Atlanta United’s Leandro Gonzalez Pirez finished fourth in the voting for MLS Defender of the Year.

Sporting KC's Ike Opara was named the winner on Thursday.

Gonzalez Pirez, a native of Argentina, started 32 games and scored one goal with three assists. He finished with 66 tackles and a tackle success rate of 83.5 percent. He led the league in interceptions (98).

He was part of a group that posted 13 shutouts this season.

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller