ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 26, 2025) – Orlando City SC has acquired midfielder Luis Otávio from Sport Club Internacional of Série A, Brazil’s top tier, the club announced today. Otávio will join the Lions via transfer as a U22 Initiative player through 2027-28, with a club option for 2028-29, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.
“Luis is an exciting young talent that we’re proud to bring to Orlando,” said Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “At just 18 years old, he’s already shown he can compete at a high level in Brazil’s top division, and we believe his defensive qualities and composure will translate well to MLS. Signing him as part of the U22 Initiative gives us the opportunity to invest in his development while strengthening our midfield for the future. Luis is a player for the future of Orlando City.”
Otávio, 18, joined Internacional’s first team in October 2024, making his professional debut just 18 days later on Oct. 19 in a 1-0 win over Grêmio. The Brazilian defensive midfielder has made 47 appearances and scored one goal for the Porto Alegre-based club between the first team and U-20 side.
Otávio is a native of Beberibe in the state of Ceará, Brazil, and arrived in Porto Alegre after transferring from Juazeiro Empreendimentos Esportivos, a club located in Juazeiro do Norte in Ceará.
Orlando City will open its 2026 campaign in the home opener, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, on Saturday, Feb. 21, against Red Bull New York at Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV. Tickets are available here.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires midfielder Luis Otávio via transfer from Sport Club Internacional as a U22 Initiative player through 2027-28, with a Club option in 2028-29.
Luis Otávio
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Born: April 12, 2007, in Beberibe, Brazil
Citizenship: BRA
