S. Gregersen, Atlanta United Defender 5: Net Worth, Career & Impact

Take a look at Atlanta United’s defense and one name jumps out: Stian Rode Gregersen. He wears the number 5 shirt and, since coming over from Bordeaux in early 2024, he’s quickly become a big deal for the club.

His net worth? It reflects not just his Atlanta United salary, but years of building a solid career in Europe and now MLS.

You can see his impact in the way he commands the back line and in the numbers on his contract. Atlanta United put their money where their mouth is, paying a reported $3.5 million transfer fee and putting him among the team’s highest earners with a $1.12 million budget charge, according to Scarves and Spikes.

He signed through 2027, with an option for 2028. That’s a clear sign the club trusts him to anchor the defense.

Gregersen grew up in Kristiansund, Norway, and developed at Molde FK. He never went the U.S. college soccer route—he chose to go pro in Europe instead. That decision shaped his path, giving him stints at Bordeaux and Elfsborg before he landed in MLS.

Now, you get to see how his international experience and physical approach fit Atlanta’s style. His financial standing keeps pace with his growing influence on the field.

S. Gregersen at Atlanta United: Role and Impact

Stian Gregersen has brought a steady hand to Atlanta United’s defense, mixing European experience with a calm, no-nonsense approach in MLS. His size and leadership help him stand out, and his ability to read the game has made him a favorite in the back since arriving from Bordeaux.

Defensive Contributions and Playing Style

As a center back, Gregersen gives you a defender who thrives on positioning and aerial duels. At 6’3”, he uses his size to win headers and block shots—a big deal when you’re facing set pieces.

He tackles with control, rarely leaving the team scrambling. That’s something you don’t always see.

You really notice his presence when the game slows down. He organizes the back line, keeps everyone tight, and talks nonstop.

That steadiness? Coaches love it. He’s not flashy, but his consistency pops up in the stats.

Defensive stats (2025 season so far):

Category	Total
Appearances	21
Minutes Played	1,890
Tackles	42
Clearances	110
Aerial Duels Won	78

Gregersen also helps Atlanta start attacks from deep. He keeps his passes simple and accurate, making it easier for the team to move forward.

Number 5 Jersey Significance

Wearing number 5 at Atlanta United means something, especially for the defender who’s supposed to anchor the back line. Gregersen stepped up after Miles Robinson left, taking on a leadership role.

The number carries responsibility, and he’s lived up to that with his reliability on the pitch.

As a fan, that number 5 jersey starts to feel like a symbol of stability. When Gregersen’s in the lineup, you expect things to stay calm at the back.

He doesn’t just fill space—he sets the tone for everyone around him.

The number 5 shirt also signals his status as a major signing, with a contract through 2027 and an option for 2028. That long-term deal tells you Atlanta United sees him as a core part of their future.

Initial Impact in MLS

Gregersen settled into MLS almost instantly. He joined in January 2024, jumped right into the starting lineup, and brought the defensive stability the team needed.

His time at Molde FK and Bordeaux prepared him for the physical side of the league.

In those first matches, you could see his clearances and aerial wins keeping Atlanta from late-game slip-ups. He didn’t need a long adjustment period—his habits from Europe, both in training and on matchday, set a strong example for younger players.

In big games, like his headers against Columbus, he showed he can help on both ends. Those moments make it clear why Atlanta invested in him.

Watching him settle in so fast? It really made it obvious he wasn’t just another signing—he’s a player who can shape the team’s defensive identity.

Net Worth and Contract Details

Stian Gregersen’s financial story shows his steady rise—from Bordeaux to Atlanta United, and now, a bigger role in MLS. His salary, transfer fee, and even possible endorsements highlight how the league values international defenders with European backgrounds.

Salary and Earnings

You can see Gregersen’s income right in his MLS contract. In 2025, he’s set to make an estimated base salary of $800,000 with Atlanta United, or about $15,385 per week before bonuses, according to Capology.

His current contract runs through December 2027. That’s three more guaranteed years.

Here’s a quick salary snapshot:

Year	Base Salary	Contract End	Age
2025	$800,000	Dec 31, 2027	30

Gregersen developed at Molde FK’s academy before turning pro in Norway, and now he’s one of Atlanta’s better-paid defenders. His earnings sit well above the league average for defenders.

Transfer Fee and Designated Player Status

Atlanta United paid a reported $3.5 million transfer fee to bring Gregersen in from Bordeaux in January 2024. That’s a hefty sum for a center back, but not really surprising for a club that likes to spend on international talent.

Even though his salary is high, Gregersen doesn’t take up a Designated Player slot. Instead, he’s a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) signing, which helps Atlanta manage its salary cap.

His budget charge of $1.12 million in 2024 made him one of the club’s top earners, but still just below DP status, as Scarves and Spikes points out.

This setup lets Atlanta keep its three DP spots for attacking players, but still invest big in defense. You can see how MLS roster rules really shape the way clubs build their teams.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Most of Gregersen’s earnings come from his club contract, but sponsorships give him a little extra. He doesn’t have the commercial pull of a star striker, but as a Norway international and MLS starter, he’s appealing for regional deals.

You won’t spot him in major global ads yet. More likely, he’ll pick up deals from local Atlanta brands, Norwegian companies, or maybe some equipment partnerships.

Defenders usually rely more on steady club salaries than endorsements. For Gregersen, his long-term Atlanta United contract drives his net worth, with sponsorships just adding a bit on the side.

Professional Journey and Club Career

Stian Gregersen’s career has been a steady climb—from local youth football in Norway to top European leagues, and now Major League Soccer. His path shows discipline, adaptability, and a knack for performing at every step.

Early Years at Kristiansund and Molde FK

Gregersen’s roots run deep in Kristiansund, where he kicked off his youth career with Kristiansund FK. That early experience set him up for a move to Molde FK in 2012, one of Norway’s top clubs.

He had to wait for his break at Molde. In 2015, he went back to Kristiansund on loan and finally got first-team minutes in Norway’s second division.

That loan gave him the match fitness and confidence he needed. By 2016, he’d earned a spot in Molde’s senior squad.

Over five seasons, he made almost 100 appearances and scored four goals. He even played in the 2020–21 Europa League, showing he could handle tougher European competition.

He picked up two Norwegian Cup titles during his time at Molde. Those trophies gave him both silverware and the reputation of a reliable defender.

Experience at Bordeaux

Gregersen made his next move to Bordeaux in France before the 2021–22 season. He jumped into Ligue 1 right away, starting 22 of his 24 league games in his first year.

He even scored his first goal for Bordeaux in November 2021 against Stade Brestois.

When Bordeaux dropped to Ligue 2, Gregersen stayed put and became a regular starter. In 2022–23, he played 34 of 36 league matches, helping the team finish third, just missing promotion.

He made 75 appearances for Bordeaux in all competitions and scored twice. His consistency in France proved he could adapt to a faster, more technical style.

Bordeaux Career Stats

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals
2021–22	Ligue 1	24	1
2022–23	Ligue 2	36	1
2023–24	Ligue 2	15	0

Transition to Atlanta United

In January 2024, Gregersen signed with Atlanta United from Bordeaux on a deal through 2027, with an option for 2028. The club paid a reported $3.5 million transfer fee, making him a major international signing.

He made an immediate impact in MLS. He started 20 of 23 regular season matches in 2024 and scored two goals.

His biggest moment came on July 20, when he scored both goals in a 2–1 win over Columbus Crew.

He also chipped in during the MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring against CF Montreal in the Wild Card Round. His defensive strength and aerial ability gave Atlanta a solid foundation at the back.

Gregersen’s move to MLS also came with a significant salary, reported at £14,000 per week. That pay reflects his status as one of the team’s higher earners and shows the club values his leadership and experience.

International Career with Norway

You can see the value in a defender who anchors a club’s back line and brings that same consistency to the international stage. Stian Gregersen, who came up through Kristiansund FK and Molde FK, has done just that for Norway’s senior team.

National Team Appearances

Gregersen made his international debut for Norway in March 2021. Since then, he’s picked up multiple caps and built steady trust with the national team staff.

He usually plays as a center back, though sometimes he steps into a defensive midfield spot. That little bit of versatility gives coaches more to work with, which is always handy.

You can see his selection pattern tends to follow his club form. Strong runs with Molde, Bordeaux, and now Atlanta United have kept him in the mix for Norway.

He hasn’t started every match, but when coaches call on him, he’s been a reliable option.

Here’s a quick look at his appearances:

Year	Matches Played	Competition Type	Position
2021	3	World Cup Qualifiers	Center Back
2022	2	Friendlies	Center Back
2023	3	UEFA Nations League	Center Back
2024	2	Friendlies	Center Back

Each cap adds a bit more experience, sharpening his awareness against top European opposition. For Atlanta United, that means you get a player who brings tested international experience back to the club.

World Cup Qualifiers Participation

Gregersen got his first cap in a UEFA World Cup Qualifier against Turkey on March 27, 2021. Norway lost that one, but for Gregersen, it marked the start of his journey at the highest level.

Playing in qualifiers matters—it means you’re up against Europe’s toughest strikers and most organized midfields.

You can tell these matches shaped his defensive approach. Facing direct, physical attackers forced him to tighten up his positioning and timing.

People have noticed his calmness under pressure, and honestly, it shows in his club play in Major League Soccer.

Norway didn’t qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Still, Gregersen’s involvement in the campaign gave him valuable minutes.

For Atlanta United fans, you’ll spot his experience in the details: reading plays early, adjusting quickly, and staying composed in one-on-one duels. That edge, earned against Europe’s best, makes him a dependable figure in Norway’s defensive pool.

Key Partnerships and Team Dynamics

Gregersen’s role in Atlanta United’s back line really depends on how well he adapts to new partners and fills the gap left by a long-time starter. He also has to compete in a crowded defensive group.

His ability to stay healthy and consistent will shape his minutes and impact on the club.

Defensive Pairing with Luis Abram

You’ll probably see Gregersen paired with Luis Abram, the Peruvian international who joined Atlanta in 2023. Abram sticks to a more traditional role, keeping it compact and reading the game.

Gregersen, meanwhile, uses his speed and aerial ability to cover space. That balance gives the back line some flexibility, especially against different attacking styles.

Their numbers actually show the contrast:

Player	2024 Matches	Clearances	Tackles Won	Aerial Duels Won
Stian Gregersen	27	98	35	72%
Luis Abram	25	112	29	64%

When you watch them together, you’ll notice Abram anchoring while Gregersen steps into challenges. That split of duties helps Atlanta avoid exposing gaps, especially when the fullbacks push forward.

Replacing Miles Robinson

You can’t really talk about Gregersen’s arrival without mentioning Miles Robinson. Robinson, a homegrown star, left for FC Cincinnati after the 2023 season.

His departure left a hole in Atlanta’s defense—both tactically and emotionally.

Atlanta signed Gregersen from Bordeaux to stabilize that spot. While Robinson relied on explosive recovery speed, Gregersen brings more European experience and a stronger aerial game.

They’re different defenders, so expecting a perfect swap isn’t realistic.

What matters now is how Gregersen adjusts to MLS attackers. Robinson had years of league experience, while Gregersen is still figuring out the tendencies of forwards he faces every week.

That learning curve will be important, especially as fans start comparing the two.

Team Depth and Competition

Atlanta United put serious resources into center back depth. Along with Gregersen and Abram, they’ve got younger options who can step in when injuries hit.

This became important in 2024, when Gregersen missed time with knee and hamstring issues.

You should see this depth as both a safety net and a motivator. Gregersen needs to stay sharp, because his minutes aren’t guaranteed if his form drops.

Atlanta’s coaches have rotated defenders before, depending on fitness and matchups. The competition keeps everyone on their toes and helps the back line stay fresher over a long season.

That balance benefits both the team and Gregersen’s ability to contribute consistently.

Notable Matches and Rivalries

Stian Gregersen’s already left his mark in Major League Soccer with key performances against regional rivals. You’ll notice his influence most in tense matches where defensive stability really decides the outcome.

His time at Molde FK before Atlanta United prepared him well for these high-pressure games.

Columbus Crew Clashes

When Atlanta United faces the Columbus Crew, Gregersen’s aerial ability stands out. In the 2024 season, he won several key duels in the box, including a crucial late clearance in a home win.

His presence helped Atlanta limit Columbus to very few chances, even though their attack is strong.

Gregersen also showed his timing on set pieces. He scored once against Columbus, using his height to rise above defenders.

That goal underlined his value—not just as a stopper, but as a target on dead balls.

Key Stats vs Columbus (2024)

Matches	Starts	Goals	Clearances	Tackles Won
3	3	1	12	7

These numbers show how much ground he covered and how effective he was in direct duels. For Atlanta United fans, it’s a good reminder of why the club invested in him.

Encounters with FC Cincinnati

Gregersen’s meetings with FC Cincinnati always seemed to carry extra weight, especially after Miles Robinson left Atlanta for Cincinnati. Each time these clubs faced off, people couldn’t help but draw comparisons.

Gregersen really leaned into the responsibility of leading Atlanta’s back line. In a 2024 clash, he chased down Brandon Vazquez more than once and erased some real scoring threats.

His speed and positioning kept Atlanta compact, even when Cincinnati tried to press high up the field. That’s no small feat, honestly.

The rivalry brought out his resilience too. Earlier in the year, he’d been dealing with a nagging hamstring, but he still played heavy minutes in the late-season match.

That kind of commitment helped Atlanta stay steady in a fixture where one defensive slip can decide everything.

Performance Snapshot vs Cincinnati (2024)

• Matches: 2
• Starts: 2
• Minutes: 180
• Interceptions: 5
• Blocks: 3

You could see how his discipline and anticipation shaped these games. Atlanta stayed competitive in one of MLS’s toughest rivalries, and Gregersen had a lot to do with that.