New York City FC has bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of Ghanaian-Danish forward Ato Junior Smith in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old striker, who previously played for the University of Virginia, was selected as the 78th overall pick in the third round of the annual draft.

Despite enduring a challenging college season plagued by injuries, Smith’s determination and performances caught the attention of NYCFC. Reflecting on the milestone, Smith shared his excitement and gratitude.

“I’m super grateful and honored by the opportunity,” he said. “The college season was short, and I struggled with injuries, including a sprained ligament during pre-season. After recovering, I played a few games before getting injured again. But I kept pushing, and eventually, I started to perform well, which led to this moment. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be drafted, so this feels amazing.”

Smith’s football journey began in Denmark, where he developed his skills with Fremad Amager before moving to the U.S. for collegiate soccer. As a player of Ghanaian descent, Smith remains eligible to represent the Black Stars at the international level.

For NYCFC, the young forward represents an exciting prospect as the club looks to build a competitive squad for the 2025 MLS season. Smith will aim to impress during pre-season and earn a spot in the first team.

With his talent, resilience, and versatility, Ato Junior Smith’s rise to professional football is a testament to perseverance and ambition.