Atlanta United signed Franco Ibarra on Feb. 22, 2021 from Argentinos Juniors of the Argentine first division. Ibarra made nine starts and 16 league appearances in 2021 and made his MLS debut as a substitute against Orlando City SC on April 17. In 2022, the midfielder made 11 starts and 20 MLS appearances, recording his first MLS assist against Toronto on June 25.Â
Ibarra joined Argentinos Juniors in 2010 and progressed through the youth system before making his first team debut in December of 2019 in a league match against Estudiantes. Ibarra then broke through once play resumed in Argentina in 2020. He started five of six matches in Copa Liga Profesional group play as Argentinos Juniors finished second in its group and advanced to Fase Campeón.
Ibarra then started all five matches in the next round of the tournament, including a 1-1 draw against River Plate and a 2-2 draw against eventual tournament champions Boca Juniors. In all, he made 10 appearances, all starts, during the 2020-21 season and has made 11 total appearances for the club, in addition to being called up by Argentina’s U-20 national team.Â
2022 (Atlanta United): Started 13 of 22 appearances in all competitions. MLS: Made 11 starts and 20 appearances in MLS. Recorded first MLS assist against Toronto on June 25. U.S. Open Cup: Started both of Atlanta’s matches against Chattanooga and Nashville SC.
2021 (Atlanta United): Started 12 of his 19 appearances in all competitions. Made nine starts and 16 appearances in MLS. Made his MLS debut on April 17 as a substitute against Orlando City SC. Concacaf Champions League: Started all three of his appearances, including both legs of the Round of 16 against Alajuelense and the first leg of the quarterfinals against Philadelphia Union.
