Will Reilly Bio
William James Reilly is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Born and raised in the metropolitan Atlanta area, Reilly came through the Atlanta United academy system before representing the club at both the developmental and senior levels. A former Stanford University standout, he returned to his hometown organization on a homegrown contract ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
Early Life and Background
William James Reilly was born on December 3, 2002, in Decatur, Georgia, in the United States. Decatur sits just east of downtown Atlanta and has long produced a deep pipeline of youth talent for the region’s soccer programs. Growing up in this environment gave Reilly early access to competitive club soccer and a clear pathway toward professional development.
He stands 1.78 m tall, a build that suits his midfield role where balance and endurance are essential. From a young age, Reilly was involved with organized soccer in Georgia, beginning with Georgia United in the youth ranks. His progression through the Atlanta United academy followed shortly after, reflecting the strong identification of local talent that has defined the club’s recruitment model since it joined Major League Soccer.
Path to Soccer
Reilly’s youth pathway began at Georgia United from 2015 to 2016, where he established the technical foundations that would later support a professional transition. In 2016, he moved into the Atlanta United academy, an environment widely regarded as one of the most productive development systems in North American soccer. The academy offered him exposure to high-level coaching, structured competition, and a clear route into the professional ranks.
His first taste of senior-level competition came in 2019, when he was called up to Atlanta United 2, the club’s affiliate in the USL Championship. The opportunity allowed Reilly to test his development against seasoned professionals while continuing to train within the broader Atlanta United structure. By the time he finished his developmental spell, he had gained meaningful minutes that prepared him for the next stage of his career.
Will Reilly Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Reilly made his professional debut on July 13, 2019, appearing as a half-time substitute for Atlanta United 2 in an 8–1 loss to New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship. Despite the heavy scoreline, the appearance marked an important milestone, signaling that the academy regarded him as ready for senior-level minutes at a young age. He continued to feature for Atlanta United 2 through the 2021 season, gaining valuable experience in a demanding professional environment.
During this developmental period, Reilly balanced club play with his youth international duty, representing the United States at the Under-17 level in 2018. The international call-up highlighted his standing among the country’s top teenage midfield prospects and reinforced his reputation as a composed, two-way player capable of contributing on both sides of the ball.
Stanford Cardinal Era (2021–2024)
In 2021, Reilly enrolled at Stanford University and joined the Stanford Cardinal men’s soccer program, one of the most respected collegiate setups in the United States. He made his collegiate debut on August 26, 2021, against the SMU Mustangs, beginning a four-year run in the NCAA ranks. The Pac-12 conference provided consistent high-level competition that helped refine his tactical awareness and physical conditioning.
Across his four seasons at Stanford, Reilly developed into a reliable central midfield option, balancing defensive responsibilities with progressive passing and box-to-box energy. The college environment offered him maturity, education, and a sustained training block before returning to the professional ranks. By the time he completed his collegiate career, he had positioned himself as a strong candidate for a professional contract back in Atlanta.
Atlanta United Era (2025–Present)
On December 20, 2024, Reilly signed a homegrown player deal with Atlanta United FC, completing a full-circle return to the organization where he grew up as a youth player. The homegrown designation reflected his years in the Atlanta United academy and signaled the club’s long-term belief in his potential. He was assigned jersey number 28 and immediately integrated into the first-team setup ahead of the new campaign.
As part of the agreement, Reilly was also listed for a loan move back to Atlanta United 2 in 2025, allowing him to continue accumulating senior minutes while adjusting to the demands of Major League Soccer. The dual registration approach is a common developmental tool for young midfielders, offering first-team exposure alongside consistent playing time at the USL Championship level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reilly operates primarily as a central midfielder, comfortable in both defensive and attacking phases of play. His 1.78 m frame supports a balanced profile, allowing him to compete in duels while remaining agile enough to contribute in tight spaces. Coaches have valued his reading of the game, composure in possession, and willingness to cover ground across the middle of the pitch.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Reilly’s most significant milestones are his professional debut for Atlanta United 2 in 2019, his selection to the United States Under-17 setup in 2018, and his collegiate debut for Stanford against SMU in 2021. His homegrown signing with Atlanta United in December 2024 stands as the defining moment of his career so far, formalizing his place within the club’s long-term plans.
Will Reilly Career Wins
As a young midfielder still in the opening phase of his professional career, Will Reilly has focused on development rather than trophy accumulation. His path through Atlanta United 2, the Stanford Cardinal program, and now Atlanta United’s first team reflects a steady upward trajectory built on consistent minutes and steady progression.
Other Wins & Performances
Reilly’s most notable performances to date include his debut appearances for Atlanta United 2, his contributions to the Stanford Cardinal men’s soccer program, and his selection to the United States Under-17 national team in 2018. These moments underscore a career built on steady advancement through elite development environments rather than headline results.
Will Reilly Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Will Reilly’s immediate family remains limited, with no widely verified details available about his parents or siblings. His upbringing in Decatur, Georgia, however, placed him at the center of a vibrant local soccer community that helped shape his early development as a midfielder.
Personal Life
Reilly is known publicly primarily through his professional profile with Atlanta United and his time at Stanford University. He has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse or children, and he continues to focus on his playing career at the Major League Soccer level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Will Reilly’s first full year as a registered member of the Atlanta United first team, following his homegrown deal signed in December 2024. Listed as a central midfielder wearing number 28, he entered preseason with the aim of establishing himself within a competitive squad chasing playoff contention.
Under the dual arrangement with Atlanta United 2, Reilly is expected to split minutes between the Major League Soccer first team and the USL Championship affiliate, a structure designed to accelerate his development through regular senior-level football. His early-season form will likely determine how quickly he carves out a consistent role at the highest level.
Long term, Atlanta United views Reilly as a potential long-term midfield solution whose academy roots align with the club’s identity. If he continues his steady progression, the 2025 campaign could serve as the foundation for a larger role in subsequent seasons.
