A. Carlton

Alan Carleton grew up in Powder Springs, Georgia, and came through the Atlanta United Academy after starting out at Georgia United, joining the club as a Homegrown Player in 2016. He spent several years working through the American lower-league system, with spells at Atlanta United 2, a loan to Indy Eleven, and further moves to San Diego Loyal SC and Las Vegas Lights FC before his career found its shape at Huntsville City FC.

It was in Huntsville, Nashville SC's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, that Carleton had his breakthrough. In the 2025 season he scored 12 goals and set up six more, form that earned him a place in the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI — the first Huntsville City player to be named to that team. He also made two appearances for Nashville SC's first team in MLS, a brief taste of the top flight before his move abroad.

In December 2025 Carleton signed for Sandviken IF on a three-year contract running through the 2029 season, on an undisclosed fee. The transfer takes him from American lower-league and MLS NEXT Pro football into the Swedish Superettan.

Carleton is the younger brother of Andrew Carleton, who played for Atlanta United FC's first team. He has represented the United States at U15, U17, U18 and U20 level.