The allure of Major League Soccer (MLS) has drawn some of the brightest football stars from around the world, and Portugal has been no exception. In recent years, several Portuguese footballers have made the move to the United States to join the ranks of MLS teams. Among these are Nani, João Moutinho, and Pedro Santos, each of whom has made a unique impact on the league.
This article highlights their careers, their contributions to MLS, and how they have shaped the perception of Portuguese talent in American football.
Nani: a legacy of skill and leadership
Nani, whose full name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, made waves when he joined Orlando City SC in 2014. Prior to his MLS career, Nani had an illustrious spell at top European clubs, including Sporting CP, Manchester United, and Fenerbahçe. His move to Orlando City brought immediate recognition to the MLS, as he was not only a highly skilled winger but also a player with significant international pedigree, having played for Portugal in multiple European Championships and World Cups.
Nani’s arrival in the MLS was marked by his leadership on and off the pitch. As the captain of Orlando City SC, he led by example, displaying incredible dribbling skills, pace, and creativity, making him one of the standout players in the league during his tenure. He scored 34 goals and assisted on 26 occasions in 98 appearances, proving his worth as a key player. In 2019, he helped Orlando City reach the U.S. Open Cup final, which solidified his status as one of the league’s most talented imports.
His presence in the league not only elevated Orlando City’s profile but also highlighted the growing appeal of MLS for European stars seeking a new challenge. Nani’s ability to perform at an elevated level in the MLS showed that the league was a competitive destination for established international talent.
João Moutinho: the defender who made an immediate impact
João Moutinho, a talented Portuguese left-back (not to be confused with his famous midfield namesake!) was one of the most highly sought-after defenders in European football before joining first Akron Zips then LAFC in 2018. Moutinho’s reputation was built during his time at Sporting CP, where he displayed his defensive prowess, technical skills, and ability to contribute to the attack. His move to MLS was seen as a major boost for LAFC, as the club was looking to bolster its defence with a player of Moutinho’s calibre.
Moutinho made an immediate impact at LAFC, quickly becoming an integral part of their defensive setup, but was traded to Orlando City the following year, where he played for four years. His performances were crucial in helping the team secure the 2019 Supporters’ Shield, marking an impressive achievement in the club’s history. Moutinho’s ability to get forward and contribute to the team’s offensive play while maintaining solid defensive positioning made him one of the league’s standout defenders.
During his time at Orlando City, Moutinho teamed up with compatriot Nani, showing great composure on the ball, precise passing, and a keen sense of timing. He formed a strong partnership with fellow defenders and became one of the cornerstones of the team’s success. His presence in MLS demonstrated that Portugal continued to produce world-class defenders capable of excelling in North America’s growing football scene.
Santos the owner of the midfield
Pedro Miguel Martin Santos, commonly known as Pedro Santos, is a talented Portuguese professional footballer who has made a significant impact in Major League Soccer (MLS). Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Santos began his football career in his home country before moving to the United States to join Columbus Crew SC in 2015. His transition to MLS was marked by his skilful playmaking abilities, creativity on the ball, and leadership on the pitch, making him a standout player for the Crew. Santos quickly became a key figure in Columbus’ attack, contributing both as a winger and an attacking midfielder, known for his precision in crossing and his ability to score goals.
Throughout his time in the MLS, Pedro Santos has proven to be a consistent and reliable player. His vision and technical skills have made him an integral part of Columbus Crew SC’s offence, with many of his assists and goals playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. Santos was particularly influential during the 2020 season, helping Columbus win the MLS Cup by providing crucial performances in both the regular season and the playoffs. His versatility, work ethic, and football intelligence have solidified his place as one of the top Portuguese talents in MLS.
Off the pitch, Santos is admired for his professionalism and dedication to the sport. His work ethic has earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and fans alike, as he continues to inspire younger players with his commitment to improvement. As a leader in the Columbus Crew’s locker room, Santos played a vital role in helping to develop a formidable team culture. His experience in European football, combined with his time in MLS, has allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the team, blending the best of both worlds to achieve success in American soccer.
Santos transferred to DC United in 2023 where he has continued to display his skillset and strong mentality, clocking up 54 games for the Washington-based team to date.
The role of sports betting in MLS and Portuguese players
With the rise of sports betting in the US, MLS has seen a growing connection between fan engagement and the betting market. The introduction of legal sports betting across many states has made it easier for fans to engage with the game on a deeper level. As Portuguese footballers like Nani, João Moutinho, and Santos brought new attention to MLS, the presence of sports betting promos has only added to the excitement surrounding their performances. This industry allows fans to feel more invested in the matches and follow their favourite teams and players more closely. The growing presence of betting apps and promotions tied to the MLS means that more fans are tuning in, both to watch the games and to place wagers on outcomes. This has contributed to increased viewership, sponsorships, and overall financial growth for the league.
The influence of Portuguese players on MLS
The addition of Nani, João Moutinho and Santos to MLS not only brought talent and experience but also helped to raise the league’s profile on the international stage. These players brought a wealth of experience from top European leagues, which helped increase the credibility of MLS as a destination for quality footballers. Their presence also underscored the league’s growth and its increasing ability to attract big names.
For fans of the game, these players served as examples of the kind of talent that MLS could attract. Their performances helped highlight the league’s competitiveness, and they became role models for aspiring young players in the United States. Moreover, they each brought their own unique style of play, with Nani’s flair, Moutinho’s solid defensive work, and Santos’s football IQ, providing a blend of creativity and efficiency that added depth to the league.
The influence of these players extended beyond their on-field contributions. Their presence in MLS also led to increased exposure for the league in Portugal and other parts of Europe, where fans began to view MLS more seriously as a competitive league that could offer players a fresh start or an exciting new challenge. The reputation of MLS was further enhanced by the success of Portuguese football stars.
Conclusion
The contributions of Portuguese football stars like Nani, João Moutinho, and Santos to Major League Soccer have been immense. Their individual talents have helped elevate MLS to new heights, proving that players from top European leagues can make a significant impact in North America. Through their skill, leadership, and contributions to their teams, these players have played a key role in shaping the current landscape of MLS. As the league grows, such accomplished international players will continue to enhance its appeal.
