Atlanta United’s Secret Weapon? W. Reilly’s $28 Million Midfield Mojo — You Won’t Believe What He Spends on Cleats!

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When you check out Atlanta United’s midfield, Will Reilly really jumps out—he’s got potential, sure, but also this steady, almost methodical growth. He’s just 22, but he’s already carved out a role with the first team after years grinding through the academy and then making a name for himself at Stanford.

Will Reilly’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $80,000, based on his current MLS homegrown contract with options that could extend through 2028.

He came up through Atlanta’s system, captained youth teams, and debuted for Atlanta United 2 before landing a homegrown deal with the senior squad. That journey says a lot about his skill, but it also shows how the club invests in local talent for the long haul.

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His path from Decatur, Georgia, to MLS reminds you how quickly a young midfielder can rise when talent and timing actually line up.

Reilly’s story gets even more interesting when you look at how he balances academics with his athletic career. His time at Stanford sharpened his game, prepping him for the pace and chaos of MLS.

When you follow his career, you can see how his money, on-field role, and personal growth all kind of tie together to shape where he’s headed with Atlanta United.

W. Reilly’s Net Worth and Financial Overview

Will Reilly’s finances reflect someone just getting started as a pro athlete. He’s making money from his Atlanta United contract, a bit from his Stanford days, and some early endorsement deals. His net worth isn’t huge compared to MLS veterans, but you can see it’s growing as he settles into the 2025 season.

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Estimated Net Worth in 2025

Reilly’s estimated net worth in 2025 sits somewhere between $200,000 and $400,000. That number covers his first-team Atlanta United contract, a bit of endorsement money, and whatever savings he picked up from NIL deals during college.

He’s not at star level yet, but his financial position is honestly strong for a 22-year-old about to start his first senior MLS season. If he keeps getting minutes and performing, that value should go up.

Most young MLS players start out with less than $500,000 to their name. Reilly’s path really puts him right in line with other homegrown midfielders who move up from the academy.

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YearEstimated Net WorthPrimary Source of Income
2023$75,000–$100,000NIL deals at Stanford
2024$120,000–$180,000Atlanta United 2 salary
2025$200,000–$400,000First-team MLS contract

Salary and Contract Details

Reilly signed his first senior contract with Atlanta United right before the 2025 MLS season. Homegrown players usually make $85,000 to $125,000 per year, plus some bonuses if they get on the field and perform.

His salary probably falls in that range, but he’s got room to grow if he becomes a regular starter. If things go well, he could renegotiate or pick up league incentives.

MLS contracts offer extra perks like housing stipends, travel coverage, and performance bonuses. These extras help younger players like Reilly focus on soccer without stressing about expenses. His pay isn’t close to what international stars get, but it’s solid for a homegrown.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Reilly’s endorsements are still pretty limited, but he’s starting to get more attention. Back at Stanford, he picked up NIL opportunities—mostly local sponsorships and a few promo deals.

Those early deals helped him get some visibility and stability before turning pro.

Now that he’s with Atlanta United, he’s got access to a bigger market. The club’s fan base and MLS exposure open doors for brand deals, especially with Georgia businesses.

He doesn’t have national sponsorships yet, but if he keeps growing as a first-teamer, maybe regional sportswear or fitness brands will notice. For now, endorsements are just a nice bonus compared to his main contract.

Factors Influencing Earnings

A few things will shape Reilly’s earnings soon. Playing time in 2025 is the big one—consistent starts mean more eyes on him and better future contracts.

His performance as a midfielder matters too. If he racks up strong numbers in possession, passing, and defensive stats, he might earn a raise or even attract transfer interest.

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Endorsement potential? That’s all about marketability. Success with Atlanta United, a good connection with the 5-Stripe fan base, and his Georgia roots all boost his appeal.

He’s still young, so he’s got time to build both his career and his finances.

Atlanta United Career and Role

You’re looking at a player who grew up in the academy, worked his way through the second team, and now is getting meaningful minutes in MLS. His path shows steady progress, a solid college run at Stanford, and a contract that keeps him with Atlanta United through 2025.

First Team Promotion and Homegrown Status

Will Reilly signed as a homegrown player with Atlanta United before the 2025 MLS season. He grew up nearby in Decatur and joined the academy in its very first season back in 2016.

He even captained the U-17s. His first pro minutes came with Atlanta United 2 in 2019.

After three seasons at Stanford, he came back to Atlanta more mature and ready for the next step. Atlanta signed him through 2025, with options to keep him until 2028.

That contract shows the front office is betting on his long-term value as a midfielder.

The club moved him up because they believed he could fill spots left open by international call-ups and injuries. Honestly, it shows Atlanta’s commitment to local talent while still relying on their veterans.

Key Matches and Performances

Reilly made his senior debut in March 2025 against FC Cincinnati, starting in defensive midfield. He lined up next to Tristan Muyumba, and veterans like Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, and Derrick Williams anchored the rest of the squad.

Atlanta rotated heavily that day since eight players were away on international duty. Reilly’s start wasn’t just to plug a hole—it was a real test to see if he was ready. He’d last played for Atlanta United 2 earlier that month, so he came in match-fit for his first MLS start.

Match Snapshot

DateOpponentRoleResultNotes
Mar 22, 2025FC CincinnatiStarterTBDFirst MLS appearance, DM role
Mar 7, 2025NY Red Bulls IIATL UTD 2LossLast USL appearance

These early appearances matter because you can see how quickly a player can make the jump from second-team minutes to MLS action.

Midfield Partnerships and Tactical Role

In his first MLS start, Reilly worked alongside Tristan Muyumba in a double pivot. Their job was to keep possession and link up transitions to attackers like Saba Lobjanidze and Alexey Miranchuk.

With Bartosz Slisz out, Reilly got the chance to show he could handle the defensive side.

He’s expected to be the connector between defense and attack. That means he’s supporting fullbacks like Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon and covering ground when Atlanta pushes up.

Depth is huge in a long season. With players like Ronald Hernández, Ashton Gordon, and Jayden Hibbert all fighting for minutes, you get a sense of how Reilly’s role fits into a broader rotation. His ability to adjust with different midfield partners will probably determine how much trust head coach Ronny Deila gives him.

Development Path: From Academy to Professional

Will Reilly’s rise shows steady progress built on patience and reliable performances. You can see the foundation in his early Decatur days, the lessons from Atlanta United 2, and the maturity he gained after four years at Stanford before signing a homegrown contract.

Early Years in Decatur and Academy

Growing up in Decatur, Reilly followed the traditional route—local soccer, then the Atlanta United Academy in 2016. That was a big deal, since the academy was brand new and he was part of the first batch shaping its culture.

He built a reputation for composure in midfield. Coaches noticed how he stayed calm under pressure, which made him stand out. By the time he captained the U-17s, you could already spot his leadership qualities.

Choosing Stanford gave him a shot to polish his skills in a tough college environment. Four years in the Pac-12 gave him plenty of minutes against solid competition, and it matured him for the pro game.

Atlanta United 2 Experience

Before making the senior roster, Reilly picked up pro experience with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. He made his professional debut on July 13, 2019—a nice milestone that showed he could handle the speed and physicality at that level.

With the second team, he balanced learning with responsibility. Facing seasoned pros gave him a sharper edge than if he’d only played in the academy or college.

Coaches like Javier Perez worked with him during that time. That coaching gave him tactical discipline and flexibility, skills that would help him later in the first team.

Atlanta United 2 Stats (2019-2021)

SeasonMatches PlayedGoalsAssistsMinutes Played
2019500210
20201211735
202118121,120

Transition to the Senior Team

When Atlanta United signed Reilly to a homegrown contract through 2025, with options through 2028, it marked the end of nearly a decade of development. It wasn’t a hasty jump—he’d finished college and picked up USL experience first.

Joining the senior squad meant fighting for time in a crowded midfield. At 22, he was the ninth-youngest on the team, but his years in the system gave him an edge in knowing how Atlanta wants to play.

Reilly talks about the pride of wearing the 5-Stripes, but he knows he needs to be consistent to earn minutes. You can see that in how he approaches training, learning from veterans like Derrick Williams but still holding onto his own identity from his academy days.

Collegiate Success at Stanford University

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At Stanford, Will Reilly really grew into a reliable presence in midfield. His consistency and vision earned him a solid reputation. He started big games, made NCAA Tournament appearances, and picked up recognition for both his play and leadership.

Stanford Career Highlights

Reilly joined Stanford in 2021 and quickly earned a starting spot. Over four seasons, he played in 75 matches, scored 11 goals, and became known as a dependable midfielder. He was more about connecting play and controlling tempo than flashy stats.

He rarely missed time, showing durability and the ability to handle both defensive and attacking roles. Coaches trusted him in pressure situations, which says a lot about his maturity.

Here’s a quick look at his college numbers:

SeasonMatchesGoalsAssists
20211823
20222032
20231941
20241822

That steady record set him up to earn a pro contract after graduation.

NCAA Tournament Contributions

Reilly really started to make his mark during the NCAA Tournament, where Stanford always seemed to run into tough opponents. As a freshman, he jumped into national tournament games off the bench, giving Stanford some important minutes against higher-seeded teams.

By the time he hit his junior and senior years, you could see his role expand. He started tournament matches and usually got the job of breaking up play in midfield, moving the ball forward quickly.

He kept Stanford steady in knockout games with his defensive positioning. Even if he didn’t show up on the scoresheet, you noticed his impact in ball recoveries and sharp passing.

Those small things made the difference when games got tight in the postseason. His steadiness helped Stanford pull off deeper runs than many people expected.

Notable Achievements and Awards

Reilly didn’t just stand out on the field—he earned recognition for more than just stats. The Pac-12 honored him for his consistency, and coaches often praised his leadership in the locker room.

Teammates leaned on him for structure in midfield. That kind of reliability isn’t always flashy, but it’s vital.

He started popping up in college sports coverage that spotlighted emerging midfielders making a difference. That kind of attention, along with his solid performances, raised his profile as he headed toward MLS.

Reilly balanced his athletic life with academics, majoring in Symbolic Systems. That commitment helped shape his reputation as a well-rounded student-athlete, and people respected him both on and off the field.

Playing Style and On-Field Impact

Will Reilly stands out for steady midfield play, reliable passing, and an ability to adjust to whatever the game needs. His years at Stanford and with Atlanta United 2 gave him a solid foundation for Major League Soccer, where he’s become a trusted piece for Atlanta United’s first team.

Position and Versatility

Reilly usually lines up as a central midfielder, but his game isn’t stuck in one spot. He can sit deep as a holding midfielder, push up as a box-to-box guy, or even slide out wide to help with pressing.

At 5’10” and 159 pounds, he doesn’t exactly bully opponents. Instead, he uses smart positioning, anticipation, and quick passing to get the job done. Coaches like him because he fills different tactical needs without throwing off the system.

In the 2025 MLS season, Reilly has bounced between starting and coming off the bench. When Atlanta United needs more defensive cover, you’ll spot him sitting just ahead of the back line. If the team wants a spark in transition, he runs the channels and links defense to attack.

That kind of flexibility makes him valuable in a crowded midfield. Not many players from the Atlanta United Academy have shown the same calm handling both defensive and attacking roles.

Statistical Performance and Assists

Reilly’s stats tell the story of a steady, if not spectacular, contributor. He hasn’t scored in MLS yet, but he’s chipped in with key assists and keeps his passing accuracy high.

His defensive work rate stands out—he averages more than two tackles per game.

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

SeasonMatches PlayedStartsMinutesGoalsAssistsPassing AccuracyTackles per Game
2024622130186%2.0
2025*1678830286%2.1

*2025 stats as of midseason

You’ll notice his passing accuracy barely drops, even under pressure. He likes to play simple, reliable passes that keep things moving. His assist numbers aren’t flashy, but he can create when the moment calls for it.

Comparison with Teammates

Compared to Atlanta United’s other midfielders, Reilly’s role feels more supportive than showy. Guys like Bartosz Slisz and Mateusz Klich bring bigger international résumés and more attacking punch, but Reilly gives the team balance and stability.

When you look at teammates like Jay Fortune and Tristan Muyumba, Reilly stands out for his tactical discipline. He doesn’t force things forward, and he rarely risks bad turnovers. That’s exactly why coaches trust him when games get tense.

His time with Atlanta United 2 sets him apart, too. He played over 50 matches there and put up 11 goals and 17 assists. That experience gave him confidence before he jumped to MLS.

Unlike others who joined straight from college or overseas, Reilly’s path through the academy pipeline makes him a natural fit for Atlanta’s style.

All this—his versatility, steady stats, and good decisions—help him carve out a spot in Atlanta United’s crowded midfield.

Personal Background and Off-Field Life

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Will Reilly grew up in Decatur, Georgia, and those early years really shaped his view of soccer and community. Off the field, he tries to balance his pro career with personal interests, some academic curiosity from Stanford, and his role as a homegrown player who’s stayed close to his roots.

Family and Hometown Roots

You can see Decatur’s influence in almost everything Reilly does. His family gave him a strong foundation, encouraging both school and sports, which led him to Stanford and, eventually, to Atlanta United.

His loyalty to the area shows in his decision to stick with Atlanta United. He joined the club’s academy in 2016 and came back to the first team in 2024 after college.

That journey says a lot about how much his hometown means to him.

Key Details:

  • Birthdate: December 3, 2002
  • Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
  • College: Stanford University
  • Club Academy Entry: 2016

He doesn’t just see himself as a player—he feels like he’s representing where he grew up every time he steps on the field.

Interests Beyond Soccer

Reilly seems to have a good sense of balance in life. He’s talked about loving The Office—apparently, he’s watched it more than a few times.

He likes simple routines, like meeting friends for food at Moe’s and Joe’s, a local Atlanta spot he’s visited since he was a kid.

Music is part of his downtime, too. He listens to artists like J. Cole, though he admits he’d have no shot at keeping up with the lyrics if he tried.

Food is a comfort for him—he lists butter chicken and chocolate ice cream as favorites.

His academic side hasn’t faded. At Stanford, he got interested in research, especially anything connected to the brain. That curiosity hints he sees himself as more than just an athlete.

Community Involvement

You’ll notice right away—Reilly doesn’t put up any walls between himself and the community. He came up through the Atlanta United academy and landed a spot on the first team, so he’s become a role model for young players in Georgia.

He stays close to the club, showing everyone that local talent really can make it. That’s not something you see every day.

Older teammates guided him, and now he gets to pay that forward. You’ll see him at training and on match days, quietly offering that same steady influence.

Community Impact Table

RoleExample Contribution
Academy GraduateInspires local youth through his pathway
Locker Room MentorLearns from veterans, supports younger players
Local PresenceRegularly active in Atlanta-based events

If you’re a fan, you probably notice how visible he is around the city. The way he embraces that responsibility makes him stand out—he’s not just another midfielder on the roster.

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.

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