Atlanta United FC announces 16-year-old James Donaldson as future Homegrown

ATLANTA — Atlanta United 2 announced the signing of Academy goalkeeper James Donaldson through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season. Donaldson will become a Homegrown signing effective Jan. 1, 2027.

“James has displayed tremendous growth since his arrival at the Academy, and this is another step forward for him as he continues his development,” said Atlanta United Director of Methodology Javier Peréz. “We are very excited to see another exciting Academy prospect take the next step forward in their career. We are looking forward to watching James continue on the pathway from the Academy, to the second team and on to the First Team.”

The 16-year-old joined the Atlanta United Academy from NASA Tophat in August 2021 as part of the U-13 squad. In 2025 as part of the U-16 Academy team, Donaldson had seven shutouts in his 1,966 minutes played. In the 2025 Generation adidas Cup, the Woodstock-resident was a part of the U-16 team that made it to the semifinal, defeating Minnesota United’s U-16 team and Liga MX side Club América along the way. Donaldson was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his performance. Internationally, Donaldson has represented the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team on multiple occasions. He is also eligible for England.

Player Profile
Name: James Donaldson
Position: Goalkeeper
Birthdate: March 20, 2009 (16)
Birthplace: Nashville, Tenn.
Citizenship: United States, England

Transaction: Atlanta United 2 signs James Donaldson through the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season. Donaldson will become a Homegrown signing effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Atlanta United 2 Roster (as of Sept. 2, 2025):
Goalkeeper (1): James Donaldson
Defenders (4): Ronan Wynne, Toto Majub, Salvatore Mazzaferro, Kaiden Moore*
Midfielders (5): Javier Armas, Santiago Pita, Ignacio Suarez, Moises Tablante, Adyn Torres^
Forwards (4): Ryan Carmichael, Arif Kovac, Rodrigo Neri, Patrick Weah

^Season-long loan from Atlanta United
*On loan with Philadelphia Union II