# Emmanuel Latte Lath: From street football to record MLS signing

> Emmanuel Latte Lath joins Atlanta United after record-breaking loan journey.
- Title: Emmanuel Latte Lath: From street football to record MLS…
- Summary: Emmanuel Latte Lath joins Atlanta United after record-breaking loan journey. Emmanuel Latte Lath, a 27-year-old Ivorian striker, signed with Atlanta United…
- Keywords: emmanuel latte lath, atlanta united, middlesbrough, union berlin, coppa italia, mls, italian football, sports, Emmanuel, Latte, Lath, street
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqrkyl1gp4leo
- Published: 2026-10-24T07:51:35.499+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: emmanuel latte lath, atlanta united, middlesbrough, union berlin, coppa italia, mls, italian football, sports
## Latte Lath's childhood move
Emmanuel Latte Lath moved from Ivory Coast to Italy at age eight, missing his father but finding new motivation.

> I started to realise when I was on the plane and I saw people different than me, I was a bit scared
## Early football life in Africa
Latte Lath played street football with friends in Ivory Coast, enjoying freedom without pressure.

> It was just funny moments, enjoying football there, and it was quite competitive because it was almost every time finishing in some fights
## Reconnecting with father
Latte Lath reunited with his father in Italy, strengthening their relationship after initial separation.

> When I saw him, it was kind of a new life, new motivation to stay close to my father
## Academy and early success
Latte Lath joined Atalanta's academy in 2015 and scored against Juventus in his third Coppa Italia appearance.

> It's unbelievable, it's unforgettable. The emotion I had there, it's still the same when I'm thinking about it now
## Loan journey across Europe
Latte Lath had eight loans from Atalanta to clubs in Switzerland and Italy's second and third tiers.
## Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick
Latte Lath joined Middlesbrough in 2023, where Michael Carrick helped him become a top striker in England's second tier.

> I found a good coach and a good person. It gave me straight away confidence
## Atlanta United signing
Atlanta United paid £17m for Latte Lath, making him the most expensive MLS signing at the time.
## Key takeaway

Emmanuel Latte Lath, a 27-year-old Ivorian striker, signed with Atlanta United as the most expensive MLS signing at £17m after a loan journey across Europe.