brought stability to a roster that mixed veterans with academy talent. Wearing No. 43, he was expected to help guide Atlanta’s midfield as they chased playoff consistency.

He learned his craft at Cracovia’s youth system in Poland, and that technical foundation still shows. For Atlanta, his leadership and steady play mattered as much as his numbers.

Performance and Impact at Atlanta United

YouTube video

Mateusz Klich landed in Atlanta with a reputation as a steady, experienced midfielder who could guide a young squad. His time at Leeds United and D.C. United showed he could adapt, and at age 34, the Polish international brought poise and sharp passing to a team in flux.

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
 

Appearances and Statistics

Klich joined Atlanta United in early 2025 and jumped into the rotation right away. Wearing number 43, he made 16 appearances in MLS play, starting 9 times before the club let him go midseason.

His stats were pretty modest: 1 assist and no goals. But his main job was to keep things under control, not necessarily to score.

Here’s a quick look at his numbers:

CompetitionMatchesStartsGoalsAssistsMinutes
MLS 202516901720

You could see his influence in how Atlanta kept the ball. He moved the ball around, usually choosing safe passes so the team could stay organized.

He wasn’t flashy, but his consistency gave teammates the freedom to push forward.

Key Matches and Contributions

Klich’s standout moment came in a 4-2 win where he picked up his only assist. It wasn’t a fancy play, but it unlocked the defense and showed why Atlanta brought him in.

He also put in steady minutes during tough draws against Eastern Conference rivals. Atlanta got some much-needed balance in midfield when he was on the pitch.

His calm presence helped when the team felt pressure. Against teams like NYCFC, he slowed things down and cut out mistakes.

Even if he wasn’t getting on the scoresheet, his positioning and reading of the game made a difference.

Still, his impact didn’t last long. By July, Atlanta United waived Klich, ending his stint before the season was even over.

Comparison With Other Midfielders

When you look at Klich next to Atlanta’s other midfielders, the differences are obvious. Tristan Muyumba brings more energy and ball-winning, while Bartosz Slisz adds defensive grit and coverage.

Klich leaned on experience and passing, but honestly, he didn’t have the speed or athleticism of the younger guys.

Atlanta’s midfield needed balance, and Klich provided it here and there. But MLS demands two-way play, and his limited defensive range showed.

The club clearly started to prioritize younger, more dynamic options as the year went on.

His background at Leeds United and with Poland’s national team gave him credibility, sure. But in MLS, the contrast with players like Muyumba and Slisz made it clear Atlanta was looking to the future, not relying on a veteran stopgap.

Career Highlights Before Atlanta United

Mateusz Klich built his reputation in Europe before heading to Major League Soccer. His years at Leeds United, followed by a solid run with D.C. United, shaped him into the experienced midfielder Atlanta United signed in 2025.

Success at Leeds United

Klich’s most memorable years came at Leeds United, where he played a key role in their return to the Premier League. He bounced around Europe before finally finding stability under Marcelo Bielsa.

You probably remember him for his durability—he started nearly every league match during their promotion and the first Premier League seasons.

At Leeds, he became known for his work rate and passing vision. He wasn’t flashy, but he gave the midfield balance.

He pressed, won the ball back, and moved it quickly, making him a reliable piece in Bielsa’s high-energy system.

The Polish international also chipped in with goals, often arriving late in the box. His contributions went beyond the stat sheet, but his presence helped Leeds stay mid-table after promotion.

Leeds United Stats (2018–2022)

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
Championship911410
Premier League8177

MLS Experience With D.C. United

Klich moved to Major League Soccer in 2023, signing with D.C. United. The club valued his Premier League experience, and he stepped in as a starter right away.

Over two seasons, he played more than 2,600 minutes each year. That’s a lot of consistency and durability.

His passing accuracy stayed above 80 percent, and he created scoring chances at a steady clip. In 2024, he racked up 13 assists, putting him among the league’s most productive midfielders.

By the time he left D.C. United, Klich had made 63 league appearances, with 6 goals and 22 assists. His leadership and experience stood out on a roster that was rebuilding.

European Club Career

Before Leeds, Klich spent years moving across Europe. He started his pro career in Poland with Cracovia, and his performances there earned him a move to VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.

That stint didn’t last long, and he found more playing time in the Netherlands with PEC Zwolle and FC Twente.

He also went back to Poland with Lech Poznań, where he got back on track and drew interest from bigger clubs.

These years gave him a taste of different leagues and styles—from the Eredivisie’s technical play to the Bundesliga’s physical battles.

All that experience built the base for his later success. When he joined Leeds United, he was a midfielder who could adjust to different systems and roles, making him a dependable option wherever he played.

M. Klich’s Net Worth and Business Ventures

You can measure Mateusz Klich’s career not just by what he’s done on the field, but also by the financial stability he’s built. His contracts in Europe and Major League Soccer, along with steady endorsement work, have shaped his current wealth.

Estimated Net Worth in 2025

Klich’s net worth in 2025 sits at about £8.9 million (roughly $11 million). That number kind of sums up a long, winding career across several leagues—Premier League with Leeds United, then Major League Soccer with D.C. United and Atlanta United.

He built a solid financial base from those top-flight contracts in England. Later on, his MLS deals brought a sense of security, even as he edged into the back half of his career.

At 35, he’s still earning at a rate that stacks up pretty well against other veteran midfielders in MLS. Here’s what his reported financial profile looks like:

CategoryAmount (2025)
Net Worth£8.9 million
Weekly Earnings (MLS)£31,000
Annual Salary~£1.6 million

You can see how steady wages and some smart career decisions have really added up for him.

Salary and Contracts

If you look at Klich’s salary history, you’ll notice how his value changed with each move. At Leeds United, he brought in Premier League-level wages, which set him up for long-term savings.

His jump to MLS landed him a contract reportedly paying £31,000 per week and about £1.6 million annually at D.C. United.

When he joined Atlanta United in late 2024, the club traded a first-round draft pick to get him. D.C. United kept a portion of his salary budget charge, so both clubs could manage the cap.

These deals show that he stayed valuable well into his mid-30s. The contracts he signed offered guaranteed income but also gave the clubs some flexibility.

Business Interests and Endorsements

Klich hasn’t been as loud about business ventures as some other players, but he’s picked up endorsements and sponsorships along the way. His years at Leeds United gave him a platform with European brands, and the MLS move opened up local sponsor opportunities.

He’s invested some of his earnings into real estate and personal ventures back in Poland. That’s helped him build stability that doesn’t depend on his playing salary.

He’s also got smaller endorsement deals with apparel and training gear brands. While he’s not pulling in superstar-level sponsorships, those partnerships keep a steady stream of income coming in. It seems like he’s taken a pretty careful, long-term approach to his finances instead of chasing quick wins.

National and International Career

Mateusz Klich made his name not just through steady club play but also through regular involvement with Poland’s national team. His international career stands out for durability and reliability, with appearances in major tournaments and a solid presence in midfield.

Poland National Team Involvement

Poland has leaned on Klich for more than 40 international caps. He broke into the senior team back in 2011, earning his shot after early stints at Cracovia and later Wolfsburg.

His call-ups started coming more often once he found his feet in Europe, especially after he settled in at Leeds United.

Klich usually played central midfield, linking defense and attack. He hasn’t been a big scorer, but his vision and passing have been crucial for Poland’s buildup. He’s logged 2 goals and 4 assists for the national team, so he stepped up when it counted.

Poland National Team Stats

CategoryNumber
Appearances41
Goals2
Assists4
First Cap2011
PositionMidfield

His career shows a lot of persistence. Even when he wasn’t always starting, managers trusted him for his calm and experience.

Major International Tournaments

Klich’s biggest tournament moment came at UEFA Euro 2020. He started all three of Poland’s group stage matches.

His job was pretty clear: keep the ball moving, provide cover, and help control the midfield against some tough opponents.

Poland didn’t make it past the group stage, but Klich’s performances were solid and consistent. He played full matches against Spain, Sweden, and Slovakia, showing he could handle the pressure at that level.

He’s also played in Poland’s World Cup qualifying campaigns. He didn’t make the 2018 World Cup squad, but his resurgence at Leeds United got him back in the mix. That comeback carried into his MLS career, where his international experience helped establish him as a leader.

Roster Changes and Future Outlook for Atlanta United

Atlanta United made some roster moves to address both short-term needs and the bigger picture. The biggest change involved saying goodbye to an experienced midfielder and opening up an international slot for future signings.

Waiving of M. Klich and Roster Implications

Atlanta United waived midfielder Mateusz Klich, the 35-year-old Polish international they picked up from D.C. United in December 2024. He finished the season with 16 appearances, 0 goals, and 1 assist.

Honestly, that output didn’t quite match up with his reputation from Leeds United or his status as a steady central midfielder.

Chris Henderson, Atlanta’s chief soccer officer, praised Klich’s professionalism but admitted the decision came down to performance. By letting him go, the club freed up both salary and roster space before the 2025 MLS season.

Here’s a quick look at Klich’s 2024 stats with Atlanta:

Matches PlayedStartsGoalsAssistsAge
1690135

At the time, Atlanta sat 13th in the Eastern Conference. The front office decided to prioritize roster changes over loyalty or sentiment.

You can check out more details on the move from MLSSoccer.com.

Open International Slots and Team Strategy

When Atlanta United waived Klich, they opened up an international roster slot. In MLS, that’s a big deal. These slots let teams bring in players from outside the U.S. and Canada.

Honestly, that can mean the difference between landing a proven veteran or just grabbing another backup. Atlanta’s move shows they want to go after reinforcements, probably in midfield or attack.

Those areas have been shaky, and the team knows it. Right now, they’ve got 18 players signed for 2025.

Some players had their options picked up, and others are still negotiating. The rest of the roster is still coming together.

By freeing up this slot, Henderson pushes for more flexibility. Instead of sticking with aging players, the club can chase younger guys who actually fit Ronny Deila’s system.

If you want more details about this shift, check out Chicks Into Sports.

So what does this mean for fans? Atlanta United seems done with quick fixes.

They’re aiming for a more sustainable roster, and honestly, that could decide if they make it back to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

    Additional Reading:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Scroll to Top