Atlanta United’s 2025 season isn’t just about new international signings or big-name transfers. It’s also about one of their own: Will Reilly, a proud product of the Atlanta United Academy and Atlanta United 2, who signed with the first team this past December.
At 22 years old, Reilly already feels like a club veteran, having climbed through the ranks of the academy and ATL UTD 2. As he steps onto the first-team stage, he remains a familiar face with fresh ambition.
To help 17s get to know Reilly, we asked him 17 questions — because 17 is more than just a number for Atlanta United:
1. If you could be a teammate or coach for a day, who would you pick and why?
“Probably Alexey Miranchuk. He’s very quiet. I’m curious what’s going on in his head.”
2. If your life depended on rapping a song word-for-word, what would you pick?
“‘Cole Summer’ by J. Cole. I’d probably die — it’s a lot of words. But I love that song.”
3. What’s your cheat meal?
“Indian food. Some butter chicken, and then ice cream. Chocolate, no sprinkles.“
4. Favorite spot in Atlanta?
“Moe’s and Joe’s — classic meet-up spot with my friends.”
5. Favorite movie or TV series of all time?
“The Office. I’ve probably watched it three times through.”
6. Who is your footballing idol?
“Stevie G — Steven Gerrard.”
7. Are you a Liverpool fan then?
“No, actually I support Crystal Palace. I picked them when I was 11 because no one could ever call me a bandwagon fan.”
8. Favorite Crystal Palace player?
“Eberechi Eze — such a player.”
9. Favorite moment as a 5-Stripe so far?
“My last match with Atlanta United 2. That sendoff meant a lot to me.”
10. Who’s been a mentor for you in the locker room?
“Derrick Williams. He’s like a fatherly presence, someone I can really learn from.”
11. If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be?
“Honestly? Maybe a researcher or professor. Something related to the brain.”
12. What’s a must-do part of your pre-match routine?
“A nap. Always. If it’s a night game, I’ll sleep for about two hours.”
13. What’s a stereotype about footballers you wish people didn’t believe?
“That we’re all wealthy. That’s a big one.”
14. What advice do you wish you’d received when you were younger?
“Stay true to yourself as a player. Don’t change too much for a coach or system. Be coachable, but stay you.”
15. What’s something you love outside of soccer?
“Learning about the brain and how it works.”
16. How does it feel to wear the 5-Stripes as a homegrown?
“Super special. But I feel like I’ve got to earn my stripes all over again. I can’t just rely on the past — it’s about what I do now.”
17. What does it mean to play for the 17s?
“Everything. The 17s are the heartbeat of this club. Being one of them and now playing for them is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Will Reilly’s Moment Has Arrived
From the academy fields to the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Will Reilly is ready to shine. A homegrown talent with a club-first mentality, he brings the kind of passion that resonates deeply with 17s everywhere.
Get ready to watch one of Atlanta’s own make his mark on the 2025 season and beyond. ⚽🔴⚫ #UniteAndConquer
