VinÃcius Nogueira barely settled into his new locker before he found himself training alongside a World Cup winner.
Orlando City SC acquired the 24-year-old Brazilian left back on loan from Bulgarian side PFC Ludogorets on August 27, adding a versatile defender to the roster through the end of the MLS Sprint Season next May. A product of the Palmeiras academy, Nogueira arrives in Orlando after stops in Brazil, Sweden, Norway and Bulgaria, most recently helping Ludogorets win the 2025-26 Bulgarian Super Cup.
"It's been so nice," Nogueira said after training earlier this week at Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park. "Everything's good here. The staff, players, everyone gave me a really good welcome. I'm so happy."
Joining a team that already has four Portuguese speakers with Brazilian roots has helped the Saõ Paulo native integrate within the team and feel right at home with his fellow countrymen.
"For me, it's so important," he said. "I already have some guys here who are really good friends now. It helps that I don't have to speak only English, but it's also good for me. The guys are so funny."
One of those new teammates happens to be World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann, who has been on a tear since joining the Lions this summer. The French legend has quickly become someone Nogueira is leaning on early in his own transition.
"It's nice to get his experience, see how he trains, how he plays," Nogueira said. "It's really good. It's really nice to see, and I try to do the same."
Nogueira arrives in Orlando as the team is in the heart of the race for the playoffs, with the Lions looking to extend the longest active postseason streak in MLS to seven consecutive seasons. For the newest Brazilian, Nogueira sees joining the team now as opportunity to play his part in the playoff push.
"For me, it's good because I'm coming in at a really good time of the season," he said. "I think I can help the guys in the playoffs, and I think we can be in the finals. I hope."
That opportunity could come as soon as Saturday, when Orlando City travels to Subaru Park to face the Philadelphia Union. With five players called up to their respective international teams, the Lions may turn to their newest signing to help them get a crucial result on the road.
"For me, it would be so nice to make my debut," the fullback said. "I'm really anxious to do this. I'll be really happy if I can play some minutes."
On the pitch, Nogueira feels that he can provide his talents on both sides of the pitch.
"I think I can bring a lot defensively, also a lot in attack, because I'm a pressing guy, and I love to attack," he said. "I love to give assists. I love to help in the attack too."
Nogueira and the Lions will kick off in Chester on Saturday at 7:30, with the match broadcast on Apple TV.
