With exactly one month remaining before kickoff, Major League Soccer is preparing for its 31st season amid continued growth in quality, spending, and international players coming in.
American and Canadian clubs now have deeper scouting networks in Europe and South America, with Brazilian representation across the league continues to rise.
At the start of last season, MLS featured 29 Brazilian players. With the winter transfer window open, league sources expect that figure to be surpassed in 2026. One of the clearest examples is Houston Dynamo FC, which now counts six Brazilian players on its roster following the additions of forward Guilherme and center back Lucas Halter.
A Longstanding Brazilian Footprint in MLS
Brazilian players have been part of MLS since the league’s early years, long before it reached its current level of global visibility. Several pioneers built their reputations in a competition still finding its footing, leaving a lasting impact through silverware and longevity.
The first Brazilian to lift the MLS Cup was Rodrigo Faria, who won the title in 2003 with the San Jose Earthquakes, then only the eighth edition of the league’s championship match.
Since that breakthrough, 19 Brazilian players have won at least one MLS Cup.
LA Galaxy Era Dominates the List
At the top of the honors list are Juninho and Leonardo, each of whom won three MLS Cups with the LA Galaxy in 2011, 2012, and 2014. Their success coincided with one of the most dominant periods in league history and helped solidify Galaxy’s status as the competition’s most decorated club.
Midfielders Paulo Nagamura and Marcelo Sarvas follow closely behind, each capturing two MLS Cup titles across different clubs and seasons, underscoring the sustained Brazilian influence in key midfield roles.
Brazilian MLS Cup Winners
- Rodrigo Faria — 2003, San Jose Earthquakes
- Marcelo Saragosa — 2005, LA Galaxy
- Naldo — 2005, LA Galaxy
- Curt Onalfo — 2005, LA Galaxy
- Paulo Nagamura — 2005, LA Galaxy; 2013, Sporting Kansas City
- Stefani Miglioranzi — 2008, Columbus Crew
- Pablo Campos — 2009, Real Salt Lake
- Juninho — 2011, 2012, 2014, LA Galaxy
- Leonardo — 2011, 2012, 2014, LA Galaxy
- David Júnior — 2012, LA Galaxy
- Marcelo Sarvas — 2012, 2014, LA Galaxy
- Samuel Rosa — 2014, LA Galaxy
- Jeanderson — 2015, Portland Timbers
- Artur — 2020, Columbus Crew
- Talles Magno — 2021, New York City FC
- Héber — 2021, New York City FC
- Thiago Andrade — 2021, New York City FC
- Gabriel Pec — 2024, LA Galaxy
- Leo Afonso — 2025, Inter Miami
Looking Ahead
As MLS evolves, Brazilian players have established themselves as integral components of team rosters rather than mere anomalies or GM experimental signings. Their contributions span all levels of play, highlighting their growing significance within the league.
With the onset of the 2026 season and the league's expansion into new markets, we can anticipate an even greater impact from these players on the overall competitive landscape.
