Former Brazil League Stars Among The Highest Paid in Major League Soccer | OneFootball

Brazilian-born Designated Player additions are of growing importance and magnitude for MLS.

The MLS has released its annual salary numbers for players, validating the notion Brazilians are increasingly crucial within Major League Soccer and are being paid better with more significant deals involving youth and more established players.

With the update by the MLSPA, the Major League Soccer Players Association, we begin accessing on a positional basis who are the most well-paid athletes from Brazil and how each compares statistically with the remainder of the field.

Luiz Araújo is the highest paid Brazilian in Major League Soccer  (Reproduction/Twitter, Atlanta United)

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The highest compensated athlete among Brazilians continues to be the striker Luiz Araújo from Atlanta United. With annual earnings in the region of US$ 3.94 million, Luiz leads with some room over the second Brazilian on the list, also striker Douglas Costa, from Los Angeles Galaxy. The athlete receives US$ 3 million annually. Third place goes to fellow forward Brenner, who earns $2.2 million a season at FC Cincinnati.

It is also worth noting some other names, such as Talles Magno, from New York City, who earns US$ 1.19 million per season. His clubmate, defender Thiago Martins, receives US$ 1.9 million annually. Another highlight is midfielder João Paulo from the Seattle Sounders. Out of season, due to a severe injury, the player has an annual salary of around US$1.2 million.

Check out the list of the highest salaries among Brazilian players:

1 – Luiz Araújo: US$ 3.94 million

330 minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist.

Luiz seemed to mean business and struck an admirable goal early in his 2022 debut in February to show the league his price tag was worth the top spot in the list of highest-paid MLS athletes. However, an injury sidelined him in the 25th minute, and it wasn’t until recently that Luis seemed ready to help Atlanta in their path to redemption. In the 2 games after returning from injury, Luiz has finally begun looking like himself. He went 90 minutes vs. New England and looked aggressive, trying ten shots;  He also finished with 57 touches in 90 minutes and an xG of 0.8 in 2 shots on goal —  if he remains healthy, Luiz will be an impact in this league for years to come.

2 – Douglas Costa: US$ 3 million

697 minutes, 11 MP, 2 goals, 1 assist.

Douglas Costa continues to struggle in his time with the LA Galaxy, though Greg Vanney seems to have decided to give Costa more chances in different parts of the field to get more from the former Juventus man. At least now, he seems to be finishing games for his coach and has crossed over 60 touches twice in the last three games. Offensive production is still minimal on behalf of the Galaxy: 30 Shot Creation Actions and 21 Shots in 11 matches played. However, the main issue has been his ability to find open teammates – his passing average is currently sub 80 percent, though he is second to Raheem Edwards in dribbled past: 18.

3 – Brenner: $2.2 million

364 minutes, 8 MP, 0 goals, 1 assist.

Brenner is another Brazilian player on the list whose fan base is still waiting to live up to the expectations rightfully set when he moved to Major League Soccer, directly from his Brazilian youth side. Brenner is one piece in a giant MLS franchise puzzle. He shows glimpses of a great player but is someone who could have used a few seasons in France, for example, like Luis Araujo, before moving to Major League Soccer.

4 – Thiago Martins: US$ 1.9 million

Tiago is also returning from injury but has already made his presence felt in the NYCFC defense. He joins Talles Magno and Heber to compose the most Brazilian of the MLS sides, with three quality players in the top 10.

712 minutes, 9 MP, 22 tackles + interceptions

5 – João Paulo: US$ 1.2 million

Though likely out for the remainder of the year, the Seattle veteran can now claim to be among the few Brazilians to lift the Concachamps, the first for a Major League Soccer side (alongside his teammate Leo Chu). His ridiculous goal vs. Minnesota had us all screaming Joãaaaaaaaaao! We hope JP is back on the pitch for Seattle as soon as possible.

453 minutes, 6 MP, 1 goal.

6 – Talles Magno: $1.19 million

The Magician is having an excellent season for NYCFC – he joined last year and barely played, being given time by Ronny Deila to get acclimated to the system, not to mention the league. Ever since moving into the main stage as a starter this year, Talles has shown why the champs chose to bring Talles for the amount they did. Magno already has four assists this season and two goals. NYCFC’s offense is clicking, partially given Magno’s ability to open space after the dribble. He completes over 4 Shot Creation Actions per game in 2022 and a ridiculous 0.93 Goal Creation Actions per game —  most of them after successful dribbles.

869 minutes, 11 MP, 2 goals, 4 assists

7 – Luquinhas: US$ 1.17 million

580 minutes, 10 MP, 2 goals, 2 assists.

His performances left manager Gerhard Struber speechless, saying the newest Brazilian Designated Player is on “an outstanding level” and his dribbling ability is “from a different planet.” — He’s correct!

“We integrated him very quickly and in a very good direction”, said Struber regarding Luquinhas, who’s been every team’s envy scenario for a new DP.

8 – Antonio Carlos: US$ 925k

467 minutes, 6 MP, 21 tackles + interceptions

AC was having a career year and is expected to miss two more months of a long MLS season with a high hamstring injury. However, according to the club, the Brazilian center-back will not require surgery at this time, so he should have a chance at the playoffs as Orlando looks the part.

9 – Heber: US$ 914k

187 minutes, 9 MP, 1 goal

In his second season, Heber sustained an ACL injury that kept him out for almost a year before returning to the pitch against FC Dallas this September. Since his return, the Brazilian has played eight games, recording 153 minutes and a start in the MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference final against Philadelphia Union. However, I question whether Heber will have any space to show the soccer NYCFC bought him for?

10 – Jean Mota: US$ 805k

991 minutes, 12 MP, 1 assist.

Mota signed from Brazilian top-flight club Santos FC with a contract running through 2024. Jean brings ten years of CONMEBOL experience and ambition to our team, said the Miami front office of the new midfielder. Miami tracked him for some time, as he’s a well-rounded, versatile, and brilliant player on the pitch.

Some players are not among the highest earners, but they are worth mentioning. One example is midfielder Gregore, who earns $801,000 a season at Inter Miami. Seattle Sounders striker Léo Chu receives $550,000. Alexandre Pato, from Orlando City, earns around US$ 400,000 per season.