Meet J. Thiaré — Atlanta United’s $14 Million Forward (Wait, That’s His Jersey Number?)

When you check out Atlanta United’s number 14, Jamal Thiaré, you notice more than just another forward on the roster. Here’s a 32-year-old striker from Kaolack, Senegal, who moved his career from France’s Le Havre AC to Major League Soccer.

He never played in a U.S. college program, but his pro journey still shows the kind of resilience and growth you usually see in players coming up through the NCAA. Jamal Thiaré’s net worth sits at about €400,000, built from his contracts in France and his current Atlanta United deal.

You see him now as a steady part of Atlanta’s attack, but he didn’t have a guaranteed path to MLS. Since joining the club in August 2023, Thiaré earned a new contract through 2025, with an option for 2026. He’s proven his value on the pitch.

His 2024 season brought eight goals in all competitions. He showed up in both regular season play and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, starting every postseason match.

That production matters. Atlanta United invested in his experience and his finishing, and it’s clear why. He scored 31 goals in 129 matches in France, and his MLS numbers add to a profile that blends consistency with big moments.

J. Thiaré at Atlanta United: Role and Performance

Jamal Thiaré gives Atlanta United’s attack some much-needed depth and reliability. He’s shown consistency in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Position and Jersey Number

Thiaré plays as a forward, moving across the front line and finishing chances. He wears the number 14 jersey for Atlanta United, a number usually linked to attacking players.

He stands at 183 cm and weighs 65 kg. He uses his frame to compete physically but still has good mobility. He prefers his right foot, which gives him some balance in different attacking moments.

Before Atlanta United, Thiaré spent several years with Le Havre AC in France. He scored 31 goals in 129 appearances there. That Ligue 2 experience prepared him for the physical and tactical side of MLS.

In Atlanta, he hasn’t always started every week, but he’s been a versatile forward, able to start or come off the bench. You notice his adaptability, whether he’s playing central or drifting wide.

Key Stats and Achievements

Thiaré’s first full season in 2024 showed both consistency and impact. He made 33 appearances in all competitions and started 18 of those games.

He scored 8 goals, including some in high-pressure moments. He logged over 1,500 minutes in MLS play, and the coaching staff trusted him to contribute regularly.

Here’s a quick look at his 2024 season:

Competition	Matches	Starts	Goals	Minutes
MLS Regular Season	25	13	5	1,508
MLS Playoffs	5	5	3	430
All Competitions	33	18	8	1,938

By the end of 2024, he’d made 40 total appearances for Atlanta United. That kind of output shows he’s a reliable part of the squad.

Notable Matches and Highlights

One of Thiaré’s best moments came on March 31, 2024. He scored twice in a 3-0 win over Chicago. That was his first MLS goal—a real statement.

Later that year, in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, he struck again. Against Inter Miami, he scored two goals in a 3-2 win in Game 3 of Round One. That performance pushed Atlanta forward and showed his knack for big moments.

He came off the bench in several matches, bringing energy and a finishing touch that changed the game’s flow. Defenses had to adjust even when he wasn’t starting.

Thiaré’s playoff goals, steady league minutes, and versatility have made him a valuable piece for Atlanta United. He’s not always the main striker, but his impact in key matches stands out.

He developed at Le Havre before making the jump to MLS. Thiaré’s shown he can adapt and perform in new settings. That flexibility remains his biggest asset in Atlanta’s attack.

Contract Details and Net Worth

Jamal Thiaré has built a solid career in Major League Soccer with Atlanta United. His salary reflects his role as a reliable forward. His contract, career earnings, and roster spot give you a good sense of his financial standing.

Current Contract and Salary

Thiaré signed a one-year deal with Atlanta United in December 2024 after the club declined his previous option. The new contract runs through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026.

Spotrac lists his base salary for 2025 as $700,000, with a total cap hit of $730,000. That puts him among the higher-paid role players on the roster, though he’s not on the same level as Atlanta’s designated players.

Here’s his current contract breakdown:

Year	Age	Base Salary	Cap Hit	Contract Status
2025	32	$700,000	$730,000	Active
2026	32	Club Option	TBD	Option Year

He joined Atlanta in 2023 and earned trust as a dependable striker. His 2024 season, with eight goals across competitions, showed why the club decided to keep him around.

Estimated Net Worth

Thiaré’s net worth reflects his MLS earnings and his earlier career in France. By the end of 2025, his career MLS earnings should reach around $2.4 million. That’s from his 2023 contract, his 2024 salary, and his current deal.

Based on reported salaries and bonuses, his estimated net worth falls in the $2–3 million range. This figure comes from his career earnings, but it doesn’t count endorsements or private business ventures.

Unlike some designated players with massive contracts, Thiaré’s finances are more modest but still solid for a veteran MLS forward. His steady play has helped him land multiple contracts with Atlanta United and a stable income.

Designated Player Status

Atlanta United usually spends big on designated players, but Thiaré doesn’t have that status. His contract fits under the league’s standard salary rules, so his full cap hit counts against the team’s budget.

Designated players in MLS often make several million dollars per year, way above Thiaré’s pay. Atlanta’s designated players usually hold the top three salary spots on the roster.

By not being a designated player, Thiaré gives Atlanta valuable production at a lower cost. That lets the club use its designated player spots on bigger names while keeping him as a proven forward.

Thiaré, who played his early soccer at Le Havre in France before turning pro, has built a career on steady contributions rather than star power. That balance keeps him important in Atlanta’s roster plans.

Career Before Atlanta United

Jamal Thiaré made his name in Europe before coming to Major League Soccer. He spent several seasons in France, where he became a reliable striker, and picked up early experience in Belgium.

His career shows steady growth across different leagues, with consistent goals and assists.

Le Havre Years

Thiaré’s career found its most stable stretch at Le Havre AC in Ligue 2. He joined in 2018 after strong showings in France’s lower divisions.

His first season saw 29 appearances, with nine goals and three assists. Over five seasons, he became a regular starter. He racked up 31 goals and 18 assists in 129 matches in all competitions.

He could link play and finish inside the box, which made him key to their attack. The 2022–23 season stood out. He scored four goals and assisted five, helping Le Havre win Ligue 2 and earn promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time since 2009.

Le Havre Stats (2018–2023):

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Competition
2018–19	29	9	3	Ligue 2
2019–20	20	8	0	Ligue 2
2022–23	30	4	5	Ligue 2
Total (5 yrs)	129	31	18	All comps

Previous Clubs and Leagues

Before Le Havre, Thiaré played in Belgium and France’s lower leagues. He started his pro career at Sporting Charleroi in Belgium, debuting in 2013.

He notched an assist in his first Jupiler Pro League match against OH Leuven and scored his first goal soon after against KV Mechelen. He moved to U.S. Avranches in France—first on loan in 2014–15, then permanently in 2015.

Over three seasons, he turned into a reliable scorer. His breakout came in 2017–18 when he won the Golden Boot in Championnat National, scoring 14 goals in 29 matches.

That season drew attention from bigger clubs and led to his move to Le Havre. The steady climb from Belgium to France’s third tier, then Ligue 2, really shows how he built his career step by step.

Thiaré never played college soccer in the U.S., but he got his professional education on European fields, building the foundation for his move to Atlanta United.

MLS Career Overview

Jamal Thiaré joined Major League Soccer after a steady career in Europe. He brought experience and a bit of maturity to Atlanta United’s attack.

His MLS stint has been about adapting, making consistent contributions, and popping up with goals in big moments.

Transition to MLS

Thiaré arrived in Atlanta in August 2023 as a free agent. The Senegalese forward, who started at Sporting Charleroi and later starred at Le Havre, came in midseason to add depth up front.

His first months in MLS were quiet. He made just a few sub appearances in league play and the playoffs, getting used to the pace and physicality.

By 2024, Thiaré settled into a clearer role. He started more often, showing the work ethic and movement that earned him a reputation in Ligue 2.

For a guy who once won the Golden Boot in France’s Championnat National, the move to MLS took some patience. Still, his background helped him settle in and adapt.

Performance in MLS

You really get a sense of Thiaré’s MLS performance in 2024, his first full season with Atlanta. He scored eight goals in all competitions—six in the league and two more in the postseason, including that memorable brace against Inter Miami in Round One of the playoffs.

His production wasn’t jaw-dropping, but it was steady. He started 12 out of 25 league matches, often rotating in and out based on matchups. Atlanta could count on him to deliver in big moments, which gave them a much-needed reliable option up top.

2024 Season Stats (Atlanta United)

Competition	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists
MLS Regular Season	25	12	6	0
MLS Playoffs	5	5	2	0
U.S. Open Cup	1	1	0	0
Leagues Cup	2	0	0	0

Impact on Atlanta United

Thiaré’s impact goes far beyond the numbers. Atlanta United gained another forward who could stretch defenses and finish chances. In a team that likes to spread the attacking load, his role as a secondary scorer really mattered.

He brought some much-needed experience to what’s honestly a pretty young roster. He played in Belgium and France, even helping Le Havre get promoted to Ligue 1. That calm, veteran vibe showed up in the playoffs, where he started every game.

Atlanta showed their appreciation by re-signing him through 2025, with an option for 2026. According to Atlanta United’s official site, the club values his knack for delivering when the pressure’s on. As a fan, you might not always see the flash, but his dependability stands out.

Playing Style and Strengths

Jamal Thiaré brings a pretty direct, physical style to Atlanta’s attack. He combines strength in the box with smart off-ball movement. You’ll notice his pressing, aerial ability, and how he can switch between different attacking roles as needed.

Offensive Contributions

Thiaré stands out most when Atlanta United needs a target in the final third. At 6 feet tall, he uses his size to hold up play and carve out space for others. He wins a lot of aerial duels, so he’s a real threat on crosses and set pieces.

He doesn’t just hang around waiting for service, either. Thiaré makes well-timed runs and often sneaks between defenders to find scoring chances. In 2024, he started 18 out of 30 matches and netted 8 goals across all competitions—a solid return for his first full season.

Here’s a quick look at his attacking stats from 2024:

Category	Total
Appearances	30
Starts	18
Goals	8
Assists	2
Shots on Target	23

His finishing is more efficient than flashy. He makes the most of the chances he gets, which is pretty valuable in a system where scoring is shared around.

Defensive Pressing

Thiaré keeps working even after Atlanta loses the ball. He presses defenders high up the pitch, forcing them into rushed clearances and mistakes.

He often positions himself just right to block passing lanes, making it tough for opponents to build out from the back. Even when he doesn’t win the ball himself, he sets up turnovers that his teammates can pounce on.

He’s willing to track back when needed. While he’s not a defensive star, his pressing shows he’s got a team-first mindset. That kind of work rate is pretty important in MLS, where quick transitions can decide games.

Versatility on the Field

You can use Thiaré as a center-forward, but he’s got the skills to play wide too. He’s comfortable as a left or right winger, stretching defenses and creating mismatches.

That flexibility gives Atlanta options when injuries hit or tactics shift. Thiaré adapts and still manages to make an impact. His pace isn’t world-class, but it’s good enough to pose a threat on the flanks and give the team depth.

Coaches appreciate how he can adjust his positioning depending on the opponent. Whether he’s a central target or drifting wide to open up space, he offers a forward who can fit different needs without messing up the team’s structure.

His time at Le Havre before coming to Atlanta shaped this adaptability. That European experience still serves him well in MLS.

Recognition and Influence

Jamal Thiaré has quietly built a solid reputation at Atlanta United. His work rate, scoring touch, and ability to step up in key moments have all made a real difference.

Reputation Among Fans

Fans see Thiaré as a player who connects through effort, not just highlight-reel plays. Since he arrived in 2023, he’s worked his way into a reliable role and earned praise for his professionalism.

His story resonates. Born in Kaolack, Senegal, and with experience in France before MLS, Thiaré’s journey clicks with Atlanta’s diverse fan base. Back at Avranches, he even scored 14 goals in a season, showing off his scoring ability long before coming stateside.

Supporters point out how he’s stuck around and contributed, especially compared to other forwards who didn’t last. Even if he’s not the top scorer, his eight goals across competitions show steady production. His new contract through 2025, with an option for 2026, just reinforces the trust the club—and honestly, the fans—have in him.

Influence in Key Matches

You really see Thiaré step up when the pressure’s on. In the 2024 season, he put away 8 goals in just 1,508 minutes—his best run since he played in France.

He scored most of those goals in tight games, especially against big rivals like Inter Miami. His movement and finishing opened up chances that changed the whole feel of those matches.

But Thiaré’s impact isn’t just about putting the ball in the net. He stretches defenses and holds up play, giving the midfielders someone dependable to link up with.

That kind of versatility has made a difference in playoff games and those nerve-wracking late-season runs when Atlanta United desperately needed points.

Key Stats (2024 Season)

Category	Value
Appearances	40
Minutes Played	1,508
Goals	8
Assists	2

If you’re a supporter, these numbers probably explain why the coaches keep putting their faith in him when it matters most. He doesn’t take over every match, but he’s there for the club when they really need some calm and a little bit of magic up front.