When you skim through Atlanta United’s roster, Jayden Hibbert jumps out—mostly for his potential, but also for the curiosity he sparks. At just 20, this goalkeeper wearing number 42 has already made a name for himself with his calm presence and athletic saves. Hibbert’s career is just getting started, but he’s already bumped his estimated net worth into the low six figures.
He worked his way up through UConn, got picked in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and now he’s sharing space with veterans like Brad Guzan and Josh Cohen. His journey has been steady, not flashy, and honestly, that makes him more interesting.
Digging into Hibbert’s background, you’ll find details about his role at Atlanta United, his time with Jamaica’s national team, and even some contract and salary tidbits. There’s a lot to unpack—his growth as a keeper, sure, but also who he is when the gloves come off.
J. Hibbert: Key Facts and Background
You’re looking at a young keeper who’s already gone from college soccer at UConn to the pro game with Atlanta United. His story blends hometown roots, personal drive, and those physical gifts that coaches always want in MLS.
Early Life and Hometown
Jayden Hibbert was born on August 5, 2004, in Teaneck, New Jersey. It’s a central Jersey town with a reputation for turning out tough, disciplined athletes.
He started out in local leagues, then moved up to more competitive setups like Cedar Stars Academy.
St. Benedict’s Prep came next—a school that takes soccer seriously. That place pushed him, with better training and tougher competition, and he started sharpening his game early.
He also put in time at the New York Red Bulls Academy, where he squared off with some of the country’s top youth players. Those years in Jersey really laid the groundwork for his confidence and skills as a keeper.
By the time he landed at UConn, Hibbert already had a solid background. He took over as starting goalkeeper in 2023, racking up 41 saves and three clean sheets in just 14 games.
Jersey Number 42 and Its Significance
If you’ve watched Hibbert play, you can’t miss the number 42. It’s not exactly a classic keeper number, which makes it pop.
Atlanta United handed him 42 after picking him 19th in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. For a rookie, a unique number can help you stand out.
Hibbert hasn’t really explained why he wears 42, but it’s become part of his identity. Fans spot him right away, and the number is already tied to his early days with Atlanta.
Most keepers stick to 1 or 13, but Hibbert’s 42 feels like a signal—he’s charting his own course. It fits with his youth and the fresh energy he brings to the squad.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
At 6’2”, Hibbert has the height and wingspan coaches want in a keeper. His size helps him cover the goal, especially on high balls and breakaways.
He’s got quick reflexes and stays calm under pressure. At UConn, coaches noticed how he could organize the defense and play out from the back. That’s carried into his time with Atlanta United 2 and now the main squad.
Here’s a quick look at his recent stats:
Season | Team | Appearances | Saves | Clean Sheets | Goals Allowed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | UConn Huskies | 14 | 41 | 3 | 18 |
2024 | Atlanta United 2 | 12 | 46 | 2 | 20 |
2025 | Atlanta United FC | 4 | 17 | 1 | 5 |
He’s still a work in progress, but his athleticism and poise hint at a future as a reliable starter. When Hibbert’s in goal, Atlanta United just seems a bit more settled.
Atlanta United Career
You’ve probably noticed how fast Jayden Hibbert moved up—from UConn to pro keeper with Atlanta United. He got drafted, put in work with Atlanta United 2, learned from the vets, and is now sniffing around for chances at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
MLS SuperDraft and Signing
Atlanta United picked Hibbert 19th in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Coming out of UConn, he already had a rep for being cool under fire and for his passing.
He decided to go pro early, and Atlanta signed him on January 12, 2024.
He arrived at the club as a 19-year-old with good size and the kind of foot skills modern MLS teams expect from keepers.
Atlanta’s front office told him he’d start out with Atlanta United 2. That move meant he got valuable minutes right away, instead of just sitting behind established veterans.
MLS Debut and First Team Appearances
Hibbert hasn’t locked down a regular first team spot yet, but he’s made matchday squads and trains with Atlanta United’s top group. Fans are still waiting for his MLS debut, while the club measures him against guys like Brad Guzan and Josh Cohen.
Looking at Atlanta’s depth chart, his path is pretty clear. He needs to prove he can handle the pace and pressure of MLS.
He’ll probably get his first minutes in cup games or if an injury opens up a spot. Those moments will show if he’s ready to move from the second team to the big stage.
Role in Atlanta United 2
Atlanta United 2 has been Hibbert’s main testing ground. He became their starting keeper in 2024, facing off against other pros and top academy kids in MLS NEXT Pro.
That setting let him make mistakes and learn without the bright MLS spotlight.
A glance at his early Atlanta United 2 stats:
Season | Appearances | Saves | Clean Sheets | Goals Against Avg. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 22 | 74 | 6 | 1.38 |
He faced a busy schedule, which helped sharpen his instincts and command in the box. The club sees his time here as the springboard to a first team job.
Training at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Training at Mercedes-Benz Stadium has thrown Hibbert into the deep end of MLS prep. He’s worked alongside experienced keepers like Guzan, Westberg, and Cohen, each bringing their own style and advice.
Atlanta’s goalkeeper coaches, Liam Curran and Lewis Sharpe, focus on footwork, passing, and communication. Hibbert’s been working on his left foot and getting louder with his back line.
Practicing in the stadium where he hopes to debut has helped him get used to the size, the turf, and the noise. Now, when his MLS debut comes, he won’t be caught off guard by the big stage.
Goalkeeper Development and Influences
If you want to know how a young keeper grows, just look at who he learns from, how he trains, and the culture he’s surrounded by. Out of UConn, Jayden Hibbert joined Atlanta United’s system with some solid mentors, tough training, and a strong support group among the keepers.
Mentorship from Brad Guzan and Josh Cohen
Walking into a locker room with Brad Guzan and Josh Cohen means you’re learning from guys who’ve seen it all. Guzan, who captains Atlanta and has played for the U.S., shows you how to handle pressure and organize a defense.
Cohen brings international experience—his years in Israel’s top league made him sharp and quick-thinking. Watching him in training, you pick up on the little things: positioning, communication, reading the flow of play.
Both guys give you feedback. Guzan talks leadership, Cohen gets into the technical stuff like footwork and hand placement. That combo helps you close the gap between college and MLS.
Training with Elite Goalkeepers
Every day, Hibbert trains with pros who’ve logged a ton of minutes at top levels. Atlanta’s drills are intense—they test your reflexes, your passing, and your chemistry with defenders.
He faces live shots from some of the best attackers, so mistakes get punished. The small-sided games force him to make quick decisions with little room for error.
Here’s a snapshot of his early pro record:
Season | Team | Matches | Clean Sheets | Saves |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Atlanta United 2 | 12 | 3 | 41 |
2025 | Atlanta United | 7 | 2 | 28 |
You can see how the steady training and game time have pushed his game forward.
Coaching and Goalkeeper Union Culture
Goalkeepers thrive on sharing what they know. At Atlanta United, the keepers push each other but also swap tips and advice.
Coaches break down video with you, pointing out angles and timing, while teammates add their own insights. It’s a group effort.
You learn pretty quickly that keepers don’t succeed alone. Training with Guzan and Cohen every day pushes you, but it also helps you grow. That’s the heart of the so-called goalkeeper union, and it definitely shapes your career.
International Experience and Recognition
Jayden Hibbert’s career has already stretched past MLS. He’s stepped onto the international stage, suiting up for Jamaica, testing himself against top competition, and picking up recognition that could shape his future. His time at UConn helped set all this in motion.
Jamaican National Team Call-Ups
Hibbert’s international journey started when he got the call from the Jamaican national team in 2024. He played friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago, giving him a taste of the international game.
Since those were just friendlies, he stayed eligible for other countries. With American, Canadian, and Jamaican passports, he’s got options—something most players his age don’t have.
Wearing Jamaica’s kit meant a lot, though. For a kid from Teaneck, New Jersey, it was validation from a respected soccer nation. It also opened the door to future tournaments and maybe even a run at World Cup qualifiers.
Facing Premier League Talent
When you step into international football, the competition jumps up fast. Hibbert experienced this himself while training and playing with Jamaica, where he went up against strikers from the Premier League.
Shots flew at him faster, movement got sharper, and he had almost no room for mistakes. For a young keeper, these moments really pushed his reflexes and decision-making—MLS games just don’t compare.
Hibbert has actually talked about how much facing top-tier opponents changed him. He called it “monumental,” not because of the score, but because those challenges force real growth.
Match Type | Opponent Level | Key Takeaway |
---|---|---|
International Friendly | Trinidad & Tobago | First senior caps with Jamaica |
Training Sessions | Premier League strikers | Faster pace and higher shot quality |
International Exposure and Growth
International exposure gives you more than just minutes on the pitch. It shapes your confidence, adaptability, and even your visibility. Hibbert’s call-ups exposed him to new playing styles, different locker room vibes, and tactical systems he hadn’t seen before.
He learned to adapt fast, whether that meant handling crosses from physical forwards or distributing under pressure from aggressive midfields. That kind of adaptability is something he still brings back to Atlanta United.
Recognition from international matches gets clubs outside MLS to take notice. Scouts and coaches pay attention when a 20-year-old keeper starts racking up international minutes. For Hibbert, the mix of college experience at UConn, MLS appearances, and national team caps has already built a solid foundation for more opportunities.
Net Worth, Salary, and Contracts
Jayden Hibbert’s financial profile shows a young goalkeeper just getting started with Atlanta United. Most of his earnings come from his MLS contract, and he doesn’t have a lot of outside income yet. His future value will depend on how he performs, what kind of contract he negotiates next, and whether sponsorships come his way.
Current Salary and Contract Details
You can check Hibbert’s professional earnings by looking at his deal with Atlanta United. He signed a one-year contract that runs through December 31, 2025.
His base salary for the 2025 season is $80,622—that’s about $1,550 per week before bonuses or incentives, according to Capology.
At 21, Hibbert is still on an entry-level salary compared to most veteran MLS starters. His pay matches his status as a second-year pro, drafted 19th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft after his time at the University of Connecticut.
Here’s a quick look at his current contract terms:
Season | Club | Contract Length | Base Salary | Weekly Pay | Expiration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Atlanta United | 1 year | $80,622 | $1,550 | Dec 31, 2025 |
This deal gives Hibbert some security for the season. It also lines him up for fresh negotiations heading into 2026.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
At this point in his career, Hibbert hasn’t landed any major national endorsement deals. Unlike some established MLS veterans, he’s not quite visible enough yet to attract big corporate sponsors.
Younger players often pick up smaller regional partnerships, though. Local appearances, youth clinics, or gear sponsorships can add a little extra income. Goalkeepers sometimes get glove or apparel deals, but there’s nothing public about Hibbert’s endorsements right now.
If he keeps getting minutes with Atlanta United’s first team, his profile will rise. That could open doors to partnerships with athletic brands or local businesses in Atlanta, which has a pretty passionate MLS fan base.
Projected Net Worth and Future Earnings
Right now, Hibbert’s net worth is modest. With about $80,000 in career earnings from his MLS contract, he’s basically relying on his Atlanta United salary. He hasn’t had years to build up contracts or endorsements like older pros.
The real thing to watch is how he develops on the field. If Hibbert becomes a regular starter, he’ll have a shot at a bigger salary in his next contract. MLS keepers with experience can earn several times his current number.
International play could also impact his future earnings. Hibbert, born in the U.S. but representing Jamaica, might boost his value with strong performances in regional competitions. Maybe a transfer abroad? It’s possible, but that’s still just a guess.
For now, Hibbert’s financial outlook depends on his growth in MLS and whether he can land a longer-term deal after this contract.
Off the Pitch: Personality and Interests
You’ll notice a young goalkeeper who values sharp focus, steady growth, and family influence. His interests show how he balances Major League Soccer with a thoughtful approach to culture, music, and daily life.
Mentality and Psychology
Jayden Hibbert’s mindset stands out right away. His family’s background in psychology has shaped his approach, and he brings those lessons straight into his career. He studies mental preparation as seriously as physical drills.
At UConn, he built habits around concentration and resilience. He talks about muscle memory not just for diving saves, but for building confidence in high-pressure moments.
He treats setbacks as learning opportunities, which you don’t always see in 21-year-old pros. His maturity seems to come from both academic curiosity and a willingness to self-reflect. For a keeper, that mental sharpness is almost as important as quick hands.
Key Traits You Notice:
- Strong focus on daily routines
- Interest in psychology and mental health
- Uses muscle memory in training and decision-making
Inspirations: Kobe Bryant and Pop Smoke
You can trace Hibbert’s competitive drive back to Kobe Bryant. He often brings up Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” as a guide for how he approaches training and matches. For him, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about preparing with real purpose.
Music helps set his tone, too. Hibbert listens to Pop Smoke to get in the right mindset before games. That mix of inspiration—from an NBA legend and a Brooklyn drill artist—gives you a better sense of how he blends sport and culture.
This balance between Bryant’s discipline and Pop Smoke’s raw energy shapes how Hibbert carries himself. It’s not just motivation—it’s about knowing who he is and staying grounded.
Hobbies and Life in Atlanta
When he’s off the pitch, Hibbert comes across as someone who really appreciates the simple things. He loves food that reminds him of his Jamaican roots. Oxtail on Sundays? That’s his go-to, and it keeps him close to family traditions.
Atlanta feels like a good fit for him. The city gives him both professional chances and a sense of cultural belonging. Sometimes he checks out local spots, but honestly, he prefers a low-key lifestyle. That helps him stay locked in during the season.
He almost went after Division I basketball before he picked soccer. So, yeah, his athletic history isn’t just about goalkeeping. Those basketball skills? They still help him with agility and footwork in MLS matches.
Personal Snapshot
Interest | Detail |
---|---|
Favorite Food | Oxtail Sundays with family |
Music Choice | Pop Smoke before matches |
Sports Background | Nearly played Division I basketball |
College | University of Connecticut |

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