Atlanta United 2 Sign Academy Midfielder David “DD” Sibrian Through 2027Atlanta United 2
- Jason Longshore
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Atlanta United 2 have continued to invest in their player pathway, announcing the signing of Academy midfielder David “DD” Sibrian through the 2027 MLS NEXT Pro season. The 16-year-old will transition to a Homegrown contract with Atlanta United FC effective July 1, 2028.
The move formalizes what has been a steady rise through the club’s development structure for the Lawrenceville native, who joined the Academy from NTH NASA in August 2021 as part of the U-13 squad.
“DD has excelled at every stage since joining our Academy, and we are excited to watch his development with Atlanta United 2,” Director of Methodology Javier Peréz said in the club’s release. “DD is another prime example of our continued growth and investment in our Player Pathway program. He showed his quality last season with ATL UTD 2. We believe he is ready to take this next step and look forward to seeing him with the second team this season.”
A Steady Climb Through the Academy
Sibrian’s 2025 campaign underlined his trajectory.
He featured prominently for the U-16 side that reached the MLS NEXT Cup final, making 25 appearances. He also played up with the U-18 group, helping that squad reach the Generation adidas Cup final four. His performances earned broader recognition as one of two Atlanta United Academy players selected to the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Team.
That willingness to challenge him at higher age groups is consistent with how the club has handled its top prospects. Sibrian’s ability to control tempo, circulate possession, and manage defensive responsibilities in midfield made him a natural candidate to bridge the gap to the professional level.
Professional Debut and First-Team Pathway
Sibrian made his professional debut on June 11, 2025, with Atlanta United 2 and finished the MLS NEXT Pro season with 12 appearances. He started 10 matches, logged 744 minutes, and completed 90 percent of his passes — strong indicators for a defensive midfielder operating in his first professional season.
The profile is clear: ball security, positional discipline, and tactical awareness. Those attributes translate well to the demands of MLS NEXT Pro and align with the club’s broader emphasis on structured buildup and controlled transitions.
Internationally, Sibrian has also begun carving out his résumé. On February 7, 2026, he debuted for El Salvador’s U-17 Men’s National Team during the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 victory over Belize as a defensive midfielder.
Another Marker for the Pathway
At 16, Sibrian represents another data point in Atlanta’s investment in its developmental ladder, Academy to MLS NEXT Pro to first team. Locking him into a deal through 2027, with a defined Homegrown conversion in 2028, provides contractual clarity and reinforces the organization’s long-term planning model.
For Atlanta United 2, it adds a familiar presence in midfield who already understands the club’s methodology. For the first team, it maintains a steady pipeline of locally developed talent capable of stepping into professional environments at an early age.
The pathway remains active. Sibrian is the latest to move forward within it.