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Over the past 30 years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen countless stories unfold—stories of players, coaches, and teams that have helped shape the league into the successful entity it is today. Among the trailblazers who helped pave the way is Welton Araujo Melo, the first Brazilian to play in MLS. Known for his blistering pace and technical skill, Welton left a lasting mark on the league, helping to popularize soccer in the U.S. and inspiring future Brazilian talent to follow suit.
While Welton wasn’t the first Brazilian to play in the U.S., it's important to acknowledge the legends of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Pelé, Carlos Alberto Torres, Gerson 'Canhotinha de Ouro', Rildo, Dirceu, Tostão, Zé Maria, Jairzinho, and others, who laid the foundation for the sport in America.
Biography
Born on April 17, 1975, in Cambuci, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Welton Araujo Melo stood 6 feet tall and began his professional career at Fluminense, a prominent club from Rio. He later moved to Flamengo, another Brazilian powerhouse, and then played for América-RJ before making the move to MLS.
Accolades
Welton made history as the first Brazilian to play in Major League Soccer (MLS), a distinction that marked the beginning of a successful career. Over five years in MLS, he was named to the MLS All-Star team twice, in 1996 and 1998.
New England Revolution (1996)
Welton entered MLS as the second overall pick in the 1996 MLS Supplemental Draft, joining the New England Revolution under coach Frank Stapleton. That year, three Brazilians—Welton, Juninho, and Vagner—were drafted, but only Welton went on to achieve sustained success.
As a young and dynamic forward, Welton made an immediate impact, scoring three goals and providing six assists during the Revolution’s inaugural season. His performances earned him a spot in the first-ever MLS All-Star Game, making him the youngest player selected that year.
Despite the Revolution’s struggles, finishing last in the Eastern Conference with a 9-23 record, Welton's speed and dribbling ability stood out. Along with Alexi Lalas, he was selected for the MLS All-Star Game in 1996.
Los Angeles Galaxy (1997–1998)
After his rookie season, Welton was traded to the LA Galaxy in 1997. Playing under Octavio Zambrano, he shared the field with notable players such as Chris Armas, Ezra Hendrickson, Robin Fraser, and Greg Vanney (current LA Galaxy coach), along with legends like Jorge Campos and Cobi Jones.
In 1997, Welton flourished with the Galaxy, leading the team in scoring with 11 goals and contributing three assists. The team finished second in the Western Conference and reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs, while also finishing as runners-up in the Champions Cup.
The following year, Welton took his game to the next level, finishing among the league’s top ten in both goals (17) and assists (11). His outstanding performance earned him a second MLS All-Star selection. That season, the Galaxy won the Supporters’ Shield and topped the Western Conference, but they were eliminated in the MLS Cup Semifinals.
Welton’s partnership with Cobi Jones and Mauricio Cienfuegos made the Galaxy one of the most exciting teams in MLS. His flair, agility, and finishing ability helped LA maintain its dominant position in the league.
Miami Fusion (1999–2000)
In 1999, Welton was traded to the Miami Fusion, joining a team that also featured MLS legends like Carlos Valderrama, Jay Heaps, Pablo Mastroeni, Garth Lagerway, and Eric Wynalda.
Welton's first season in Miami was a success, as he scored eight goals and recorded seven assists, quickly becoming the third-highest goal scorer in Fusion history. Despite Miami’s playoff exit, Welton’s performances kept him a key player in the squad.
In 2000, Welton’s playing time decreased due to changes in the team’s tactics. That season, the Fusion did not make the postseason, but they did finish as runners-up in the U.S. Open Cup.
Later Career: USL and Seattle Sounders
After leaving MLS, Welton joined the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, who were playing in the USL A-League at the time. He appeared in 25 matches before returning to Brazil to play for Paraná. Welton also had a brief stint in Norwegian football before returning to the United States to play for the Seattle Sounders in the USL First Division.
With the Sounders, Welton played two seasons, appearing in 44 games and scoring 14 goals, before ending his professional career.
Legacy
Welton finished his MLS career with 43 goals and 34 assists, solidifying his place as one of the league’s early stars. His impact extended beyond statistics, as he brought a unique style to MLS. Some fans were drawn to soccer because of Welton’s “Jogo Bonito” style, a stark contrast to the less refined style of play common in the league at the time. Others found an identification with Welton, who, as a foreigner, represented the growing diversity of MLS.
Welton’s legacy as the first Brazilian to play in MLS set the stage for future Brazilian players to thrive in the league. His two MLS All-Star selections and his exciting, skillful play earned him a place as one of the standout figures of MLS's early years.
