Júnior Alonso
Atlanta UnitedLB (LWB)
Possession Builder
Feb 9, 1993 (33)
Left
6'1"
183 lb
Signs with Atlanta United
Alonso signed with Atlanta United through the 2028-29 season after joining on a free transfer from Atletico Mineiro, the club announced.
Analysis: Alonso arrives with extensive experience at both club and international level, having made more than 420 professional appearances across spells in Paraguay, France, Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Russia. The center-back recently helped Paraguay reach the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, featuring in five matches after playing a key role in qualification. The 32-year-old spent much of his career with Atletico Mineiro, where he won the Brazilian league and cup double in 2021 and frequently served as captain. Known for his leadership, defensive positioning and consistency, Alonso is expected to provide immediate stability and experience to Atlanta's back line.
Diverse output in World Cup exit
Alonso had two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to France.
Analysis: Alonso took part in several defensive actions in addition to a few long-range shots, but his team's lack of possession prevented him from producing in other aspects. The tournament is over for Paraguay, and Alonso left a decent impression in terms of defensive contribution, ending up with 11 tackles and eight clearances over five appearances (four starts).
Solid defensively versus Germany
Alonso won three of four tackles and registered one shot (one on goal), four clearances and one chance created in Monday's 1-1 (5-4) penalty shootout win against Germany.
Analysis: Alonso turned in a solid shift in the back, even though his team conceded once, posting new World Cup highs in tackles and clearances. He also attacked down the wing a few times but concluded poorly on an early chance. He has tallied multiple tackles, racking up eight (six won), and at least one clearance, accumulating seven, in his three starts, adding two crosses (zero accurate), two key passes and three blocks and contributing to one clean sheet.
Limited impact in win
Alonso generated two tackles (one won) and two clearances in Friday's 1-0 victory against Turkey.
Analysis: Alonso did not have as demanding of a task as the rest of the defense, recording seven defensive contributions in a match where Turkey held 78% possession and generated 2.17 expected goals. He still completed the full 90 minutes and was part of a defense that kept a clean sheet, marking a strong bounce-back performance after conceding four goals in their previous match. His next fixture will be against Australia, which should be competitive, but Paraguay enter as the favorite and Alonso will have another opportunity to continue his defensive form.
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