Orlando City Acquire Brazilian Defender Iago Teodoro

20-year-old center back joins on long-term deal through 2028-29 season

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:55am

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Orlando City have acquired 20-year-old Brazilian defender Iago Teodoro from Flamengo, the club announced on Saturday. Teodoro, who has one goal in five matches with Flamengo's first team and has featured extensively for their U-20 squad, will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot and is under contract through the 2028-29 season.

Why it matters

This signing is part of Orlando City's long-term strategy to build a young, talented roster through the MLS U22 Initiative. Teodoro, a former Brazil U-20 captain, represents the club's third U22 signing from Brazil this offseason as they aim to strengthen their defensive depth and continue their recent run of Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances.

The details

Iago Teodoro, a 20-year-old center back, has joined Orlando City from Brazilian Série A side Flamengo. He will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot and is under contract with Orlando through the 2028-29 season. Teodoro has one goal in five matches with Flamengo's first team and has also featured extensively for their U-20 squad. Internationally, he has three goals in 13 games with Brazil's U-20 national team and captained the Seleção at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

  • Orlando City announced the signing on February 7, 2026.
  • Iago Teodoro's contract with Orlando City runs through the 2028-29 season.

The players

Iago Teodoro

A 20-year-old Brazilian center back who has joined Orlando City from Flamengo, where he made one goal in five first-team appearances and featured extensively for their U-20 squad. He has also captained Brazil's U-20 national team.

Ricardo Moreira

The general manager and sporting director of Orlando City, who stated that Iago Teodoro's profile fits well within the club's long-term vision.

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What they’re saying

“Iago is a talented young defender with experience at one of the best youth and professional clubs in the world. He has shown a strong competitive mentality, leadership qualities beyond his years that took him to lead Brazil's U-20 squad as a captain in the latest FIFA U-20 World Cup. Iago also has an ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. We believe his profile fits well within our long‑term vision, and we're excited to bring him here in Orlando.”

— Ricardo Moreira, General Manager and Sporting Director, Orlando City (mlssoccer.com)

What’s next

Orlando City's 2026 MLS season begins on February 21 at home against Red Bull New York.

The takeaway

This signing of the 20-year-old Brazilian defender Iago Teodoro is part of Orlando City's strategic focus on building a young, talented roster through the MLS U22 Initiative, as they aim to continue their recent run of Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances.