D. Williams’ Secret Jersey Stash: How Atlanta United’s Defensive Dynamo Turned Tackles into Ten Figures (Sort Of)

When you watch Atlanta United’s defense, it’s hard to miss Derrick Williams in the No. 3 shirt. He’s a veteran who’s spent years in England and Major League Soccer, and he brings a kind of calm leadership you just don’t see every day.

Derrick Williams has an estimated net worth of about £4 million, built up through contracts in England, MLS, and, most recently, his move to Reading FC (SalarySport, Reuters).

His journey is pretty interesting. Williams was born in Germany, then grew up between the United States and Ireland, and spent over a decade grinding it out in English football.

He learned his trade at Aston Villa, then moved through Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers, building a solid foundation before heading over to MLS. There, he became a trusted figure for LA Galaxy, D.C. United, and Atlanta United.

But honestly, his story isn’t just about transfers or salaries. It’s about how he mixes international experience with a no-nonsense approach to defending, while still carrying the pride of representing Ireland.

You get the sense he values consistency, communication, and just plain hard work. Maybe that’s why coaches keep giving him those crucial roles.

Derrick Williams’ Net Worth and Market Value

Derrick Williams has managed to build stable financial security from his time in Major League Soccer and his earlier years in England.

His earnings show both his experience and the value clubs see in a reliable defender.

Estimated Net Worth in 2025

Williams’ net worth sits at about £4 million these days, according to recent reports. That number covers his wages from clubs like Blackburn Rovers, LA Galaxy, and now Atlanta United.

He was born in Hamburg, Germany, but chose to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally. After coming up through Aston Villa’s academy, he landed steady club roles that helped him build financial stability.

His wealth comes almost entirely from football contracts. Williams hasn’t really branched out into big business deals or side hustles.

He’s focused on maximizing his club earnings, which keeps things simple and directly tied to his playing career.

Salary and Contract Details

In 2025, Williams is under contract with Atlanta United, pulling in an estimated $450,000 per year in base salary. That’s about $8,654 a week, not counting bonuses or appearance money.

His deal runs through December 31, 2025, so he’s got one more full season on this contract.

Here’s a quick salary breakdown:

Season	Club	Base Salary	Contract Expiration
2024	Atlanta United	£488,800	Dec 31, 2024
2025	Atlanta United	$450,000	Dec 31, 2025

His pay fits the mold for veteran MLS defenders. He’s not breaking the bank, but it’s a fair deal for a steady player with international chops.

Market Value Evolution

Williams’ market value has changed as he’s gotten older. Back in his Championship days with Blackburn Rovers, his value was higher, thanks to his age and upside.

Now, at 32, his market value sits around €400,000–€650,000, depending on where you look.

Transfermarkt lists him at €400,000, while FotMob puts it closer to €650,000.

That kind of drop-off is normal as players age. Clubs weigh experience against resale value, and older defenders almost never fetch big transfer fees.

Still, his value shows he’s a solid option for MLS or mid-tier European clubs.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Williams hasn’t really built up a big endorsement portfolio. His finances mostly come from his contracts, not outside sponsorships.

You might spot some smaller kit or boot deals here and there. That’s typical for MLS defenders, but nothing flashy.

He’s kept his focus on football earnings and contract stability, not chasing the commercial spotlight.

Atlanta United Career Highlights

Derrick Williams gave Atlanta United a reliable presence at the back. His leadership and knack for stepping up in big moments really defined his time with the club.

Key Performances and Stats

Williams arrived at Atlanta United via the MLS Re-Entry Draft ahead of the 2024 season. He became a regular starter almost immediately, anchoring the defense with veteran keeper Brad Guzan.

His reading of the game and ability to organize the back line made him a go-to guy.

In the 2024 MLS regular season, he hit career highs for appearances and minutes. He even chipped in with an assist against Montreal late in the year, proving he could help out going forward.

2024 Regular Season Stats (Atlanta United)

Category	Number
Appearances	27
Starts	26
Minutes Played	2,265
Goals	0
Assists	1

Williams brought over 250 professional appearances from England, thanks to his time with Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers. That experience translated well to MLS, where he provided reliability in both league and cup games.

MLS Cup Playoffs Impact

Williams really shined in the postseason. He started all five of Atlanta’s playoff matches in 2024, showing just how much the coaches trusted him.

His positioning and clearances helped Atlanta survive some tense games.

The standout moment? Round One against Inter Miami CF. Williams scored his first MLS playoff goal in Game 2—a 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That goal sealed the result and gave Atlanta a boost to move forward.

He logged some of the most playoff minutes on the team. He matched up against top forwards and barely gave them any space.

You could see why Atlanta leaned on his veteran presence when things got tough.

Notable Matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into a stage for some of Williams’ best performances. His playoff goal against Miami stands out, but his regular season games at home were just as solid.

He put in several full 90-minute shifts, helping keep clean sheets and shutting down chances. His connection with Guzan and the rest of the back line gave Atlanta steady footing in front of their fans.

That October 2024 match against Montreal? Williams defended well and notched an assist, helping Atlanta grab crucial points.

Moments like these showed how a player with roots at Aston Villa’s academy and Bristol City could come to MLS and still make a difference in front of big crowds.

Transfers and Club Journey

Derrick Williams built his career on steady moves across Major League Soccer before heading back to England. Every stop along the way shaped him into a dependable defender.

Transfer to Reading FC

In August 2025, Atlanta United confirmed Williams’ transfer to Reading FC, a League One club in England’s third tier.

The deal didn’t involve a transfer fee, but Atlanta kept a percentage of any future sale.

For Williams, this move marked a return to England, where he started his pro career. At 32, it gave him a shot to keep playing in a competitive—though maybe less intense—setting than MLS.

In Atlanta, Williams made 51 appearances across all competitions, starting 48 times. He chipped in with two goals and two assists, always providing consistency at the back.

His exit left a real gap in Atlanta’s defense, especially with his leadership.

Key Facts:

• Transfer date: August 15, 2025
• Club joined: Reading FC (League One)
• Fee: Free transfer with sell-on clause
• Age at transfer: 32

MLS Re-Entry Draft Selection

Williams joined MLS through the 2023 Re-Entry Draft, with Atlanta United picking up his rights. The club signed him in January 2024 to a deal through 2025, plus an option for 2026.

The Re-Entry Draft gives experienced players another shot in MLS, and Williams fit that bill. He’d already logged years in the league, and Atlanta wanted his defensive know-how.

Unlike the SuperDraft, which is for college players, the Re-Entry Draft targets veterans whose contracts have ended or whose options were declined. Williams was one of the more notable picks that year.

Contract details at signing:

Year Signed	Contract Length	Option Year
2024	Through 2025	2026

Previous Clubs: LA Galaxy and D.C. United

Before Atlanta, Williams played for LA Galaxy and D.C. United. He joined LA Galaxy in 2021 and quickly became a regular starter, bringing a physical edge and leadership to a team in transition.

In 2023, he moved to D.C. United. It was a shorter stint, but he still added depth to their back line. Both clubs got value from his ability to play center back or shift out left when needed.

Williams’ MLS career totals over 120 appearances. He’s been a steady hand across multiple teams, even if he’s not the flashiest player.

MLS Club History:

• LA Galaxy: 2021–2022
• D.C. United: 2023
• Atlanta United: 2024–2025

Williams came up through Aston Villa Academy before breaking into senior football, which really shaped his technical and tactical approach.

Playing Position and Style

Derrick Williams mainly lines up as a center-back, but he can slide over to left-back if needed. His style is all about positioning, timing, and keeping his cool—he’s not flashy, but he’s steady.

Defensive Roles and Responsibilities

You’ll usually spot Williams in the heart of defense, organizing teammates and cutting off attacks before they get dangerous. His left foot brings balance, especially when Atlanta builds from the back.

He doesn’t dive in recklessly. Instead, he holds his shape and pushes attackers into less threatening spots.

That kind of discipline makes him a reliable choice against tough opponents.

Williams also holds his own in the air. At 5’11”, he’s not towering, but his timing is solid and he wins his share of duels.

He doesn’t rack up a ton of tackles; instead, he focuses on limiting chances from the start.

Key Defensive Stats (2024 Atlanta United):

Stat	Number
Appearances	27
Starts	26
Minutes Played	2,265
Assists	1
Goals	0

Notable Defensive Partnerships

Williams really clicks when he pairs up with other experienced defenders. His chemistry with Stian Gregersen has been crucial, giving Atlanta a nice mix of physicality and smart positioning.

Gregersen usually takes on the more aggressive duties. Williams, on the other hand, hangs back a bit and organizes things.

When Mihaj joins the lineup, Williams steps up and takes on more responsibility as the anchor. That flexibility makes him especially valuable on a team where injuries and suspensions seem to pop up all the time.

You’ll often spot him linking up with fullbacks like Afonso, covering the space when they bomb forward. These partnerships really show off his knack for reading the game and plugging gaps, which helps keep Atlanta’s defensive structure solid.

Strengths and Playing Attributes

Williams stands out because he keeps things simple. He doesn’t mess around with risky passes—just moves the ball safely and keeps possession ticking over.

His left foot gives Atlanta some variety, especially when they need to switch play or break out of pressure.

Physically, he brings a good mix of strength and agility. Sure, he’s not the quickest guy out there, but he makes up for it by reading the play and stepping in before attackers get going.

That anticipation helps him stay effective, even against speedy forwards.

Mentally, he shows real calmness in stressful moments. Late in tight games or during playoff pushes, Williams keeps his cool and stays focused.

His time in England with Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers, after coming up through the Aston Villa academy, really shaped that steady approach.

International Career with Ireland

Derrick Williams was born in Hamburg, Germany, but Ireland is where his football identity really took shape. He played for the country at youth levels before earning a senior cap, moving steadily from local development to the international stage.

His time with the Republic of Ireland shows off both his versatility as a defender and the challenge of breaking into a crowded national squad.

Youth and Senior National Team Appearances

Williams’ international path is pretty clear when you look at his record. He came up through Ireland’s youth system, playing across several age groups. That gave him solid experience against top European teams.

Those years built the foundation for his senior call-up.

He made his senior debut in 2018 during a friendly against France. That was a big step, even though he didn’t get many more opportunities with the senior team.

He earned just a handful of caps, competing with a pool of defenders that included Premier League regulars.

The table below outlines his international record:

Level	Years Active	Appearances	Goals
Republic of Ireland Youth	2009–2013	Multiple	0
Republic of Ireland Senior	2018–2020	1	0

While the numbers aren’t flashy, making it to senior international football after years in England and MLS really says a lot about his persistence.

Key International Moments

Williams’ most memorable moment came in his debut against France—a night that stands out because of both the opponent and the wild weather. It was pouring rain, and he lined up across from Kylian Mbappé, who was already one of the world’s top forwards.

That debut gave Williams a taste of the highest level, even if he didn’t become a regular afterward. For any player or fan, that kind of experience means a lot.

It’s a reminder of all the work in academies and clubs, from Aston Villa to Blackburn Rovers, and later MLS.

He also took real pride in representing Ireland—a country he grew up in after moving from the United States at age seven. That connection made his international career feel meaningful, even if it was brief.

Personal Background and Early Life

Derrick Williams built his career step by step, shaped by his German roots, his journey through English football, and his international eligibility. His background helps explain how he adapted to so many leagues and earned a reputation as a dependable defender.

Birthplace and Early Years in Hamburg, Germany

Williams’s story starts in Hamburg, Germany, where he was born on January 17, 1993. His dad is American, and his mom is Irish, so he’s had a multicultural background from the beginning.

He grew up in Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland, after his family moved there when he was a kid. That move turned out to be huge, putting him into the Irish football system but still letting him keep ties to Germany and the United States.

Williams joined Tramore AFC, a local club, before scouts noticed his talent. He earned a spot in the Aston Villa Academy, where he developed by competing with top youth players in England.

That move really kicked off his professional journey.

Early Years	Detail
Birthplace	Hamburg, Germany
Childhood	Tramore, Ireland
Youth Club	Tramore AFC
Academy	Aston Villa Academy

Jersey Number History

If you track Williams’s career, you’ll notice his jersey number means something. At Atlanta United, he wears the number 3 shirt, which usually goes to left-footed defenders.

That choice fits his role as a center-back who likes to play on the left.

Earlier, with Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City, he also wore low defensive numbers—typically between 3 and 5. Those numbers are classic for central defenders and full-backs, reinforcing his identity as a backline anchor.

Williams has always been linked to defensive roles. Clubs kept trusting him as a reliable starter in high-pressure spots, and his assignments show that pattern.

Citizenship and Eligibility

Williams’s background gave him a few different options internationally. Born in Germany, he could’ve played for the German national team.

Through his dad, he held an American passport, which came in handy in Major League Soccer since he didn’t take up an international roster slot.

His strongest ties, though, came from his mom’s Irish roots. He showed that connection by choosing to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 2018.

He went on to earn three caps, including a goal against New Zealand in 2019.

This mix of eligibility made him stand out. Not many defenders in MLS can say their background links Germany, Ireland, and the United States.

That gave him flexibility in both club and international football.

For more on his career and eligibility, check out his player profile.

Teammates and Coaches

A defender’s value isn’t just about individual play—it’s about how he fits into the bigger picture. The people around him and the coaching direction really shape how well he performs.

Notable Teammates

Looking at Atlanta United’s roster, it’s clear Derrick Williams benefits from playing with proven pros. Jamal Thiaré is a good example—a forward who brings real pace and energy up front.

Having a striker who can stretch defenses gives defenders like Williams more room to breathe, since the team can push opponents back instead of soaking up pressure all game.

Williams also plays with midfielders who know how to control the tempo. That balance between attack and defense lets him focus on his positioning and passing.

You can see it in the stats—Atlanta often dominates possession, and Williams’s passing numbers look better when teammates move well off the ball.

Player	Position	Key Trait
Jamal Thiaré	Forward	Speed, pressing
Derrick Williams	Defender	Tackling, passing
Key Midfielders	Midfield	Ball retention

The mix of experience and athleticism across the squad gives Williams a setup where he can play to his strengths. His passing accuracy goes up when his teammates provide good options and keep things moving.

Coaches and Leadership Influence

Ronny Deila, Atlanta United’s head coach, really shapes the way Williams approaches each match. Deila pushes for organization, discipline, and those quick transitions that keep opponents guessing.

You notice this in the defenders’ instructions—they stay compact, then move the ball fast into midfield. That’s the expectation.

Williams played college soccer at Aston Villa’s academy system before turning professional. For him, this tactical clarity feels grounding.

He’s changed his approach on the field. Now, he avoids risky challenges and looks to cut off passing lanes instead.

Coaches count on veterans to set the tone in training sessions. Williams, at 31, fits right into that role.

But he also gets a lot out of Deila’s structured system. That mix of accountability and tactical detail helps him stay steady through the grind of an MLS season.