TORONTO – Toronto FC has signed Brazilian left-back Matheus Pereira from Portuguese club Santa Clara for the 2027-28 MLS season, with a club option for the 2028-29 season.
The 25-year-old, who can also play on the wing, joined Santa Clara in July 2024 and has made a total of 49 appearances in all competitions.
Pereira will likely join Canadian international Richie Larrieu in Toronto's starting back pairing.
Laria, a former TFC designated player who earned $1.17 million last season (all figures in US dollars), can play for both teams and did everything healthy for TFC last season, also playing at wingback, center back and midfielder for Toronto.
Larya, when not playing at right-back, joined Raul Petretta and 22-year-old Kobe Franklin at left-back last season for TFC. Toronto has decided not to exercise an option on the 2026 contract on Petretta, a 28-year-old German-Italian who earned $854,750 last season, according to the MLS Players Association.
Franklin earned $135,800 in 2025.
A native of Sao Paulo, Pereira came through the youth ranks of Brazilian side Cruzeiro, making his professional debut as a 19-year-old in August 2020.
“Matheus is a competitive, attacking left back who has the versatility to also contribute further down the wing,” Toronto general manager Jason Hernandez said in a statement. “His acceleration, running ability and finishing will be important to us as we look to balance our performance on both sides of the field. We are excited to begin working with Matheus and look forward to welcoming him to our city.”
The five-foot-eight, 148-pound player has made a total of 61 appearances for Cruzeiro in all competitions and also spent time in 2022 on loan at Brazilian lower-tier side Guarani Futebol Club, where he scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances in all competitions.
Prior to his move to Santa Clara, Pereira scored five goals and provided four assists in 57 appearances for Portuguese second division club Visela after joining the club in 2022.
Pereira should not be confused with his namesake, 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder Matheus Pereira, who also plays for Cruzeiro.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2025.
