When you check out Atlanta United‘s defense, Matthew Edwards—usually just called M. Edwards—definitely stands out. He’s 22, wears number 47, and has worked his way into the MLS after coming up through the club’s academy and playing college ball at the University of North Carolina.
M. Edwards’ net worth in 2025 sits at about €450,000, and his current MLS contract pays him a base salary of $80,622 (Spotrac, Transfermarkt).
You get a player who mixes steady defending with a growing confidence on the ball. That combo makes him one of Atlanta’s more interesting young defenders.
His journey from academy hopeful to pro defender shows how MLS development paths can really shape a career, especially with a club valued near $900 million (Wikipedia).
The story isn’t just about matchdays. You can see how his UNC days molded his style, how his contract might affect his future, and how he fits into Atlanta United’s plans.
His career details, financial situation, and part in big rivalries all help you understand where M. Edwards is right now—and maybe where he’s headed next.
Who Is M. Edwards? Key Facts About Atlanta United’s Defender 47
You’re looking at a young defender who climbed through Atlanta United’s academy, sharpened his skills in college, and now owns a spot on the first team. His path shows real growth, a lot of family influence, and even a personal connection to his jersey number.
Background and Early Life
Matt Edwards, born February 16, 2003, grew up in Georgia and joined the Atlanta United Academy in 2019.
He later played at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied economics and competed in Division I soccer.
At UNC, he cared about both soccer and academics. He’s talked about how school shaped his approach to growth and discipline.
That balance helped him move up to the pro level without too much trouble.
By 2024, Edwards signed a Homegrown contract with Atlanta United. That secured his spot on the senior roster through 2025.
He made his first MLS start on February 22, 2025, against CF Montréal—over 65,000 fans watched that one at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Key Career Timeline
| Year | Team/Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Atlanta United Academy | Joined U17 squad |
| 2021-2023 | UNC Tar Heels | Played college soccer, studied economics |
| 2024 | Atlanta United 2 | Served as captain |
| 2024 | Atlanta United (MLS) | Signed Homegrown contract |
| 2025 | Atlanta United (MLS) | First team starter, right back |
Jersey Number 47: Meaning and Significance
Edwards picked number 47 for more than just looks. He said it “just looks cool,” but there’s more to it.
His grandfather was born in April 1947, so the number has a real family connection.
For a young player, jersey numbers can seem random. For Edwards, 47 shows both his style and his roots.
That mix of personal choice and family history makes the number a part of who he is at Atlanta United.
When he lines up at right back, the number stands out. It’s not common in soccer, which helps him carve out his own spot.
Athletic Family and Upbringing
Competition shaped Edwards from the start. His mom was an All-American runner at Georgia Tech, and his siblings all played college sports.
Growing up, he raced his family members all the time and claims he was the fastest.
That kind of environment built his mindset for always getting better. Whether it was sprinting against his brother or playing other sports, he developed the speed and grit that now show up in his defending.
You can spot those traits in his scouting profile: he’s defensive-minded, quick, and reliable out wide.
His athletic family background gave him both the physical tools and the drive to make it as a pro.
Career Path: From Academy to Atlanta United FC
Matt Edwards built his career one step at a time, moving up from youth soccer to the pro ranks. Every level prepared him for MLS in its own way.
Atlanta United Academy and Youth Development
You first noticed Edwards in the Atlanta United Academy back in 2019, starting with the U-17s.
Coming from Apex, North Carolina, he quickly stood out for his leadership and defensive instincts.
By the time he reached the U-19s, he wore the captain’s armband and helped guide younger players.
During that time, Edwards logged minutes with ATL UTD 2 in the USL Championship, making eight appearances in 2020.
That early taste of pro competition gave him a sense of what the next level would demand.
Before turning pro, he went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and played college soccer for the Tar Heels.
The ACC is no joke—it’s one of the toughest conferences—so he got plenty of high-level match experience.
That mix of academy training and college games set him up well for a pro contract.
Transition to Atlanta United 2
When you look at Edwards’ 2024 season with Atlanta United 2, his progress is obvious.
He became captain—pretty rare for a young defender—and was a regular starter in MLS NEXT Pro.
2024 Atlanta United 2 Stats
| Competition | Matches Played | Starts | Assists | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS NEXT Pro | 16 | 15 | 1 | Captain |
His leadership showed up more in how he organized the defense and communicated with teammates than in flashy stats.
That kind of reliability matters to fans.
This stage also toughened him up for the pro game. Facing older, more experienced players helped him get ready for the first team.
Promotion to Atlanta United FC First Team
Edwards signed a Homegrown contract with Atlanta United FC in June 2024. The deal runs through 2025 with options after that.
That was the official start of his first-team career.
He made his club debut in the U.S. Open Cup, starting against Charlotte Independence and picking up an assist in a 3-0 win.
He also played in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, showing the coaches trusted him in knockout games.
His MLS debut came on July 6, 2024, as a sub at Real Salt Lake.
The team lost, but for Edwards, just getting those minutes was a big step.
Atlanta United has started to rely on him as a backup at right back, with a chance for more minutes as he keeps improving.
The main thing for fans: Edwards moved from prospect to first-team player in under five years, proving that steady growth and leadership can open doors at the top level.
You can find more about his signing and progress on Atlanta United FC’s player profile.
MLS Journey and Professional Achievements
Matthew Edwards has built his career one step at a time, going from the University of North Carolina to a pro contract with Atlanta United.
His MLS journey shows steady progress, with consistent performances and the guidance of head coach Ronny Deila.
Performance in Major League Soccer
You see Edwards as someone who earned his MLS shot by working through the academy, college, and Atlanta United 2.
He made his MLS debut in July 2024 against Real Salt Lake, coming off the bench.
Before that, he captained Atlanta United 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, starting 15 of 16 matches and picking up an assist.
That leadership role helped smooth his transition to the first team.
Check out his early numbers:
| Competition | Matches | Starts | Assists | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS (2024) | 1 | 0 | 0 | Substitute |
| U.S. Open Cup (2024) | 3 | 2 | 1 | Starter/Sub |
| MLS NEXT Pro (2024) | 16 | 15 | 1 | Captain |
You can see his development in these minutes, moving from academy standout to pro contributor.
Notable Matches and Highlights
One of Edwards’ big moments came in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.
He started against Charlotte Independence and set up a goal in a 3-0 win. That was his first real impact with the senior team.
He also played in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, facing teams like Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven.
Those games proved he could handle the pressure of knockout soccer.
His MLS debut at Real Salt Lake wasn’t a win, but it was his first taste of league play.
For a young defender, those first minutes against MLS attackers are huge.
It’s clear the coaches trust him early in his career.
Role Under Coach Ronny Deila
With Ronny Deila in charge, Edwards fits into a system that values structure and defensive discipline.
Deila wants balance between attack and defense, and Edwards brings energy to the right back spot.
You can see Deila using him not just for depth, but as someone who can fill different roles when needed.
That versatility matters for a team playing MLS and cup matches.
Training under Deila has been important, too.
Even during international breaks with fewer players, Edwards has picked up valuable minutes in tactical drills.
How well he adapts to Deila’s style will probably shape his future role with Atlanta United.
Playing Style and Position Analysis
Matt Edwards has built his reputation on being steady and aware.
You notice it in how he reads the game, times his tackles, and shifts around the back line.
His time at UNC sharpened those skills, and Atlanta United trusts him at right back for a reason.
Defensive Skills and Attributes
Edwards’ defensive game starts with good positioning. He rarely gets caught off guard.
At 5’10” and 172 pounds, he relies on balance and timing, not just strength.
One-on-one, he closes space fast and angles attackers away from danger.
He commits to tackles only when he’s sure, and that’s why coaches trust him in tough matchups.
He racks up interceptions and clearances by reading plays early.
In 2025, he put up solid defensive stats for Atlanta United.
| Stat (2025 MLS) | Value |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 23 |
| Interceptions | 14 |
| Clearances | 41 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
Edwards also talks a lot on the field. You’ll hear him directing teammates, a habit from his Atlanta United 2 captain days.
That leadership keeps the back line organized, even under pressure.
Adaptability Across Defensive Roles
You can plug Edwards in at right back, but that’s just the start. He’s played left back and center back too, so coaches get options when they need to shuffle the lineup. This kind of flexibility matters a lot in a league where squads get stretched thin over a long season.
At right back, he jumps into both defense and transition play. He’ll chase wingers, recover on counters, and give width when the team pushes forward. During his college days at North Carolina, he even spent time in midfield. That probably explains why he’s so comfortable stepping up the field when the system calls for it.
In 2024, Atlanta United 2 needed him all over the back line. He covered for injured teammates and handled tactical changes, which gave him a crash course for MLS. He’s learned to switch roles on the fly and still play at a high level—something you don’t always see in young defenders.
Coaches point out his tactical awareness. You’ll catch him scanning the field, ready to pick up new assignments or cover central spaces. For someone so early in his pro career, it’s a solid base to build on.
Off-Field Life: Education, Interests, and Family
Matt Edwards brings more than just defensive grit to Atlanta United. His background in academics, his time at the University of North Carolina, and his interests outside soccer all show how he balances the game with personal growth and family roots.
Academic Pursuits and Economics Studies
You get the sense that Edwards cares about education as much as his soccer career. He picked economics at UNC, probably because he’s curious about how people and money move around in the world.
He’s talked about wanting to understand financial systems—not just for a future career, but for his own development. Economics gave him a way to break down decisions, which actually fits well with soccer, where split-second choices matter.
The subject gave him something outside of sports to focus on. Juggling training and coursework forced him to get serious about time management, and you can see that now in how he prepares for games. He’s clearly someone who sees value in growth beyond the field—definitely not a given for every young athlete.
| Academic Focus | Details |
|---|---|
| Major | Economics |
| University | University of North Carolina |
| Key Skills | Decision-making, time management, financial literacy |
Influence of University of North Carolina
Edwards’ time at UNC really shaped his path. Playing in the tough ACC, he learned to handle pressure while keeping up with schoolwork.
UNC gave him access to top coaches and teammates who pushed him every day. That environment prepped him for the leap into the pros with Atlanta United. He also figured out that learning isn’t just about books—it’s about leadership, adapting, and competing at a higher level.
He’s mentioned that his years in Chapel Hill taught him to stay open to growth. You can see that attitude in how he tackles every training session now, treating each one as a new shot to improve.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Off the field, Edwards keeps his routine pretty steady. Before matches, he likes to read The Confident Mind—it helps him get focused. It’s a small thing, but it shows how much he values mental prep.
Food is part of his routine too. The night before games, he goes for Chipotle—usually a burrito bowl with chicken, beans, and rice. It’s not superstition, just comfort and habit.
Music and entertainment help him unwind. He listens to rap and hip-hop playlists, though sometimes he’ll just scroll through TikTok. Growing up in a competitive family, he learned to turn everything into a contest, whether it was racing siblings or pickup games. That edge still shows up in how he plays.
For Edwards, these habits aren’t just for fun—they’re part of what keeps him locked in for training and matches.
Financial Overview: M. Edwards’ Net Worth and Contracts
Matthew Edwards, a young defender for Atlanta United, just started his journey in Major League Soccer. His finances reflect someone at the beginning of their pro career, with most income coming from his Homegrown contract and whatever the future brings. His UNC days set the stage for all of this.
Estimated Net Worth and Salary
Right now, Edwards’ net worth is pretty modest, especially compared to MLS veterans. As a Homegrown signing, he probably earns somewhere between $70,000 and $125,000 a year, which is standard for developmental contracts in the league.
You’d expect his net worth to land in the low six-figure range, mostly from salary and not much else. He’s not at the level yet where big endorsements or paydays come into play.
The league doesn’t share exact numbers, but his future earnings will depend on playing time and whether he can land better deals as he proves himself. For now, almost everything hinges on his MLS contract.
Contract Details and Club Agreements
Edwards signed a Homegrown contract with Atlanta United through 2025. The club can also pick up options for 2026 and 2027. That setup gives Atlanta United control over his development, while giving him some job security as he starts out.
Scarves and Spikes reported the deal after he impressed with Atlanta United 2, where he captained the squad in MLS Next Pro. The contract basically rewards his steady climb from UNC to the first team.
Contract Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Club | Atlanta United |
| Contract Type | Homegrown |
| Initial Term | 2025 |
| Option Years | 2026, 2027 |
| Position | Defender (No. 47) |
This contract lets Atlanta keep him as an affordable depth option, especially when injuries or international call-ups hit.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
At 21, Edwards doesn’t have the endorsement deals you see with MLS stars. Nearly all of his income comes from his club contract right now.
You won’t find national ad campaigns or big shoe deals tied to his name. Maybe he gets some minor support from local businesses or team partners, but nothing major yet.
If he nails down a starting spot with Atlanta United, that could change. For now, endorsements are more of a future possibility than a real source of income.
Key Moments and Rivalries
You watch Matthew Edwards grow by how he handles big games, not just by logging steady minutes. His UNC experience got him ready for the spotlight, and now he’s facing those moments in front of huge crowds and against local rivals.
Matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
When Edwards steps onto the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it’s a whole new level. Atlanta United’s home seats over 70,000, and the energy can be overwhelming for young defenders. Coming up through the academy and UNC, these games really test his progress.
He’s already played in front of home fans who expect sharp defending and composure. You’ll see him organize the back line, call out instructions, and keep pace with fast wingers.
Here’s a quick look at his early games in Atlanta’s main stadium:
| Season | Matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Minutes Played | Tackles | Clearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 210 | 7 | 12 |
| 2025 | 4 | 295 | 9 | 15 |
Every appearance just adds to the club’s trust in him. The stage is massive, but Edwards has shown he’s up for it.
Clashes Against Charlotte FC
Rivalry matches with Charlotte FC always feel a bit different. There’s a buzz in the stands and on the pitch that you just can’t ignore.
Edwards really comes alive in these games. He leans on his defensive instincts and adapts when things speed up.
Usually, Charlotte throws their wide players at him. He ends up in those tense one-on-one battles, reading the play and shutting down space before attackers can even think about cutting inside.
His approach? It’s physical but patient. That combo has actually kept Charlotte’s chances to a minimum more than once.
People love to track the stats in these rivalry games:
| Year | Matches vs Charlotte FC | Minutes | Tackles Won | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 180 | 6 | 4 |
| 2025 | 1 | 90 | 3 | 2 |
You can see why coaches keep turning to him for these matchups. Rivalries need players who stay calm and focused, and Edwards has given Atlanta the kind of steady performances that help them hang tough against Charlotte.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
