Atlanta United has signed Santiago Pita to a Homegrown contract for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, with club options extending through 2029. The midfielder joins from Atlanta United’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate and was previously part of the U-18 Academy team during the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season.
“Santiago is a technically savvy player who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing,” said Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “He was a standout player in his first professional season with ATL UTD 2, and we believe he can become a key contributor to our First Team as he continues to develop.”
During his time with ATL UTD 2, Pita started in ten out of twelve matches after becoming a regular starter in the latter half of the MLS NEXT Pro season. In 2025, he scored two goals and provided two assists. With the U-18 Academy team, Pita played 1,857 minutes, scoring four goals and recording four assists in the 2024-25 campaign. He also contributed one goal and one assist during the Generation adidas Cup, helping his team reach the final four.
Before joining Atlanta United’s academy system, Pita played for Weston FC under Boys Technical Director Luis Mendoza in Weston, Florida.
Pita holds eligibility to represent the United States, Venezuela, and Portugal internationally. He has appeared at youth level for both the U.S. and Venezuela national teams. For the U.S. U-18 National Team, Pita scored in the UEFA Friendship Cup final this past June and won the tournament alongside teammates Dominik Chong Qui and Kaiden Moore. After becoming eligible for selection by the U.S. U-19 National Team, he received a call-up during November’s FIFA window in 2025. Representing Venezuela’s youth national team (La Vinotinto), Pita made three appearances for their U-20 side during July’s FIFA window that year and scored once.
Santiago Pita is listed as an 18-year-old midfielder born on June 1, 2007 in Weston, Florida. He holds citizenship from three countries: United States, Venezuela, and Portugal.
As of December 10th, Atlanta United’s roster includes one goalkeeper (Jayden Hibbert), seven defenders—among them Dominik Chong Qui (on loan from Getafe) and Kaiden Moore—and twelve midfielders including Miguel Almirón and Saba Lobjanidze; Edwin Mosquera remains on loan until mid-2026 with Millonarios F.C., while Santiago Pita will be officially registered as a Homegrown Player effective January 1st next year.
The forwards group consists of five players: Luke Brennan, Ashton Gordon, Latte Lath, Jamal Thiaré, and Cayman Togashi.
