Leo Afonso, a winger from São Paulo, Brazil, has begun his Major League Soccer career with Atlanta United after being acquired from Inter Miami. The move took place on July 27, when Atlanta United traded an international roster slot to Inter Miami in exchange for Afonso and $225,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money.
Afonso was originally selected as the 32nd pick of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by Chris Henderson during his tenure at Inter Miami. When Henderson transitioned to his new role as Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director at Atlanta United, he brought Afonso along.
The Brazilian winger made his debut for Atlanta United’s First Team during their 4-1 victory over Atlas FC in the Leagues Cup on August 6.
Reflecting on his early memories of football, Afonso said: “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.”
Discussing his path to playing soccer in the United States, he explained: “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.”
Afonso mentioned that he has developed a good relationship with teammate Miguel Almirón since joining Atlanta: “Probably [Miguel] Almirón. He’s a good guy, and the fact that I can speak Spanish too creates a special bond between us.”
When asked what he would be doing if not playing professional footballer, Afonso responded with humor: “He laughs. I don’t know!”
On what he’s looking forward to experiencing in Atlanta outside of soccer matches, he said: “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.”
He also shared some personal preferences: “One thing I can’t live without is coffee.” On Brazilian culture: “I’d probably say Guaraná. It’s a Brazilian soda.” For breakfast at a deli? “Bacon, egg and cheese. Plain bagel.”
Afonso described some prematch rituals rooted in superstition: “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.”
His prematch playlist varies depending on mood: “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.”
Afonso cited Kaká as his football idol.
Recalling how he balanced athletics with academics while playing at University of Virginia (UVA), he noted: “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.” He added about collegiate soccer’s impact versus staying at 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.”
Asked about advice he wishes he’d received when younger: “Be more patient.”
Having played alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami left an impression on him: “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.”
Regarding Chris Henderson’s influence on his career moves between clubs Afonso said: “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 .”
Finally addressing fans known as “17s,” Afonso said:”[I’m]a good guy.I work hard.If you saw me on the street,you probably wouldn’t even know thatI play soccer professionally.I’m pretty calm.”
