Orlando City Bolsters Defense with Brazilian Signing, Iago Teodoro
Orlando City SC has officially acquired Brazilian defender Iago Teodoro from CR Flamengo, the club announced Saturday. The 20-year-old center back will join the Lions via transfer as a U22 Initiative player through the 2028-29 MLS season, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.
A Rising Star from Brazil
Iago brings a promising pedigree to Orlando, having developed through the esteemed CR Flamengo academy. He’s already made 68 appearances for Flamengo and its U-20 side, scoring 14 goals. His transition to the first team saw him feature in five matches, netting one goal. Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City’s General Manager and Sporting Director, highlighted Iago’s talent and experience, noting his background at “one of the best youth and professional clubs in the world.”
Leadership and International Experience
Beyond club success, Iago has demonstrated leadership on the international stage. He captained Brazil’s U-20 squad at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup and has three goals in 13 games with the Brazilian youth team. Moreira emphasized Iago’s “strong competitive mentality” and “leadership qualities beyond his years.”
U22 Initiative and Orlando’s Brazilian Connection
The signing utilizes the U22 Initiative, allowing Orlando to acquire promising young players without impacting their senior roster constraints. Iago is the club’s third U22 signing from Brazil this offseason, joining midfielder Luis Otávio (Internacional) and winger Tiago (Bahia). This strategic focus on Brazilian talent signals a clear direction for Orlando City’s roster building.
What In other words for Orlando City’s Future
Orlando City has consistently reached the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for six consecutive seasons. Adding a young, dynamic defender like Iago Teodoro is a strategic move to sustain that success. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, as noted by Moreira, suggests he’ll be a valuable asset in both attack and defense. The team begins its 2026 season on February 21st at home against Red Bull Fresh York.
Did you understand?
Iago won numerous trophies with Flamengo’s youth teams, including the U-17 Brazilian Championship in 2021 and the U-20 Copa Libertadores in 2023-24, where he was the Golden Boot winner with four goals.
FAQ
Q: What is the U22 Initiative?
A: The U22 Initiative allows MLS teams to sign players 22 years old or younger without having them count against the senior roster limit.
Q: How long is Iago Teodoro’s contract with Orlando City?
A: Iago’s contract extends through the 2028-29 MLS season.
Q: Where did Iago Teodoro play before joining Orlando City?
A: He played for CR Flamengo in Brazil’s Série A.
Q: What position does Iago Teodoro play?
A: He is a center back.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Iago’s performance in the early games of the season. His integration into the team will be crucial for Orlando City’s playoff aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates on Orlando City SC and the 2026 MLS season. Explore more articles on our site for in-depth coverage of your favorite teams and players!
