FC Cincinnati have acquired forward Brenner Souza da Silva, known as Brenner, as a Young Designated Player via transfer from Brazilian club São Paulo FC.
Brenner, 21, will occupy an international roster spot and be added to FC Cincinnati’s 2021 MLS roster upon the receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate when the Primary Transfer Window opens on Feb. 10.
“Brenner is an important addition to our team as we build for the upcoming year, but also into future seasons,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. “Despite his young age, he has already shown his quality on the highest level in Brazil with São Paulo and has the potential to become a top young talent in Major League Soccer. This move is a testament to the commitment of our ownership group to invest in young talents and bring winning soccer to Cincinnati.”
In just his fourth season as a professional, Brenner had been in the midst of a breakout season as a regular starter for the Tricolor. The Cuiabá, Brazil, native made 39 appearances, including 30 starts, scoring 21 goals and adding four assists across all competitions for São Paulo since the resumption of the Brazilian Championship A Series in August of 2020. Watch his highlights HERE.
The forward has made 61 career appearances, scoring 24 goals and adding four assists, across all competitions in four professional seasons in Brazil. While he has not made his senior national team debut, the young forward made 18 appearances at the U-17 level for Brazil.
“I’m very excited for this new challenge in my career, I can’t wait to score many goals at West End Stadium,” Brenner said. “OBRIGADO for this opportunity, FC Cincinnati!”
The forward’s professional career began in 2017 when he made his first-team debut for São Paulo at just 17 years old. He made four appearances for the six-time A Series champions in his first professional season – he scored his first-ever professional goal in the season finale against Sport Club Bahia on December 3, 2017.
In the following season, Brenner made seven appearances across all competitions and was consistently in the 18-man matchday roster. In the 2019 campaign, Brenner spent the season on loan with fellow A Series club Fluminense.
Internationally, Brenner featured for Brazil’s U-17s during the 2017 U-17 World Cup in India as well as the 2017 South American U-17 Championship in Chile. In total, the forward earned 18 caps and scored six goals across all competitions with Brazil’s U-17s.
FC Cincinnati 2021 Season Tickets starting as low as $20 per game will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday, February 24. Being a Season Ticket Member gives you the best opportunity to secure your place in history for our inaugural season at West End Stadium and catch new acquisition Brenner in action. For more information or to register your interest in 2021 season tickets, please visit https://www.fccincinnati.com/tickets/season-tickets.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati acquired forward Brenner as a Young Designated Player via transfer from São Paulo FC on Feb. 9, 2021.
#9 BRENNER
Full Name: Brenner Souza da Silva
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Weight: 154
Birthdate: Jan. 16. 2000
Birthplace: Cuiabá, Brazil
Hometown: Cuiabá, Brazil
Last Club: São Paulo FC (BRA)
Nationality: Brazil
MLS Roster Status: Young Designated Player, International
How Acquired: Via transfer from São Paulo FC on Feb. 9, 2021.
