Will Reilly Bio
William James Reilly, known professionally as Will Reilly, is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Born on December 3, 2002, in Decatur, Georgia, Reilly rose through the youth system of Atlanta United before briefly stepping away to play collegiate soccer at Stanford University. He returned to his hometown club in late 2024 after signing a homegrown player deal, marking a significant early-career milestone for the young midfielder.
Early Life and Background
William James Reilly was born on December 3, 2002, in Decatur, Georgia, a city located just outside Atlanta. Growing up in the metropolitan Atlanta area, he was exposed to soccer at a young age and developed his skills in the local youth system. His hometown connection to Atlanta United proved pivotal, as the club’s academy became the foundation for his development as a midfielder.
Reilly progressed through Atlanta United’s youth ranks, training in a region with a strong tradition of producing professional soccer talent. The academy’s pathway from youth development to the first team offered him a clear route into the professional game. His performances at the youth level earned him opportunities to feature for Atlanta United 2, the club’s affiliate team competing in the USL Championship, while he was still a teenager.
Path to Professional Soccer
Reilly’s first taste of senior competitive soccer came on July 13, 2019, when he appeared for Atlanta United 2 as a half-time substitute in an 8–1 loss to New York Red Bulls II. At just sixteen years old, the appearance gave him valuable experience at a higher level and signaled the club’s confidence in his potential. He continued to train and develop within the Atlanta United system, balancing academy duties with reserve team football.
After his early appearances for Atlanta United 2, Reilly chose to pursue a collegiate education at Stanford University, where he joined the Stanford Cardinal men’s soccer program in 2021. He made his collegiate debut on August 26 against the SMU Mustangs, stepping into a competitive Pac-12 Conference environment. His time at Stanford allowed him to refine his midfield skills, train under a structured academic and athletic program, and mature physically before returning to the professional ranks.
Will Reilly Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Will Reilly began his senior career with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship, the developmental affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. His debut in 2019 came at a young age, providing him with a foundation in professional match play. The experience of training alongside senior professionals and competing in a demanding league helped shape his tactical awareness and passing range as a central midfielder.
Following his initial spell with Atlanta United 2, Reilly transitioned to the collegiate game at Stanford University. There, he competed in NCAA Division I men’s soccer, balancing the academic demands of one of the country’s top universities with a high-level soccer schedule. His development at Stanford broadened his understanding of the game and prepared him for the next stage of his professional journey.
Return to Atlanta United (2024–Present)
On December 20, 2024, Will Reilly signed a homegrown player deal with Atlanta United FC, officially returning to the Major League Soccer club where he began his youth career. The homegrown designation reflected his status as a product of Atlanta’s academy system and underscored the club’s long-term investment in his development. The deal positioned him as a first-team midfielder entering his prime years of growth.
Reilly’s transition back to MLS came after several years of development in both professional reserve football and the collegiate ranks. His re-entry into the Atlanta United first team represented the culmination of a structured pathway that began in the academy and continued through Atlanta United 2 and Stanford. As a local product, his signing was also a notable story for the club’s supporters in Georgia.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a midfielder, Will Reilly operates in central areas of the pitch where passing accuracy, vision, and game reading are essential. His development across academy, reserve, and collegiate environments has emphasized technical reliability and composure under pressure. Standing 178 centimeters tall, he combines a compact frame with the mobility needed to contribute across midfield duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Will Reilly’s young career was his homegrown contract with Atlanta United FC on December 20, 2024. That agreement formalized his return to Major League Soccer after his collegiate spell at Stanford and his earlier appearances for Atlanta United 2. His first appearance for Atlanta United 2 in 2019 marked his earliest entry into senior professional football.
Will Reilly Career Wins
Will Reilly’s career is still in its early stages, and verified individual win totals and statistical summaries have not been confirmed through available sources. As a developing midfielder whose professional appearances began with Atlanta United 2 and continued with Atlanta United’s first team, his on-field contributions have been measured primarily in development milestones rather than trophy hauls. Specific series win counts are not currently verifiable.
Will Reilly Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Will Reilly’s family background is limited. Available verified sources do not detail his parents or any extended family members involved in professional soccer. As he continues his career in Major League Soccer with Atlanta United, additional details about his personal background may become more widely documented.
Personal Life
Will Reilly was raised in Decatur, Georgia, and has remained connected to the Atlanta area throughout his soccer journey. Publicly available verified information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not currently available. He is known to be active on social media, where fans can follow his ongoing career developments.
2025 Season Performance
Will Reilly entered the 2025 Major League Soccer season as a member of the Atlanta United first team following his December 2024 homegrown signing. His return to MLS placed him in a competitive midfield group, where he looked to build on the development gained at Stanford and with Atlanta United 2. The 2025 campaign represents his first full MLS season as a homegrown professional.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 season, Reilly continued his adaptation to the pace and physical demands of Major League Soccer. As a young midfielder, his role within the squad focused on integration, learning from more experienced teammates, and earning consistent playing time. His progression will be a storyline to watch for Atlanta United supporters tracking the club’s young talent.
Looking ahead through the remainder of 2025, Reilly’s outlook centers on solidifying his place in the Atlanta United midfield rotation and contributing to the team’s competitive objectives. His pathway from local academy product to collegiate player at Stanford to MLS homegrown signing provides a strong foundation for continued growth. The 2025 season will be a defining year in establishing his long-term trajectory in professional soccer.