Brazil’s MLS Footprint Is Growing — and the 40 Players Show How the League Is Changing

On Sep 9, 2026

Brazil has always supplied talent to Major League Soccer. What has changed in 2026 is the range of players MLS clubs are recruiting.

At one end are established names such as Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro and FC Cincinnati star Evander. At the other are players like FC Dallas midfielder Kaick, Orlando City‘s Tiago and Inter Miami winger Riquelme Fillipi—young Brazilians arriving before their careers are fully defined in Europe or Brazil’s top flight.

The result is a broader Brazilian presence than MLS has typically seen: veterans brought in to lead, prime-age contributors expected to produce immediately, and younger players signed as development and resale bets. FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo FC have been especially active, but every type of MLS club is now participating in the market.

Here is the club-by-club list.

Sergio Santos — ForwardA veteran MLS forward, Santos previously played for Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, and Houston Dynamo FC. He brings experience, depth, and a proven understanding of the league.

Guilherme Biro — DefenderBiro has become a reliable option across Austin’s back line, capable of playing both left back and center back.

FC Cincinnati

Evander — Attacking midfielderOne of MLS’s elite creators, Evander joined Cincinnati after a successful spell with the Portland Timbers. He remains the benchmark for Brazilian influence in the league.

FC Dallas

Álvaro Augusto — MidfielderAugusto joined Dallas in 2025 and has split time between the first team and North Texas SC.

Daniel — GoalkeeperAfter more than 80 appearances with the San Jose Earthquakes, Daniel moved to Dallas in 2026.

Geovane Jesus — DefenderGeovane remains on Dallas’ roster as he works back from a long-term knee injury.

Kaick — MidfielderThe 20-year-old has developed into a regular starter and is one of Dallas’ most important young players.

Ramiro — MidfielderA veteran of Corinthians, Cruzeiro and Grêmio, Ramiro is Dallas’ captain in 2026.

Kaka Scabin — MidfielderThe Brazilian-born Homegrown player came through Inter Miami’s and FC Dallas’ academies before joining the first-team setup.

João Peglow — ForwardPeglow arrived after spells in Brazil, Portugal, Ukraine and Poland, adding another technical attacking option for D.C. United.

Houston Dynamo FC

Antônio Carlos — Center backAfter a previous MLS spell with Orlando City, Antônio Carlos joined Houston in 2025 and adds experience to the Dynamo defense.

Lucas Halter — Center backHalter arrived from Brazil at the start of 2026 and has become a regular part of Houston’s back line.

Artur — MidfielderOne of MLS’s most experienced Brazilian midfielders, Artur is a veteran leader and one of Houston’s captains.

Guilherme — WingerGuilherme has been Houston’s standout attacking addition in 2026. He has 12 goals and five assists in 21 league appearances.

Felipe Andrade — DefenderInitially brought in through Houston Dynamo 2, Andrade earned a permanent deal and can play across the back line.

Inter Miami CF

Casemiro — Defensive midfielderThe former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder joined Miami in the 2026 Secondary Transfer Window, adding another high-profile Brazilian international to the league.

Micael — Center backMicael returned to MLS on loan from Palmeiras after previously developing with Houston. He has become a key defender for Miami.

Riquelme Fillipi — WingerThe 19-year-old arrived from Palmeiras in September as a U22 Initiative signing and represents Miami’s investment in younger Brazilian talent.

João Klauss — ForwardAfter helping launch St. Louis CITY, Klauss moved to the Galaxy in 2026. An injury has ended his season after a productive opening stretch.

Lucas Calegari — Right backCalegari returned to the Galaxy after previous spells in MLS, Portugal and Turkey.

Igor Jesus — MidfielderIgor earned a starting role after joining LAFC in 2025, though an August injury has interrupted his second MLS season.

Thayllon Robert — WingerThe 20-year-old joined LAFC on loan from Avaí with an option to buy.

Talles Magno — ForwardAfter a loan spell with Corinthians, Talles Magno returned to NYCFC in 2026 and has alternated between starts and substitute appearances.

Thiago Martins — Center backThe NYCFC captain is one of the club’s longest-serving players and a central figure in its defense.

Raul Gustavo — Center backThe former Corinthians defender joined NYCFC in August 2025.

Luighi — ForwardLuighi arrived from Palmeiras during the 2026 summer window and has started to earn minutes, scoring twice in his first seven matches.

Orlando City

Luís Otávio — Defensive midfielderThe former Internacional midfielder has featured regularly during his first MLS season.

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