PRONUNCIATION: LAY-OH
POSITION: Forward
BIRTHDATE: July 13, 2001
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 165 lbs.
HOMETOWN: São Paulo, Brazil
PREVIOUS TEAMS: Atlanta United FC (MLS), Atlanta United 2 (MLSNP), Inter Miami CF (MLS), Inter Miami CF II (MLSNP), University of Virginia (NCAA)
PROFILE
Afonso signed with Rhode Island FC on Jan. 8, 2026, after spending the first two years of his professional career with Major League Soccer clubs Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United FC, where he made 34 appearances across MLS and MLS Next Pro.
Before RIFC: Afonso’s professional career began in 2024, when he was selected in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft by 2024 Supporter’s Shield winners Inter Miami CF. After initially signing with the club’s MLS Next Pro reserve side for the 2024 season, the 24-year-old broke into the first team just one month into the season, making 26 appearances across both squads in his first year. The forward enjoyed a prolific season with Inter Miami CF II, scoring seven goals – including four in his first two games – and tallying one assist in seven appearances. He also made 19 appearances with the first team across all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting one. The Brazilian memorably scored his first career MLS goal in his first-ever MLS start on April 7, 2024, joining the legendary Lionel Messi on the scoresheet as the South Florida side completed a dramatic come-from-behind 2-2 tie vs. the Colorado Rapids. In July 2025, Afonso joined Atlanta United FC, making four MLS appearances and two appearances in MLS Next Pro. After spending his youth years with the academies of the Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami CF, Afonso enjoyed a standout four-year collegiate career at the University of Virginia. In four seasons, he started 46 of his 59 appearances, scoring 22 goals and adding eight assists.
