Atlanta United Bolsters Back Line, Signs Veteran Defender Júnior Alonso Through 2029

Atlanta United has added a proven international presence to its defense, announcing Monday the signing of Paraguayan center back Júnior Alonso through the 2028-29 season.

The 33-year-old joins the Five Stripes on a free transfer after spending the previous two seasons with Brazilian Série A side Atlético Mineiro. Alonso will occupy an international roster spot once he receives his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.

“Júnior is a hard-working defender who will help add solidity and stability to our backline,” Atlanta United Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “He’s a natural leader, reads the game very well, and brings great experience from South America and Europe at the club and international level, recently representing Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’re excited to welcome him to Atlanta.”

Alonso arrives with an accomplished résumé, having made 422 professional appearances while recording nine goals and 15 assists across competitions in Paraguay, France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Russia.

The veteran defender enjoyed his greatest success with Atlético Mineiro, where he played 240 matches across three separate stints between 2020 and 2026. During that time, he helped the club capture both the Brazilian Série A and Copa do Brasil titles in 2021 while frequently wearing the captain’s armband. He recorded four goals and seven assists during his time with the club.

Born in Asunción, Paraguay, Alonso began his professional career with Cerro Porteño in 2013. He made 32 appearances across three seasons, including 16 appearances in Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana competition.

Alonso transferred to Lille in 2017 and went on to make 52 appearances for the French club, including 46 in Ligue 1. He later spent time on loan with Spain’s Celta Vigo and Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors.

While with Boca Juniors, Alonso made 33 appearances and helped the club win the Argentine Supercopa during the 2018-19 season and a league title in 2020.

He transferred to Atlético Mineiro in July 2020 before joining Russian club FC Krasnodar in January 2022. Alonso later made 54 appearances for Krasnodar, recording one goal and three assists, before returning to Atlético Mineiro in 2024.

Internationally, Alonso has been a key player for Paraguay for more than a decade. Since making his senior debut in 2013, he has earned 76 appearances while recording three goals and three assists.

Alonso appeared in 12 World Cup qualifying matches during CONMEBOL’s most recent cycle, helping Paraguay qualify for its first FIFA World Cup since 2010. He also appeared in five matches during the 2026 tournament and helped Paraguay advance to the Round of 16.

With Atlanta United looking to strengthen its defensive unit, Alonso brings championship experience, leadership and stability to the Five Stripes’ back line.

Atlanta United returns to action following the FIFA World Cup break on Friday, July 17, 2026, when the Five Stripes travel to GEODIS Park to face Nashville SC.