Atlanta United add Top 5 globally ranked player to eMLS team

Atlanta United is ready to take the next step into the world of eSports. The club announced today that it has signed one of the highest rated FIFA players in the world right now. Brazilian gamer Paulo Neto has joined Atlanta as their representative in eMLS.

Paulo Neto competes at FIFA’s highest level under the Playstation ID of pauloneto999 and most recently accomplished the best finish of his career. The 16-year-old gained global notoriety by making it all the way the PS4 final of FUT Champions Cup Stage II in Bucharest in November where he was narrowly defeated 1-0. He scored a eye-opening 7-1 aggregate score victory over reigning FIFA eWorld Cup Champion “MoAuba” in the quarterfinals.

With that huge result, he jumped up to fourth in the current FIFA Global Series Rankings for the PS4.

The youngster has made waves in this space since the beginning of 2019 when he made the semifinals of the FUT Champions Cup in Atlanta, losing to the eventual PS4 winner.

Paulo Neto most recently represented SPQR, a well-known eSports organization.

For Atlanta United, this signing signals an intent for more success in eMLS. Much like their real life club, the virtual counterpart dipped its toes into the water during its inaugural run in 2019. For their second effort within the league, they’re looking to make a big splash and signing one of the most in-form players in the world right now gives them a good shot at doing just that.

The eMLS season kicks off in January in Philadelphia and concludes with the eMLS Cup in Austin at SXSW in March. Here’s more info on tournament and league format and schedule.

What are your feelings on eMLS and eSports in general? Will you take more of an interest in Atlanta United’s progress if they become more competitive? Let us know below.