MARIETTA, Ga. (July 22, 2025) — Atlanta United’s newest defender, Enea Mihaj, took to the pitch for the first time at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Tuesday, eager to make an immediate impact and adapt quickly to Ronny Deila’s system ahead of the Leagues Cup and a crucial midseason stretch.
The 27-year-old Albanian international arrives from Portuguese club FC Famalicão and brings with him a reputation for leadership, defensive aggression, and sharp communication. Speaking after his first training session, Mihaj echoed the traits his new coach had praised: “I’m an aggressive defender… I can give instructions, I can help defending in the box—being tough, that’s necessary for a defender.”
Having never played in the U.S. before, Mihaj is adjusting to new surroundings, weather, and teammates. But his approach has been focused and proactive. He studied full matches prior to his arrival and even started individual workouts during his offseason to ensure readiness for the MLS grind.
Mihaj was in attendance for Atlanta’s narrow 3-2 loss to Charlotte FC last weekend and called it a “pity,” noting the quality of Atlanta’s first-half performance. He said his decision to join Atlanta was rooted in a detailed conversation with club leadership and alignment with Deila’s vision.
“I understand what he wants from the team, the way of playing,” Mihaj said of Deila. “It was attractive to me… I think it suits me.”
Sporting Director Chris Henderson, overseeing his first transfer window with the club, was instrumental in recruiting Mihaj. The Albanian becomes Atlanta’s first signing of the summer window, which officially opens July 24.
Training on Tuesday saw Mihaj blending seamlessly into the group, participating in high-intensity short-passing drills, conditioning, and tactical segments. Matt Edwards, who shared the field with Mihaj during training, quickly noted his quality and presence: “You can already tell he has something to him.”
Mihaj captained Famalicão during one of his best club seasons and has earned international caps for Albania, competing against players from top leagues across Europe—experience he says helps him learn and grow.
Though Mihaj is new, he made clear his goals are team-centered: “Football is a collective sport. We need all of us to step up.”
With Atlanta United set to face Seattle Sounders this Saturday, Deila will weigh whether Mihaj is ready for game action. For his part, Mihaj is ready when called: “The players always want to play.”
Confident and focused, Mihaj closed his first media availability with a clear mindset:
“I know what I have to do. I know what the expectations are… We’re on the right path.”
