On the field, Tomás Jacob is the kind of defender you probably don’t want running at you.

Physical. Aggressive. Competitive. Relentless.

Off the field?

He’s talking about mate, hanging out with his family, visiting Piedmont Park and celebrating Atlanta United wins with a cheeseburger from Shake Shack.

That contrast is exactly what makes Jacob such an interesting addition to the 5-Stripes.

The Argentine defender arrived at Atlanta United during the 2026 winter window and has quickly shown that there’s much more to his personality than the fiery competitor Atlanta fans see during matches.

Related: [Atlanta United’s latest roster moves and transfer news → INTERNAL LINK]

We sat down with Jacob for 17 questions covering his childhood in Argentina, his favorite things about Atlanta, his footballing idols, his relationship with Tata Martino and the message he has for the 17s.

This interview was conducted in Spanish and translated.

Tomás Jacob’s Argentine roots run deep

Jacob’s first football memories aren’t necessarily about scoring goals or playing in an organized match.

They’re about going to the stadium with his family.

His family comes from Felicia, Santa Fe, a small town roughly five or six hours from Buenos Aires. It’s where Jacob developed his love for football — and where he still associates some of life’s simplest moments with happiness.

Ask him where to find the best barbecue in the world and you’ll get a very confident answer.

Argentina.

Even better?

Felicia.

But for Jacob, life back home isn’t just about food or football. Some of his favorite memories come from sitting outside with his family, pulling out some chairs and sharing mate.

“That’s what I find the most fun and the loveliest thing in the world,” Jacob said.

That appreciation for the simple things has followed him across the continent.

Jacob’s favorite Atlanta escape? Piedmont Park

Since arriving in Atlanta, Jacob has found a new place where he can recreate some of those peaceful moments.

Piedmont Park.

He enjoys sitting in the park with mate, sometimes taking a seat on the stairs and looking out over the scenery.

For a player whose professional life is filled with training, travel, matches and constant competition, that quiet time appears to be valuable.

“It’s a very calm feeling,” Jacob said.

But Atlanta has also provided Jacob with another important discovery:

Shake Shack.

His favorite thing he’s done outside of football?

Eating there.

And there’s apparently a little victory tradition involved.

When Atlanta United wins, Jacob occasionally treats himself.

His order is simple:

Cheeseburger. Lettuce. Tomato.

No complicated scouting report necessary.

Community Spotlight: Finding Your Own Atlanta Escape

For Tomás Jacob, settling into Atlanta hasn’t only meant adapting to a new team and a new league. It’s also meant discovering the places and simple routines that make a city feel like home—from relaxing at Piedmont Park with a cup of mate to finding a favorite spot to grab a bite after an Atlanta United victory.

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From Liga MX to MLS, Jacob brings versatility

Jacob has already demonstrated one of his biggest strengths since joining the 5-Stripes: versatility.

The Argentine has played three different positions for Atlanta United, something he attributes to both his mentality and his physical abilities.

He believes a versatile player needs to understand what each position demands while also having the physical tools to execute those responsibilities.

His experience in Liga MX has also helped him adjust to MLS.

Jacob sees plenty of similarities between the leagues, particularly when it comes to transition-heavy soccer and the amount of space defenders can be forced to cover.

But he sees one major difference.

In MLS, many of the league’s Designated Players are attacking players, giving them the ability to significantly influence matches. Jacob said the distribution of star players feels more even in Mexico.

That experience could become particularly valuable as Atlanta continues to navigate the Eastern Conference and push toward the latter stages of the season.

Related: [Atlanta United’s 2026 MLS season: Schedule, standings and playoff race → INTERNAL LINK]

Tata Martino and Messi are among Jacob’s football idols

There’s an added layer to Jacob’s relationship with Atlanta United head coach Tata Martino.

Martino previously coached at Newell’s Old Boys, one of Jacob’s former clubs.

For Jacob, that makes Martino more than just another coach.

He’s an idol.

Jacob joked that he tries to calm himself down a little around Martino, but he also praised the Atlanta manager for being sincere and knowing exactly when to speak to players.

And if there’s one footballer who sits above everyone else on Jacob’s list of idols?

Lionel Messi.

“It was that era for me,” Jacob said.

For a young Argentine footballer, it’s hardly surprising.

But football wasn’t necessarily the only career path Jacob could have imagined.

If he weren’t a professional footballer, he’d trade stadiums for the countryside.

Horses. Cows. Open space.

That’s where Jacob says he’d rather be.

The Argentine influence inside Atlanta United

Atlanta United has a growing Argentine presence, and Jacob believes that influence can benefit the locker room.

For him, it’s about more than nationality.

It’s about bringing joy, ambition and a desire to win into the group.

“I like that because you come content to training, you go content to play to enjoy it with the guys,” Jacob said.

That attitude matters for a team trying to build consistency.

Football can be an incredibly demanding environment, and Jacob believes enjoying the process with teammates can help create a stronger group.

It’s another glimpse into the personality behind the aggressive defender.

The player who battles for every ball on Saturday can also be the guy sitting quietly in Piedmont Park with a cup of mate afterward.

What Jacob wants the 17s to know

Perhaps Jacob’s most revealing answer came when he was asked what he wants Atlanta United supporters to know about him.

His answer was simple.

Talk to him.

Jacob doesn’t want fans to feel like there’s a wall between them simply because he’s a professional footballer.

He sees himself as a humble person who is willing to help when he can.

“I don’t think I’m anybody special,” Jacob said.

For him, being a player and being a fan shouldn’t mean they can’t have a conversation.

He wants the 17s to approach him, chat with him and share some energy.

And if you’ve ever watched Jacob play, that last part probably won’t come as a surprise.

There is plenty of energy in the Argentine.

What This Means for Atlanta United

Jacob’s personality might be entertaining, but his value to Atlanta United goes beyond the fun stories.

The 2026 signing gives the 5-Stripes a defender capable of operating in multiple positions while bringing experience from both MLS and Liga MX.

His versatility gives Atlanta another tactical option, particularly in a league where defensive players can be asked to handle large spaces during transition.

But there’s also something else to appreciate.

Jacob appears to be embracing Atlanta rather than simply playing in Atlanta.

From spending time at Piedmont Park to connecting with teammates and supporters, he’s building a personal connection with the city and the club.

That matters.

Atlanta United’s strongest teams have historically been built around more than individual talent. They have relied on personalities, chemistry and a genuine connection between players and the 17s.

Jacob’s willingness to bring his personality into that relationship could make him an increasingly recognizable figure around the club.

On the pitch, Atlanta needs the aggressive defender.

Off it, the 5-Stripes might have found something even more fun:

A guy who just wants to share his energy with Atlanta.

Article Internal Links & Related Stories

• Atlanta United Roster Moves & Transfer News(Pedro Amador Transfer)
• Atlanta United Match Recaps & Latest Results
• Atlanta United 2026 MLS Season: Schedule & Playoff Race
• Latest Atlanta United News, Interviews & Analysis

Keep Up With Atlanta United

What do you think of Tomás Jacob’s personality off the pitch? Is he becoming one of your favorite 5-Stripes?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this story with another Atlanta United fan and stay connected with Atlanta Soccer News for the latest from the 17s.

Author: Quique Lopez

Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.