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The 18-year-old joins from América-RN after scoring five goals during a breakthrough run at the Copinha.
Atlanta United 2 Signs Brazilian Striker Caio Assis
Atlanta United 2 announced Wednesday that it has signed 18-year-old Brazilian forward Caio Assis from the América Futebol Clube U-20 team, commonly known as América-RN. His contract runs through the 2027-28 MLS NEXT Pro season with an option for 2028-29.
Assis arrives without having made a senior appearance and after only a little more than a year in América-RN’s Academy. Atlanta is betting on the production he delivered during that short period, particularly a five-goal performance at Brazil’s most prominent youth tournament.
The signing also appears to carry little upfront transfer risk for Atlanta. América-RN’s academy coordinator said the club did not receive an immediate transfer payment, but will receive 25 percent of a future transfer fee.
From Fortaleza to América-RN
Caio Assis Sales was born June 3, 2008, in Fortaleza, the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceará. He began playing at a local soccer school when he was eight years old. In an interview with Tribuna do Norte, Assis said that he later became one of the city’s standout youth players and was regarded as its leading U-15 center forward. One of his coaches contacted América-RN and helped arrange his move to the club.
Assis entered América-RN’s U-17 team in May 2025 and scored seven goals in his first eight appearances. His early production earned him a professional contract and a move to the U-20 team in August.
He scored another three goals in nine U-20 appearances across all competitions during the remainder of the year. He also helped América-RN win the Campeonato Potiguar U-20 title in October.
A Breakthrough at the Copinha
Assis attracted wider attention at the Copinha. The annual U-20 competition brings together academies from across Brazil, providing young players from smaller clubs with an opportunity to face some of the country’s leading developmental teams.
América-RN advanced to the round of 16 and matched the best Copinha finish by a club from Rio Grande do Norte. Assis scored five goals in six appearances during the run.
He scored twice in a 5-0 victory over Tanabi and added a goal against Sport in the second round. Assis scored again as América-RN defeated Mirassol 2-0 to reach the final 16, then provided the club’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to Grêmio. The five goals made Assis América-RN’s leading scorer in the history of the tournament.
His performance also provided a clearer picture of his playing style. América-RN U-20 coach Jhonatas Reis described Assis as a penalty-area finisher who combines aerial ability with speed. He has the characteristics of a goalscorer, with good finishing ability and a very strong aerial game Jhonatas Reis, América-RN U-20 coach - Tribuna do Norte, translated from Portuguese
Reis also highlighted Assis’ acceleration over the first three to five meters. That quality was visible against Mirassol when Assis attacked a cross from the left, continued pursuing the play after the ball did not reach him and reacted to the goalkeeper’s rebound. He held off the defense, turned and scored América-RN’s second goal.
The Copinha performance earned Assis an opportunity to train with the first team. He remained part of the senior squad during the season but did not make his professional debut before leaving for Atlanta.
Assis completed his América-RN career with 15 goals in 23 appearances across the U-17 and U-20 levels.
Why Atlanta Signed Him
He gives ATLUTD2 another natural center forward with a record of finishing inside the penalty area and the speed to separate from defenders over short distances.
He remains a developmental signing. Assis has not played a senior match, leaving MLS NEXT Pro as his first opportunity to show that his production against Brazilian youth teams can carry into professional soccer.
The circumstances surrounding his departure also reduced Atlanta’s upfront investment. Assis’ contract with América-RN was due to expire in January, allowing him to negotiate a pre-contract with another club.
América-RN received no immediate transfer payment but retained a 25 percent sell-on interest. I am certain this will become something very significant in the future. Tácito Pegado, América-RN Academy Coordinator - Tribuna do Norte, translated from Portuguese
Atlanta now has through at least the 2027-28 season to develop and evaluate Assis. His first challenge will be earning professional minutes with ATLUTD2 and showing that the qualities he displayed in Brazil translate to MLS NEXT Pro.