It’s a September night in Atlanta, and 70,000+ supporters have taken over Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The crowd erupts into the instantly recognizable A-T-L chant, one of the many that have now become an Atlanta staple. Johan Camargo is among them, overwhelmed by the powerful sight.
“It’s incredible,” says Camargo of his first Atlanta United game. “The level of fandom they have – how they live by the team – it was an amazing environment. They have a gorgeous stadium. I actually felt like I was in Europe watching Barcelona or Real Madrid.”
A native of Panama City, Panama, soccer is the first sport in Camargo’s memory. His passion for the sport surpasses the type of enthusiasm that is common in Latin America, carrying a deeper meaning as the starting point of his trajectory as an athlete. It was the first sport he ever played, long before he made a name for himself as a professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves.
Signed by the Braves as a 17-year-old, Camargo debuted in the United States two years later, and had to adapt to a new culture, with new people, in a new city. Despite those challenges, Camargo quickly learned the people that now surrounded him were as passionate about sports as the people he grew up with. This powerful familiarity served as a source of comfort for him and was only heightened when Atlanta United was formed and embraced by Atlanta.
“I’ve always loved soccer – I watch it with passion,” says Camargo. “Now I have the opportunity to be here in this city playing baseball on a professional level while also having the opportunity to attend Atlanta United matches. It’s incredible – they are my first experience with soccer here in the States and it’s just beautiful.”
Josef Martinez, who frequents SunTrust Park to support his friends at the Braves, was the one who first invited Camargo to watch him and his teammates play. The two, bonded by their similar backgrounds, quickly became friends after first meeting.
Martinez comes from Venezuela – not far from Panama. They were raised around sports, fueled with a desire to compete. Now, their talent has brought them to Atlanta, where they’re motivated to succeed for a city that has grown to become home.
“He’s an excellent person,” says Camargo. “He comes to our games, so I’m grateful he gave me the opportunity to watch him and his team in return.”
Now, both Martinez and Camargo, and their respective teams, are on the verge of competing in the playoffs. United gave Atlanta a Championship trophy in 2018, and now head back to the playoffs in quest for another. Across the city, the Braves are heading into baseball’s postseason in hopes of also adding to Atlanta’s trophy cabinet.
The two will be rooting for each other, and Camargo plans to continue representing The Five Stripes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take in what he calls “a beautiful experience.”
“They bring so much excitement and joy to the city of Atlanta,” he says. “I’ve followed Barcelona since I was young, but now I wear my Atlanta United jersey.”
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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