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João Klauss: From Grêmio’s Academy to the American Game
João Klauss carries the tone and demeanor of a true journeyman — a player shaped by the road. Born in Criciúma and developed at Grêmio’s academy, the forward experienced it all before arriving in the United States: Germany, Finland, Austria, and Belgium, collecting styles, languages, and scars along the way.
“Each country has its own culture, its own way of working. At first, it’s hard, especially when you don’t speak the language. But it toughens you up. Looking back now, I can see how much it made me grow as a person and a professional,” he says.
When Lutz (Pfannenstiel) explained the project, it caught my attention right away. I arrived when the stadium was still being built, the training center too.
João Klauss
That European trek gave JK a broader understanding of football as a universal language — something that would matter deeply when a life-changing phone call came his way.
Interview with English subtitles conducted in Portuguese by Territorio MLS.
St. Louis City SC: The Call That Started a New Chapter
It was 2022. On the other end of the line was Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director of the newly formed St. Louis City SC — and a familiar face from their Hoffenheim days. The proposal: lead a brand-new project in a league on the rise.
“When Lutz explained the project, it caught my attention right away. I arrived when the stadium was still being built, the training center too. It was special — seeing everything take shape, being part of the first matches, part of the club’s story from day one.”
Today, as a Designated Player and one of the faces of the team, Klauss embodies what St. Louis City envisioned upon joining MLS: a club rooted in its community, competitive, and proudly original.
Tactics, Adaptation, and the Clash of Styles
Having played across multiple leagues, JK doesn’t sugarcoat the differences between Europe and MLS.
“MLS is a very physical league, full of transitions. Most teams play that way, and it reflects American sports culture. Here, young players arrive with a strong athletic base because of the college and physical education system. It’s a different profile than in Brazil — but a fascinating one.”
He also points out the logistical grind: time zones, long flights, and late-night kickoffs that wear players down. “Some guys never adjust. You play in California and land back home at six in the morning. By the end of the season, it catches up to you.”
2025 Season: Highs, Lows, and an Unforgettable Hat-Trick
Even in an uneven campaign for St. Louis City, Joã0 delivered historic moments — including a hat-trick against LA Galaxy, the first in club history.
“It was a special night. Even though the season didn’t go as we wanted, moments like that stay forever. I left my name in the club’s history.”
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The team’s inconsistency, worsened by coaching changes, revealed the challenges of a young club trying to find stability. “Changing managers means changing philosophy. With the new coach, we reconnected and kept a strong mindset, even out of playoff contention.”
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
At 28, Klauss has evolved into both a locker-room anchor and a civic figure. Beyond the armband, he’s committed to community projects centered on financial literacy and youth empowerment.
“Saint Louis is a sports city — passionate and tight-knit. I truly believe growth starts with young people. Financial education should be part of school. If I can inspire one kid or one teenager to take better care of their future, it’s already worth it.”
Klauss spoke with Territorio MLS regarding being an example in the community and using his platform to help young children (Territorio MLS / YouTube)
Looking Ahead to 2026
Under contract through 2025 with a club option for another year, Klauss keeps future talk grounded.
“I’m settled here. Happy. I know the city, I’ve got friends here. But that decision is up to the club. For now, it’s just waiting.” He hopes to remain with St. Louis, though his friend Lutz is no longer with the Club, having left St. Louis just 3 weeks ago, with the team still playing in 2025 but mathematically eliminated from title contention.
As for the upcoming 2026 season, his contract remains uncertain, as the club's ownership is taking proactive steps to get the recently established franchise back on track.
While his performance has been consistent, the cost associated with being a Designated Player may no longer match his profile. Nonetheless, it's clear that Klass is still a valuable player in this league. Therefore, it's not a question of if or when he will move, but rather where the prolific Italian-Brazilian striker will end up next year.
“MLS keeps growing every year. And the World Cup could be a turning point for soccer in this country. I hope we all get to experience it up close.” concluded Klauss.
