Steven Moreira - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Ready to anchor back line Moreira is available for Columbus Crew's MLS clash against Orlando on Saturday after completing his international duty with Cape Verde and being omitted from the club's latest inju...

Impact Moreira missed the matchup against Inter Miami while representing Cape Verde during the international break but is now ready to resume his regular starting role in central defense. The defender has been a mainstay for Columbus this season, recording 14 chances created, 19 tackles, 20 interceptions and 31 clearances across 25 MLS appearances (21 starts). Newcomer Eric Bailly provided cover during his absence but could return to a reserve role with Moreira back in the mix.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Will represent Cape Verde Moreira has been called up by Cape Verde for the two matches during the September-October international break and will therefore miss Sunday's clash against Inter Miami.

Impact Moreira has been an undisputed starter in central defense for Columbus this season, contributing 14 chance created, 19 tackles, 20 interceptions and 31 clearances in 25 MLS appearances (21 starts). He will miss the match against Inter Miami on Sunday due to the call up but should return in time to face Orlando on October 10. Newcomer Eric Bailly should be the one starting in his spot during his absence.

SEPTEMBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

One shot in Saturday's win Moreira generated one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati.

Impact Moreira made his first MLS start since his excellent World Cup run with Cape Verde, helping his club side take down their in-state rivals. He put one shot on target for just the third time this season, also creating one chance in his second straight match. He helped contain the high-powered Cincinnati attack too, winning one tackle, intercepting one pass and making one clearance. He was subbed off in the 85th minute for Malte Amundsen.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira and midfielder Max Arfsten named 2026 MLS All-Stars | Columbus Crew COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira and midfielder Max Arfsten are among the 26 players honored today as Major League Soccer un...

JULY 8 • COLUMBUSCREW.COM

Fully active during knockout game Moreira logged one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and one chance created during Cape Verde's 3-2 loss Friday to Argentina.

Impact In terms of Cape Verde's group-stage finale, Moreira barely played, logging only one minute June 27 against Saudi Arabia. Despite no wins, his country advanced to the World Cup's knockout stage, during which Cabo Verde and reigning champion Argentina would compete. Moreira was added to the Cape Verdeans' starting XI, and his biggest impact would be on their first goal via a pass to Ryan Mendes. Even though Moreira did not log an assist, Mendes did, as his received pass is how he directly contributed to Deroy Duarte's game-equalizing goal. Because of it, the matchup required extra time, for which Moreira not only played every minute but also updated his tournament's minute-high. During the World Cup, he logged seven clearances, three tackles won, two interceptions and a chance created.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Steven Moreira & Cape Verde make more World Cup history vs. Uruguay | Columbus Crew Jonathan Sigal via mlssoccer.com - Sunday, Jun 21, 2026, 08:41 PM Cape Verde are turning into the Cinderellas of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ea...

JUNE 22 • COLUMBUSCREW.COM

Three tackles in draw Moreira had three tackles (three won), two clearances and one interception in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Uruguay.

Impact Moreira got the start at right-back in Sunday's 2-2 World Cup draw against Uruguay and helped Cape Verde weather heavy pressure from a Uruguay side that finished with 17 shot attempts to Cape Verde's 15. He put in a full defensive shift as part of a back line that was breached twice before halftime but regrouped after the break to help salvage a crucial point, finishing with three tackles (three won), one interception, two blocks and two clearances. The dramatic comeback draw leaves Cape Verde needing a positive result against Saudi Arabia to punch their ticket out of Group H.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

World Cup history! Steven Moreira & Cape Verde stun Spain | Columbus Crew Jaime Uribarri via mlssoccer.com Monday, Jun 15, 2026, 02:26 PM Cape Verde delivered one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history on...

JUNE 16 • COLUMBUSCREW.COM

Plays full game Moreira registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Spain.

Impact Moreira played the full 90 minutes in Cape Verde's scoreless draw against Spain, contributing four clearances and an interception . Unlike the center-backs, who spent much of the match defending crosses and second balls, he was tasked with containing Spain's wide attackers. He brought valuable experience to Cape Verde's back line after featuring regularly in the MLS and averaging over three recoveries per game last campaign.

JUNE 16 • ROTOWIRE

Experienced right-back Moreira has been named in Cape Verde's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back throughout the competition.

Impact Moreira started 13 of his 14 MLS appearances in 2026 for Columbus Crew, contributing 12 interceptions and nine tackles in a start of the season that further underlines his status as one of the most reliable defenders in Major League Soccer after winning the MLS Defender of the Year award in 2024. The 31-year-old brings 143 MLS regular season appearances for Columbus Crew and a wealth of experience from a career that has taken him through Rennes, Lorient and Toulouse before his move to America, giving Cape Verde a trustworthy and experienced option on the right flank. Moreira heads into the World Cup as one of the most important defensive figures in the squad and a player whose experience and consistency will be crucial in what promises to be an extremely challenging group stage.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Steven Moreira ready for Cape Verde's historic World Cup journey | Columbus Crew J. Sam Jones Thursday, May 21, 2026, 12:42 PM

MAY 26 • COLUMBUSCREW.COM

Defender Steven Moreira to represent Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in North America | Columbus Crew COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira has been selected by Cape Verde Men’s National Team Head Coach Pedro Brito ‘Bubista’ for th...

MAY 18 • COLUMBUSCREW.COM

Steven Moreira & CJ Dos Santos make Cape Verde's 2026 World Cup roster | MLSSoccer.com Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira and San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos have made Cape Verde's final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA...

MAY 18 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Four shots Sunday Moreira registered four shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card i...

Impact Moreira recorded a season-high four shots Sunday, a shocking display considering he had just two in his previous five appearances this season. He put one on target and also added one chance created and one accurate cross. He was subbed off in the 83rd minute for Daniel Gazdag.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Wessam Abou Ali leads Crew over Atlanta United 3-1 for first victory of season

Wessam Abou Ali scored two goals in the first eight minutes of the second half and the Columbus Crew won for the first time this season, beating Atlanta United 3-1

APRIL 5 • Associated Press

Starting Saturday Moreira (not injury related) is in the starting lineup Saturday against Sporting Kansas City.

Impact Moreira is back in action after missing the season opener due to the loss of a family member. The defender will operate within a three-man central defense alongside Rudy Camacho and Malte Amundsen, so he could be relied on for clearances and some accurate passes if his team holds meaningful possession.

FEBRUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Back in training Moreira is back in training after missing the last match due to the loss of a family member and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City, according to B...

Impact Moreira is back in training after missing the last match against Portland and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City. The defender, who started the final 12 matches of last season, is likely to slot into the back three alongside Rudy Camacho and Malte Amundsen if he is available.

FEBRUARY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Won't be available in opener Moreira won't be available for Saturday's game against Portland on Saturday after losing a member of his family, Patrick Murphy of CBS Sports reports.

Impact Moreira is expected to be a regular for the Crew once he returns to the squad, but the club has given him all the time he needs to be with his family during this time. Moreira's next chance to feature will be against Sporting KC on Saturday, Feb. 28, but that would depend on when he's able to return stateside.

FEBRUARY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Columbus Crew exercise options for Steven Moreira, Jacen Russell-Rowe | MLSSoccer.com The Columbus Crew announced their year-end roster decisions on Wednesday, highlighted by the return of multiple key contributors ahead of th...

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Option picked up Moreira will return to Columbus in 2026 after his contract option was picked up, Columbus announced.

Impact Moreira is set to return to Columbus in 2026 after his contract option was picked up. The defender is the most important piece of the defense and is a constant contributor. Moreira made 33 appearances (32 starts) last season and topped 2,700 minutes for the third time in four seasons.

NOVEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Six crosses in playoff loss Moreira generated one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus FC Cincinnati.

Impact Moreira recorded a season-high six crosses in Saturday's Game 3, but he failed to record an accurate cross and created just one chance in the loss. He did not do much on the defensive end of the pitch, only winning two duels through his 90 minutes. He finishes the season with one goal, two assists and three clean sheets across 33 appearances (32 starts).

NOVEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Jules-Anthony Vilsaint scores for Toronto in 1-1 tie with Crew

Jules-Anthony Vilsaint scored his first goal of the season and Sean Johnson had six saves for Toronto FC in a 1-1 tie with the Columbus Crew

AUGUST 17, 2025 • Associated Press

Keeps clean sheet Sunday Moreira registered two tackles (two won), four clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union.

Impact Moreira kept his second clean sheet of the season Sunday, his first since March 2. He and his teammates held Philadelphia without even a shot on target, easily the squad's best defensive performance of the season. Individually Moreira won four duels, made four clearances, intercepted one pass and won two tackles through his full 90 minutes of action.

JULY 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starts versus Nashville Moreira (foot) is in the initial lineup for Wednesday's game versus Nashville.

Impact Moreira didn't miss any more action despite being forced off early in the previous meeting with Charlotte. The defender has yet to make more than three clearances in a single match this year but is averaging 63.9 accurate passes per contest when given at least 80 minutes on the pitch.

MAY 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Trains Tuesday Moreira (foot) is training fully after his early exit Saturday and should be an option for Wednesday's match against Nashville, according to manager Wilfried Nancy, per Brianna Mac...

Impact Moreira limped off the field Saturday but appears to have avoided any serious injury with his return to full training Tuesday. This should leave him as an option for Wednesday's contest, a quick turnaround for the defender. He is a regular starter, so this is good news, likely to return to a starting role immediately.

MAY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Wessam Abou Ali leads Crew over Atlanta United 3-1 for first victory of season

Jules-Anthony Vilsaint scores for Toronto in 1-1 tie with Crew