From one Southern squad to another, Leo Afonso’s MLS career is just getting started.
The winger from São Paulo, Brazil was an MLS SuperDraft pick by none other than Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson, but he wasn’t selected by the 5-Stripes. Henderson took Afonso with the 32nd pick of the 2024 draft in his previous role with Inter Miami.
The Sporting Director’s belief in Afonso’s potential motivated him to bring him to his new job with Atlanta United. The 5-Stripes acquired Afonso in a trade with Inter Miami July 27, bringing in Afonso and $225,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money in exchange for an international roster slot.
The winger hit the ground running in Atlanta, appearing for the First Team in Atlanta United’s 4-1 win over Atlas FC in Leagues Cup August 6. We got the chance to ask Afonso 17 questions to get familiar with the new 5-Stripe:
What is your earliest footballing memory?
I was five years old. I was in Brazil, and I was celebrating like my favorite player at the time after I scored a goal.
What was your path to playing soccer in the United States?
I was born in Brazil, grew up in São Paulo. [It’s a] big city. Soccer culture there is massive. That's my roots. I moved to the US in 2014 [when] I was 13 years old.
Who in the locker room have you gotten along with well in your first month or so with the squad?
Probably [Miguel] Almirón. He’s a good guy, and the fact that I can speak Spanish too creates a special bond between us.
If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be doing and why?
He laughs. I don’t know!
What are you most looking forward to doing in Atlanta?
I’ve played a couple of games here but never been out and about. I'm excited to look around more of the city and find out what's there to do.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
One thing I can't live without is coffee.
What’s one of your favorite pieces of Brazilian culture?
I’d probably say Guaraná. It’s a Brazilian soda.
When you go get breakfast at a deli, what do you order?
Bacon, egg and cheese. Plain bagel.
Do you have any prematch rituals?
I have superstitions. So, let's say I have a really good game, and I scored. I won't change my cleats, I won't change my shin guards, the shoes I walk to the stadium in. I keep everything that I did before the game, that I played well in. I keep the same way going forward.
Who’s on your prematch playlist?
It depends on the day. If I feel like I have a lot of energy, then I'll do some country music. Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan. But if I'm low in energy, I'll do Gunna, Lil Baby, Future.
Who’s your footballing idol?
I’d say Kaká.
Having played collegiately at the University of Virginia, how did you balance athletics with your classes?
It was tough, but UVA has a lot of resources that help you off the field with academics. I was able to make it happen and get my degree.
What did you learn from collegiate soccer that you might not have gotten had you stayed in Inter Miami’s academy?
It was my decision to go to college and get my degree, but I think it made me work a little harder and improve a lot of things that sometimes take players a longer time when they move straight up.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you would’ve received when you were younger?
Be more patient.
You played with one of the greatest players of all time in Lionel Messi. What did that experience impart on you?
It's pretty crazy. Still to this day, my whole time in Miami felt like a dream, playing with such big icons. But I'm excited to be here and get to work here and make a name for myself.
You’ve had a relationship with Chris Henderson since your Inter Miami days. How did he play a role in you coming here to Atlanta?
When he was in Miami, he was the one that picked me from the draft, and he helped me make the transition from the second team to the first team. I have a lot of respect for him and trust in him. [I’m] just excited to be here and excited that Chris is my boss again.
What do you want 17s to know about you?
[I’m a] good guy. I work hard. If you saw me on the street, you probably wouldn’t even know that I play soccer professionally. I'm pretty calm.
