A general view of BMO Field as the game presentation is displayed before Toronto FC play Nashville SC in MLS soccer action in Toronto, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
This undated handout photo shows Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira, right, in action for Portugal's CD Santa Clara. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Santa Clara C.D. (Mandatory Credit)
TORONTO - Toronto FC has signed Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from Portuguese side CD Santa Clara through the 2027-28 MLS season, with a club option for 2028-29.
The 25-year-old, who can also play on the wing, joined Santa Clara in July 2024 and went on to make a combined 49 appearances in all competitions.
Pereira will likely join 好色tv international Richie Laryea at Toronto's first-choice fullback pairing.聽
Laryea, a former TFC designated player who made $1.17 million (all figures in U.S. dollars) last season, can play both sides and did everything when healthy for TFC last season, also playing at wingback, centre back and midfielder for Toronto.聽
Laryea, when not playing on the right side, joined Raoul Petretta and 22-year-old Kobe Franklin in spending time at left back last season for TFC. Toronto opted not to exercise the 2026 contract option on Petretta, a 28-year-old German-born Italian who made $854,750 last season, according to the MLS Players Association.
Franklin earned $135,800 in 2025.
A native of S茫o Paulo, Pereira came up through the youth ranks of Brazil's Cruzeiro, making his pro debut as a 19-year-old in August 2020.聽
鈥淢atheus is a competitive, attack-minded left back who has the versatility to also contribute further up the flank,鈥 Toronto GM Jason Hernandez said in a statement. 鈥淗is acceleration, running capacity and final delivery will be important for us as we look to balance our effectiveness on both sides of the pitch. We are excited to begin working with Matheus and look forward to welcoming him to our city.鈥
The five-foot-eight 148-pounder made a combined 61 appearances across all competitions for Cruzeiro and also spent time in 2022 on loan to lower-tier Brazilian side Guarani Futebol Clube, where he had three goals and two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Prior to Santa Clara, Pereira scored five goals and added four assists in 57 appearances with Portuguese second-tier side FC Vizela after joining the club in 2022.
Pereira is not to be confused with his namesake, 29-year-old Brazilian international midfielder Matheus Pereira, who also plays for Cruzeiro.
---
This report by 好色tvwas first published Dec. 29, 2025
The 好色tv Press. All rights reserved.
Canada is entering a new era of nation-building. From clean-energy corridors and c…
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
