Álvaro, FC Dallas Defender #22: Player Profile, Career & Impact

You spot the number 22 patrolling the back line—tall, collected, and quietly influencing every match with a calm that’s tough to teach. That’s Álvaro Augusto, a 20-year-old Brazilian-Portuguese center-back who landed at FC Dallas in early 2025 after a stint at Portimonense S.C. Here’s a defender who mixes European discipline with a bit of Brazilian swagger, giving Dallas a pretty reliable anchor in defense.

Standing 6’3”, Álvaro uses his size and sharp timing to win headers and keep the back four organized. His journey from Portimonense’s U23s to MLS speaks to his adaptability and hunger to improve.

Before turning pro, he sharpened his skills at Union Sportive Municipale Saran Football in France. That experience really boosted his tactical awareness.

You’ll see how Álvaro fits into Dallas’s defensive plans, how he links up with veterans like Lalas Abubakar and Sebastien Ibeagha, and what his first MLS outings say about his upside. If you want details on his signing, check FC Dallas Signs Defender Álvaro Augusto.

Álvaro Augusto’s Player Profile

He’s a young defender who fuses Brazilian technique with the structure of European football. Rising from youth leagues in Brazil to a starter at FC Dallas, Álvaro’s journey shows a steady climb—built on consistency, good timing, and maturity that’s honestly surprising for his age.

Background and Early Life

Álvaro Ribeiro Augusto was born April 17, 2005, in Gramado, Brazil. His path to FC Dallas started in Brazil’s youth scene, but he soon moved to Europe to push his game further.

He joined USM Saran Football U19 in France, where he got his first taste of more structured competition.

Later, he signed with Portimonense S.C. U23 in Portugal’s Liga Revelação, clocking over 1,000 minutes in 2024. He debuted against SC Farense and then scored his first goal just a week later versus Mafra.

FC Dallas brought him in February 2025 on a three-year deal through 2027, with club options for 2028 and 2029, as confirmed by the official FC Dallas announcement. At USM Saran Football Academy, he really honed his tactical sense and defensive instincts.

Physical Attributes

At 6’3” (193 cm), you can’t miss his size. He uses it to win headers and protect the box on set pieces.

He’s right-footed, so he stays composed when passing out from the back, even with attackers pressing.

Álvaro lines up as a center-back, wearing the number 22 for FC Dallas. His frame helps him hold off strikers, and his burst lets him recover when opponents counter.

Attribute	Measurement / Detail
Height	6’3” (193 cm)
Weight	84 kg (approx.)
Preferred Foot	Right
Position	Centre-Back
Jersey Number	22
Market Value	€200,000 (Transfermarkt profile)

He brings a mix of physical presence and cool decision-making—honestly, not something you see every day in a 20-year-old.

Nationality and Eligibility

Álvaro has dual nationality—Brazilian and Portuguese. That gives him options in both domestic and international football.

He represents Brazil by birth, but his Portuguese passport means he doesn’t count as a foreign player in Europe.

This made his move to Portimonense way easier, and later, it helped FC Dallas get the deal done without a bunch of visa headaches.

He does take up an international roster slot in MLS, pending his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate, as the club’s release notes.

That dual citizenship could open up more national team chances down the line, especially if he keeps progressing in MLS.

Role as FC Dallas Defender #22

He’s a young defender with size, poise, and a knack for reading the game. When he arrived, he boosted a back line that values order and control.

His time in Europe gave him an edge you don’t often find in MLS rookies.

Position and Playing Style

Álvaro Augusto lines up as a center-back for FC Dallas. At 6’3”, he wins headers and handles set pieces with ease.

He positions himself to cut out passes, not just dive in for last-ditch tackles.

He’s confident on the ball and often starts attacks from deep. His stint with Portimonense S.C. U23 in Portugal made him comfortable under pressure.

You’ll see him stay disciplined, focusing on timing and using his body rather than going for risky slides.

When Dallas pushes up, he helps keep possession by playing short passes into midfield. His right foot gives him balance when switching play across the defense.

He’s not flashy, but his simple, efficient style fits what the team wants—structured buildup and defensive reliability.

Key Attributes Table

Attribute	Description
Height	6’3” (1.93 m)
Preferred Foot	Right
Primary Role	Center-Back
Strengths	Positioning, Aerial duels, Ball distribution
Previous Club	Portimonense S.C. (Portugal)

Jersey Number Significance

Álvaro wears #22—not a classic center-back number, right? For him, it’s a new chapter in MLS.

You might expect defenders to go for lower numbers, but these days, players often pick based on what feels right to them.

At Dallas, #22 ties him to a younger crop of defenders who value flexibility.

The club’s roster is packed with internationals, and high numbers have kind of become a quiet badge of individuality.

Wearing #22 also sets him apart from established guys like Lalas Abubakar and Sebastien Ibeagha. It gives him his own identity in the squad.

It’s just a number, but it signals he’s ready to carve out his place on the back line.

Integration into FC Dallas Squad

Álvaro arrived in February 2025, after a preseason trial in Algarve, Portugal. Dallas signed him to a three-year contract through 2027, with options out to 2029.

You can tell the club sees him as a long-term project.

He trains with the first team and gets extra minutes with North Texas SC when needed. This setup keeps him sharp and helps him adjust to the MLS tempo.

At 20, his Brazilian and Portuguese passports give him flexibility with roster rules. You’ll notice him mixing European habits with the athletic style of MLS.

That blend could make him a fixture in Dallas’s defense for years.

You can dig deeper into his signing on the FC Dallas official announcement.

Career Path and Previous Clubs

You’ll trace Álvaro Augusto’s steady rise through European youth systems before his MLS move. He picked up valuable experience in both French and Portuguese academies, shaping him into a dependable center-back for FC Dallas.

Portimonense S.C. and Liga Revelação U23

Álvaro showed maturity during his time with Portimonense S.C., a club that’s known for giving young defenders a shot. In the Liga Revelação U23, he faced skilled forwards every week, which sharpened his positioning and timing.

He joined the U23s after wrapping up studies at a sports-focused college in Brazil.

Coaches there liked his calm under pressure and how he reads the game.

Here’s a quick look at his U23 stats:

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Minutes Played
2023–24	Liga Revelação U23	18	1	1,420

Consistent playing time at this level set him up for the pro game. His performances in Portugal caught the eye of MLS scouts, which led to his move to FC Dallas in 2025.

Union Sportive Municipale Saran Football U19

Before Portugal, Álvaro spent a season with Union Sportive Municipale Saran Football U19 in France. The club played in the French youth system, where he adapted to a tougher, faster style of play.

You’d have seen him leading the back line, often directing teammates who were actually older than him.

His leadership started to show early, and coaches mentioned his communication and discipline.

He also juggled academics, continuing coursework at a partner college focused on sports management. That off-field maturity helped him later on as he turned pro.

Championnat National U19 Experience

Álvaro’s stint in the Championnat National U19 put him up against some of France’s top youth teams.

He learned to anticipate quick transitions and deal with creative attackers.

This league really sharpened his defensive awareness. Matches were intense and often came down to small tactical moments, so he had to adapt fast.

Year	League	Matches	Clean Sheets	Cards
2022–23	Championnat National U19	20	8	3

This phase built the base for his pro career. His steady growth in France and Portugal paved the way for his move to FC Dallas as a composed and reliable defender.

Transfer to FC Dallas

FC Dallas keeps investing in young international talent. Their move for Álvaro Augusto shows they’re serious about building defensive depth and staying flexible with contracts and roster spots.

Transfer Details and Contract

FC Dallas brought in Álvaro Ribeiro Augusto, a 19-year-old defender from Portimonense S.C. in Portugal, on a permanent deal in February 2025.

They signed him to a three-year contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029. That gives Dallas time to develop him and maybe even a shot at a future transfer fee.

He joined as part of the club’s plan to shore up the defense after some off-season exits. The announcement came out of Frisco, Texas, and the official news release confirmed the details.

Here’s a quick summary:

Category	Information
Full Name	Álvaro Ribeiro Augusto
Date of Birth	April 17, 2005
Nationality	Brazil, Portugal
Position	Defender (Center Back)
Height	6’3” (1.93 m)
Contract	Through 2027, club options for 2028–2029
Joined FC Dallas	February 13, 2025
Previous Club	Portimonense S.C. (Portugal)

He’s represented by DA Sport Consulting, and you can find his profile on Transfermarkt.

International Roster Slot

Álvaro holds dual citizenship with Brazil and Portugal, so he takes up an international roster slot on FC Dallas’s 2025 squad. MLS teams only get a handful of these slots, and clubs often trade them like prized commodities.

He needed a P-1 visa and an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) before FC Dallas could register him. The league and U.S. immigration officials have to sign off on every step.

FC Dallas decided to use an international slot on a young defender, which says a lot about their faith in his upside. The club now lists 33 players under contract, including 10 defenders, as detailed in their announcement.

Trial and Signing Process

Álvaro first linked up with FC Dallas at their preseason camp in Algarve, Portugal. He trained and jumped into scrimmages against European teams.

His trial went well—he impressed the coaches enough to earn a permanent move.

Before the MLS transfer, he played for Portimonense U23 in Liga Revelação. He made 14 appearances and racked up 1,008 minutes there.

Earlier, he spent time at Union Sportive Municipale Saran Football U19 in France, debuting professionally in 2023.

You can see why FC Dallas wanted someone with that kind of background. His mix of size, technical ability, and coolness on the ball just fits MLS, where clubs want defenders who can adjust fast.

Performance in Major League Soccer

You’ve probably noticed Álvaro Augusto settling in as a reliable presence for FC Dallas. His early games showed good positioning and a knack for reading the play.

The match stats and ratings confirm he’s picking up the league’s speed and physicality quickly.

MLS Debut and Appearances

Álvaro’s first MLS appearance came in early 2025, not long after he joined up in February. At just 20, the former São Paulo youth player played with a poise that’s rare for his age.

With every game, you could see his confidence growing.

He’s become a regular starter, wearing number 22. Standing 1.93 meters tall, he dominates in the air, especially when Dallas has a corner.

Transfermarkt lists his contract through December 2027, so the club clearly sees him as a long-term piece.

Álvaro’s played both home and away, dealing with travel and fixture pile-ups without much fuss. His passing from the back has helped Dallas stay organized, even when teams press high.

Key Statistics and Match Highlights

Álvaro’s numbers back up his reputation. He’s consistently earned solid match ratings, like a 7.7 in a 3–0 win over St. Louis City (Sofascore).

He wins duels, keeps mistakes to a minimum, and steps up in big moments.

Here’s a quick look at some 2025 stats:

Category	Statistic	Notes
Appearances	22	Regular starter
Goals	1	Header from corner
Tackles per match	2.3	Reliable defensive work
Aerial duels won	70%	Uses height effectively
Passing accuracy	88%	Composed under pressure

He reads the game well and doesn’t get caught out of position. Teammates can press higher because they trust him to cover behind.

His timing just keeps getting sharper every week.

Schedule and Season Overview

The 2025 MLS season has pushed every player, but Álvaro has handled the grind with steady form. FC Dallas has gone up against Western Conference rivals and teams from the East, giving him a taste of all kinds of attackers.

He’s adapted fast, juggling recovery and prep between games. The FC Dallas schedule shows just how often he’s been in the starting lineup.

He’s even managed to stay sharp through international breaks and tournament stretches. That’s made him a go-to option for the coaching staff.

Teammates and Defensive Partnerships

You can tell Álvaro Augusto’s calm approach fits well with the mix of defenders around him. His communication and timing help FC Dallas adjust their back line to whatever the game throws at them.

Collaboration with Shaq Moore

When Álvaro lines up next to Shaq Moore, their teamwork on the right side makes it tough for opponents to find space. Moore’s speed and overlapping runs let Álvaro stay central, ready to step in or clear danger.

They both process transitions quickly. Moore pushes upfield, and Álvaro shifts across to close off gaps.

That spacing really helps keep the defense organized.

Moore’s U.S. national team experience and his college days at Furman University show in the way he handles pressure. Álvaro definitely trusts Moore to recover when Dallas goes on the attack.

Key Synergy Points:

• Moore pushes forward to stretch the field.
• Álvaro adjusts to protect the center.
• They’re always talking to keep counterattacks in check.

Pairing with Sebastien Ibeagha

When Sebastien Ibeagha partners with Álvaro, you get a steady duo that knows the league’s tempo. Ibeagha, out of Duke University, organizes the defense and gives Álvaro the freedom to focus on timing challenges and winning headers.

They balance each other out. Ibeagha tracks runs, while Álvaro steps up for the first challenge.

That rhythm helps keep things calm in the box.

When Dallas is under pressure, Ibeagha’s experience settles the group. Álvaro seems more assured when Ibeagha is calling out instructions, especially during set pieces.

Player	Position	Clearances/Game	Passing Accuracy (%)	Aerial Duels Won/Game
Álvaro Augusto	Center Back	5.2	86	3.1
Sebastien Ibeagha	Center Back	4.8	84	2.9

Defensive Unit: Lalas Abubakar and Others

When Lalas Abubakar joins the lineup, Dallas gets a more physical, aggressive look. Abubakar’s strength and aerial skills let Álvaro focus on reading the game and distributing the ball.

Abubakar, who played at University of Dayton, thrives in duels and clears danger without second-guessing.

Osaze Urhoghide rotates in for speed and recovery, which is useful against teams that love quick breaks.

Marco Farfan and Geovane Jesus add width and help balance things out. Farfan often tucks in to support the center, while Geovane pushes forward to join the attack.

This group gives Dallas different defensive looks without losing their shape.

The coaches clearly appreciate how Álvaro adapts, no matter who lines up next to him.

Emerging Talents and Depth

Depth really shapes today’s MLS squads, and FC Dallas has a bunch of young defenders itching for more minutes. Nolan Norris, a homegrown player, plays with a surprising level of maturity. He reads the game early and stays calm, even when things get tense.

Enzo Newman and Malachi Molina add a spark off the bench. Their athleticism just clicks with Dallas’s fast-paced style. You’ll notice them coming in late, helping close out games when everyone’s legs are heavy.

Herbert Endeley usually plays higher up, but he hustles back and helps Álvaro during defensive transitions.

With this blend of youth and experience, Dallas can rotate players and still keep things tight. For Álvaro, teaming up with these young guys really boosts his leadership and helps build trust all along the back line.