C. Sanchez Rakes in Cash, Scores Goals, and Still Forgets Where He Parked — Atlanta United Midfielder’s Net Worth Will Shock You!

When you watch Cooper Sanchez, you notice more than just a number on his jersey. At only 17, this Seattle-born midfielder has already climbed from Atlanta United’s academy to the First Team, wearing No. 48 with a surprising amount of confidence for his age.

Most of his net worth right now comes from his Homegrown contract with Atlanta United. The deal runs through 2026, with options for 2027 and 2028. So, his current market value sits in those early, unproven stages—he’s not quite established yet.

He signed his first pro contract after years of development in the academy. While other players his age might juggle college soccer, Sanchez skipped that route, sticking with Atlanta United’s system from the time he was 12.

That choice still shapes his career and his financial outlook.

What makes his story interesting isn’t just the contract numbers—it’s the direction he’s heading. You’re looking at a midfielder who’s already picked up valuable experience with Atlanta United 2, made his MLS debut, and earned a reputation as one of the league’s most promising teens.

His journey, and the financial side that comes with it, set up a career that could pick up steam fast, both in value and impact. If you want to dig deeper into his rise, check out his Atlanta United debut and development.

C. Sanchez: Player Profile and Background

You see a midfielder who’s worked his way up through Atlanta United’s system, showing consistency and growth at every step. His development highlights both his technical skill and his dedication, making him a standout among the club’s young players.

Early Life and Youth Career

Cooper Sanchez was born March 26, 2008, in Seattle. You can tell his journey started early—he joined Atlanta United’s Academy in 2018 after his family moved to Georgia.

At the youth level, Sanchez stood out for his calmness in central midfield. He played a big role in the U-15 and U-16 squads, using his vision and passing range to control games.

His breakout moment came with the U-16 team, which went 22-1-1 in the 2023 season.

That same year, he scored in the MLS NEXT Cup final, helping Atlanta United’s U-16s win 3-1 over Strikers FC. Delivering in high-pressure matches separated him from a lot of his peers.

Personal Information and Background

Sanchez is 17 now and plays midfield for Atlanta United. He wears No. 48 and lines up in the center.

He’s eligible for the U.S. national team and already has caps with the U-16s, including games against Uruguay and Argentina.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full Name	Cooper Wyatt Sanchez
Birthdate	March 26, 2008
Birthplace	Seattle, Washington
Age	17
Position	Midfielder (Central)
Club	Atlanta United
Shirt Number	48
National Team	United States U-16
College	Still in Academy system, no college

It stands out: while most players his age still think about college soccer, Sanchez already locked in a pro path in MLS.

Path to Atlanta United

Atlanta United gave Sanchez a pro deal on July 2, 2024, after years in the Academy. He became the youngest player in club history to play for Atlanta United 2, debuting at just 15 years and 27 days old against Chicago Fire II.

He currently plays under an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025 with Atlanta United 2. His Homegrown contract with the first team kicks in January 1, 2026. That deal includes club options for 2027 and 2028, which shows the club’s long-term investment in him.

During the 2024 preseason, Sanchez featured in a first-team friendly against Birmingham Legion FC. That appearance showed the coaching staff trusts his ability to adapt to tougher competition.

You can follow his progress on MLSsoccer.com and his Transfermarkt profile, which track his contract and career milestones.

Atlanta United Career and Development

Cooper Sanchez’s rise in Atlanta United’s system looks like steady, step-by-step growth. He made an early pro debut, earned regular minutes with Atlanta United 2, and secured a Homegrown contract that locks in his future with the first team.

Signing as a Homegrown Player

You saw Sanchez’s commitment to Atlanta United pay off when he signed a Homegrown contract in August 2025. The deal runs through 2026, with team options for 2027 and 2028. That gives the club flexibility and rewards his development.

This wasn’t an overnight thing. Sanchez joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2018 after moving from Seattle, and he spent years sharpening his game. His technical control and passing vision made him a reliable midfielder in the system.

By the time he signed, Sanchez had already played in pro matches and trained with the senior squad. That experience made him more prepared than most teens entering MLS. Atlanta United now lists him as its 20th Homegrown player, which says a lot about how much the club values its academy.

Progression Through Atlanta United 2

You can really see Sanchez’s growth during his time with Atlanta United 2 in MLS Next Pro. He debuted at just 15 in March 2023, becoming the youngest player to ever feature for the reserve side. That early chance set the tone for his quick progress.

By 2025, Sanchez had more than two full seasons with the second team. He started 15 matches that year, mostly as a central midfielder connecting defense and attack. Coaches liked his composure in tight spots and his ability to control the tempo.

Playing in MLS Next Pro gave him the confidence to go up against older, stronger opponents. It also let Atlanta United see how he might fit into their senior team plans.

Atlanta United 2 Stats (2023–2025)

Season	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
2023	6	2	0	0
2024	12	7	1	2
2025	18	15	2	3

Key Moments and Milestones

A few milestones really stand out in Sanchez’s early career. His Atlanta United 2 debut at 15 marked him as a player ahead of schedule. Another big moment came in July 2024, when he signed his first pro deal with the club.

In August 2025, he reached another level by earning a Homegrown contract. That made him eligible for first-team selection in competitions like the Leagues Cup. Atlanta United clearly trusts his readiness for MLS play.

On September 13, 2025, Sanchez made his senior debut against Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. At just 17, he already had two and a half seasons of pro minutes behind him, making the jump to the first team feel natural.

His journey shows steady growth, not sudden leaps. Each step—from academy to Atlanta United 2 to the first team—built the foundation for what comes next. He balanced high school in Atlanta with academy commitments, showing the discipline that’s gotten him this far.

Role and Playing Style as a Midfielder

Cooper Sanchez built his game around control, vision, and consistency. You really notice his impact in the way he connects defense to attack, uses space, and adapts to the speed of pro soccer at just 17.

Primary Position and Responsibilities

You’ll usually find Sanchez in central midfield, balancing defensive coverage with forward distribution. At Atlanta United 2, coaches trusted him as a box-to-box midfielder, but he naturally leans toward a central playmaker role.

He breaks up play, recycles possession, and links passes from the back line to the attackers. Atlanta United signed him to a Homegrown contract because he reads the game well and positions himself to influence both defense and attack.

Unlike wide midfielders, Sanchez operates in crowded areas. That demands awareness, anticipation, and quick decision-making under pressure. Coaches trust him to keep the team’s structure, which isn’t common for someone his age.

Technical Abilities and Strengths

Sanchez favors short, accurate passing and quick ball movement. His first touch is reliable, which lets him control the pace and keep Atlanta United’s midfield organized. He doesn’t force risky plays—he usually looks for the smart option.

He’s also strong in pressing and ball recovery. His work rate is consistent, and he doesn’t back down from physical challenges. While he’s not known for long-range shots yet, he’s scored important goals in academy and MLS NEXT Pro matches, including the MLS Next Cup.

Key Technical Stats (2025 season, ATL UTD 2)

Category	Value
Pass Completion %	86%
Tackles Won	74%
Key Passes per Game	1.2
Interceptions	39

These numbers show a midfielder who values efficiency and reliability. That’s what earned him a path to Atlanta United’s first team.

Influence on Team Performance

Sanchez helps stabilize the midfield more than anything else. When he’s on the field, Atlanta United 2 moves the ball through the center more smoothly and avoids falling back on long balls.

He creates passing lanes and pulls defenders out of position, which gives forwards and wingers more options. His calmness cuts down on turnovers in dangerous spots—huge for a young team in MLS NEXT Pro.

Debuting for Atlanta United 2 at just 15 proved he earned the trust early. Now, as he moves to the senior roster, his influence will depend on whether he can keep that same calm against tougher, faster competition.

Notable Achievements and Statistics

Cooper Sanchez already shows he can impact games at different levels. You can see his progress in league matches, tournament finals, and international call-ups, where he’s earned recognition for both steady play and composure.

MLS and MLS Next Pro Appearances

You can follow Sanchez’s development through his early professional minutes with Atlanta United 2 in MLS Next Pro.

He signed his first pro deal in July 2024 after years in the academy. That move put him right alongside other top prospects.

In 2024, Sanchez came off the bench for Atlanta United 2, picking up valuable experience against older players.

By 2025, he started matches, including a full 90 minutes against Orlando City B. The coaching staff clearly trusts his steady presence in midfield, which says a lot for his age.

Here’s a quick look at his early pro match record:

Season	Competition	Matches	Minutes	Goals	Assists	Avg. Rating
2024	MLS Next Pro	2	68	0	0	6.3
2025	MLS Next Pro	3	158	0	0	6.3

The numbers look modest, sure, but for a 17-year-old midfielder, it’s really about minutes and learning, not stats.

Performance in Key Matches

Sanchez really shined with the Atlanta United U-16 squad.

In 2023, that team finished 22-1-1 and won the MLS NEXT Cup. Sanchez scored in the 3-1 final win over Strikers FC, showing he can step up when it matters.

Atlanta United included him in their 2024 preseason friendly against Birmingham Legion FC. Even though it was just preseason, the call-up showed the club rates him highly.

Coaches gave him a chance to face pro competition, which isn’t something every academy player gets.

His goal in the MLS NEXT Cup final, especially, proved he’s a reliable option in big moments. That sort of thing builds credibility fast.

National and International Recognition

Sanchez’s progress has gone beyond the club level. He was born in Seattle in 2008 and qualifies for the United States, making his U.S. U-16 national team debut in May 2024.

That debut meant facing Uruguay and Argentina, which is pretty rare for academy kids.

Those matches exposed him to different playing styles early on. That kind of experience is hard to come by.

Coaches picked him for his technical ability and steady play with Atlanta’s academy. He hasn’t made the senior U.S. team yet, but these early call-ups show he’s already on the national radar.

Net Worth, Market Value, and Contracts

Cooper Sanchez is just 17, but his Atlanta United career has already put him on the map, both financially and on the field.

His earnings and value reflect a player at the very start, not someone who’s arrived.

Current Net Worth Estimates

Right now, Sanchez’s net worth is modest compared to MLS veterans. He’s still on his first pro contract, so most of his money comes from salary, youth bonuses, and maybe a few early endorsements.

You won’t see seven-figure numbers tied to him yet. His current pay sits closer to the entry-level range for MLS Homegrown players—usually between $70,000 and $120,000 per year.

Since he’s just starting out, his net worth is best described as low six figures. That’ll probably climb as he lands better contracts and sponsorships, but for now, he’s balancing growth with opportunity.

Market Value Evolution

Sanchez’s market value has climbed since he joined Atlanta United’s academy.

FotMob lists him in the early pro range, which fits for a central midfielder who’s already played in MLS Next Pro and even had a senior appearance.

His 2025 season included 18 matches, 15 starts, 2 assists, and 1 goal. That 8.5 rating against Huntsville City FC? It definitely got people’s attention.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Avg Rating
2025 (MLS Next Pro)	18	1	2	6.72
MLS Senior Debut	1	0	0	6.2

Market value isn’t set in stone. For a young player like Sanchez, it moves with every appearance, performance, and national team call-up.

His recent selection to the U.S. U-18 national team just boosts his profile even more.

Contract Details and Salary Information

Sanchez signed his first pro deal with Atlanta United in March 2025 after working through the U15, U16, and U17 levels.

The contract is a Homegrown Player deal, which lets MLS clubs bring academy players straight to the senior roster.

These deals usually last 3 to 4 years with club options tacked on. The salary often gets a boost from Generation Adidas or allocation money, so teams can stay flexible.

The exact numbers aren’t public, but his pay probably matches other Atlanta United academy grads—lower tier for MLS, but with performance bonuses.

His minutes with Atlanta United 2 and his MLS debut against Columbus Crew suggest the club is serious about his long-term development.

Future Prospects and Career Outlook

You can see how Cooper Sanchez has steadily climbed through Atlanta United’s system, from the academy to MLS NEXT Pro.

He’s shaping into a player with real potential. His age, contract, and recent form point toward first team involvement and long-term value for the club.

Potential for First Team Promotion

At just 17, Sanchez already holds a Homegrown contract with Atlanta United through 2026, with club options for 2027 and 2028.

That deal puts him in a great spot to earn minutes beyond MLS NEXT Pro. With his eligibility for things like the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup, you might see him tested against senior teams sooner than expected.

Atlanta United has done this before—giving young midfielders a taste of first team action while they keep playing big minutes with Atlanta United 2.

Sanchez has started 12 of his 14 MLS NEXT Pro matches this season, picking up two assists and showing he can keep the ball moving.

Key 2025 MLS NEXT Pro stats

Matches Played	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
14	12	0	2	1,005

The next big question is whether he can handle the physical side of MLS. Atlanta’s midfield is deep, but Sanchez’s versatility gives him a shot at a rotation role.

Long-Term Goals and Ambitions

Sanchez joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2018 after moving from Seattle. He’s made it clear—he wants to make the first team.

His big moment came in 2023, scoring in the MLS NEXT Cup final as the U-16s went 22-1-1. That drive should help him as he pushes for more responsibility.

It’s worth thinking about how his path compares to other Homegrown players. Atlanta has a history of selling talent abroad, and Sanchez’s technical style could make him a fit for Europe if he keeps progressing.

At 5-foot-9, he leans more on vision and passing than size, which lines up with the kind of midfielder clubs in Spain or the Netherlands like.

For now, he’s focused on building a bigger role with Atlanta United 2 and proving he’s ready for MLS minutes. That patience might end up being his best asset.

Impact on Atlanta United’s Future

Atlanta United really leans on its academy pipeline these days. Sanchez looks like the next big thing in their midfield group.

With guys like Adyn Torres and Ajani Fortune coming up too, the club’s depth chart gets a solid boost. The coaches have more options to rotate players, which honestly helps a lot during a long season.

You can tell the club’s already thinking ahead about possible changes in midfield. Veterans like Miguel Almirón and Steven Alzate bring leadership, but the younger players keep things moving forward.

By signing Sanchez as a Homegrown player, Atlanta locks in affordable talent at least through 2026. That’s pretty valuable when you’re trying to build a solid MLS roster without breaking the bank.

If Sanchez keeps improving, Atlanta might not need to chase pricey international signings for the midfield. That means they could spend more on other positions and still have a strong core.

It’s not just about Sanchez making it—his growth helps shape how Atlanta balances its roster for years to come.

For Atlanta United, seeing guys like Sanchez succeed really shows if the academy is doing its job. His path from academy to MLS NEXT Pro to a Homegrown deal? That’s the blueprint the club wants to keep following.