MLS NEXT Pro announced today that Atlanta United 2 forward Arif Kovac (Ah-reef Ko-vahch) has been named the 2026 Most Valuable Player presented by adidas. The 20-year-old forward clinched the 2026 Golden Boot and was also named to the League’s Best XI after a stellar season that saw him lead the League in goals scored (20) and set the club record for most goals scored in a single season.
The Most Valuable Player presented by adidas was voted on by the Head Coaches and Chief Soccer Officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team members.
Kovac was an essential player for Atlanta United 2 in 2026, leading a high-powered offense that scored the second-most goals (62) in the regular season to help the club clinch its first-ever postseason berth in MLS NEXT Pro. His 20-goal haul secured him the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot over fellow contenders Alex Krehl (Chattanooga FC, 18 goals) and Barnabás Tanyi (CT United FC, 16 goals), setting the record for most goals by an Atlanta United 2 player in the club’s history. Kovac matched the record for the second-most goals scored in a single season in MLS NEXT Pro history, drawing level with 2025 Golden Boot winner Jason Shokalook (Chicago Fire FC II).
Kovac also provided three assists throughout the campaign; his 23 goal contributions were tied for the most in MLS NEXT Pro in 2026, alongside Kevin Gbamblé (Columbus Crew 2, 12 goals and 11 assists) and Tanyi (16 goals and seven assists).
Kovac established a productive partnership with fellow MLS NEXT Pro award winner, the 2026 Playmaker of the Year, Cameron Dunbar, to propel Atlanta United 2 to new heights in 2026. The pair’s combined 45 goal contributions, the most by a duo in MLS NEXT Pro this season, helped the club secure its most-ever wins, points, goals and assists in a single season. Atlanta finished as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference (48 points, 14-9-5), and hosted No. 7 CT United FC in the first round of the Playoffs, the Conference Quarterfinals. CT United FC pulled off a narrow upset, defeating Atlanta United 2, 1-0, on October 16.
A member of the 2026 Best XI, Kovac’s season was punctuated with individual awards before he earned Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player honors. He earned Player of Matchweek 11 honors as he provided a staggering six goal contributions (five goals, one assist) to kickstart a 6-2 comeback victory against Huntsville City FC – the performance also set a League record for most goals and goal contributions in a single match. Kovac also earned Player of the Matchweek honors for Matchweeks 19 and 21.
Kovac signed a professional contract with Atlanta United 2 ahead of the 2025 season and made three appearances with one goal in his first season with the club. Since then, the forward has started 22 of his 26 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro and played 1,910 minutes, eclipsing his previous single-season career records for appearances, minutes played, goals, and assists. Kovac made his MLS debut with Atlanta United on August 1, 2026, appearing as a substitute in a 3-2 defeat against Philadelphia Union.
Finalists for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas: Austin FC II’s Jorge Alastuey and Columbus Crew 2’s Kevin Gbamblé.
MLS NEXT Pro MVP presented by adidas Winners
2026: Arif Kovac, Atlanta United 2
2025: Sam Sarver, North Texas SC
2024: David Poreba, Chicago Fire FC II
2023: Jack Lynn, Orlando City B
2022: Jacen Russell-Rowe, Columbus Crew 2
ADDITIONAL AWARDS:
Following the conclusion of the regular season on September 20, MLS NEXT Pro announced the winners of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Year awards: Atlanta United 2 claimed both awards as Arif Kovac’s 20 goals secured the Golden Boot while Cameron Dunbar earned Playmaker of the Year honors for matching the all-time League record for assists in a single season (13). Both players appeared on the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, announced on October 8, alongside Goalkeeper of the Year Sam Joseph (POR) and Defender of the Year Jules Bery (ATX). Orlando City SC’s Justin Ellis was named the second-ever Pathway Player of the Year after impressing at all levels of the MLS player pathway and making his U.S. Men’s National Team debut during the September-October FIFA window. Austin FC II’s head coach Jason Shackell was named the Coach of the Year after leading the Texas club to the No. 1 overall seed and Frontier Division title in his first year at the helm.