What a year this has been for Caleb Wiley. After beginning his soccer journey with Atlanta United at just 11 years old and serving as a ball boy in the 2018 MLS Cup at the Benz against Portland, Atlanta United sold its second homegrown left-back talent overseas for a whopping $11 million (plus sell-on percentage) to Chelsea. Weeks later, Wiley was in Paris representing his country at the Olympics.
During his time in Atlanta, Wiley was a highly visible and productive player for the 2s and the first team while also being active in service to his community. At just 19-years-old, Wiley achieved and continues to achieve is the new benchmark of achievement for every young player working their way through Atlanta United’s Academy. Not only is he living the dream of all current and future academy players, he rewarded his club with the resources it can use to keep making those dreams come true.
Stats
Matches Played/Started: 21 matches started
Minutes: 1885 minutes played
Goals:Â 1
Assists: 1
What went right?
Caleb Wiley lived a lot of 19-year-olds’ dreams in 2024. Halfway into his this MLS season, Wiley passed the 5,000th minute mark and the 75th match mark as a professional in MLS, represented the United States at the Paris Olympics, and joined the Chelsea family with a loan to RC Salzbourg.
While most of soccer media was hyper-fixated on his young star teammate Thiago Almada, Wiley had a magical season of his own.
What to improve on?
Since moving to Europe, Wiley has struggled with injuries. He left the game at the halfway point of his third match with a knee injury that sidelined him for two months. After a brief return a shoulder injury shut him down for the rest of 2024. The most important thing for Wiley to do is to get healthy and keep the same mindset, drive, and tenacity that helped get him where he is today. All of the tactical and technical improvements he may need to succeed in Ligue 1 can come after that.
What role will he play in 2025?
Make us proud and keep increasing that future sell-on fee amount.
Overall Grade: A-
even in his few appearances, he already had one or two assists. really hoping he can stay healthy, for his future with both club and country. he has such a high ceiling imo.