S. Moreira, Columbus Crew Defender #31: Profile & 2025 Impact

You’ve probably watched a lot of defenders try to hold things together at the back, but honestly, not many do it with the same calm control as S. Moreira. He wears #31 for the Columbus Crew and just has this steady authority that shapes every match.
He blends European experience with MLS intensity, giving Columbus a real foundation in defense.

Moreira’s journey started in the youth systems of France and led him all the way to the roar of Lower.com Field. He came up through Toulouse FC and made his mark as a Ligue 1 regular before joining the Crew in 2021.
Since then, he’s shown up with reliability, leadership, and a habit of stepping up when it matters most.

Let’s look at how Moreira’s tactical smarts and versatility make him such a valuable piece for the Crew.
From his Defender of the Year honor to his role in Cape Verde’s World Cup qualification, his career is what happens when experience meets composure.

S. Moreira’s Role as Columbus Crew Defender #31

He brings steady defense, smart positioning, and leadership every time he steps on the field. Steven Moreira gives Columbus Crew a consistent presence across the back, using his mix of European and MLS experience to anchor the defense.

Position and Playing Style

Steven Moreira usually plays as a right-back or center-back for Columbus.
He’s comfortable in both spots, which lets the team shift formations mid-match.

Born in France but representing Cape Verde, he brings tactical discipline and that European edge to MLS.
He reads the game well, often cutting off passing lanes before things get dangerous.

He’s not just a stay-at-home defender—he’ll push forward and help build up attacks.
In 2023, Moreira finished with five assists and a goal, showing he supports the offense without leaving the defense exposed.

His passing accuracy and ability to stay composed under pressure often spark transition plays that lead to scoring chances.

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2021	7	0	3	580
2022	32	1	8	2,880
2023	34	1	5	6,238

You can check out more about his Crew career here—his consistency has made him a staple in the lineup.

Leadership and On-Field Presence

You’ll notice Moreira’s voice on the field.
He directs teammates, organizes the back line, and helps younger players get used to MLS.

He picked up that leadership at places like Toulouse FC and FC Lorient before arriving in Columbus in 2021.

He leads by example, not by shouting.
When matches get tense, he stays calm and helps others do the same.

That steady presence guided Columbus through playoff runs and kept the defense organized in big games.

Off the field, Moreira keeps things professional in training and preparation.
He sets a standard for others, which fits the expectations of a club chasing trophies in 2025.

Defensive Strengths and Versatility

You can count on Moreira for timing and precision when defending.
He tracks attackers, wins one-on-one battles, and positions himself to intercept passes before they become a problem.

He balances aggression with control, so he doesn’t give away silly fouls.
His versatility lets Columbus switch between a back three or four without losing structure.

He adapts quickly, filling in wherever the team needs him.
Moreira combines defensive awareness with clean passing, making him key in transition.

His 2024 MLS Defender of the Year award, mentioned by NBC4i, shows his impact goes beyond the Crew.

If you’re watching, his play kind of defines what you want from a modern MLS defender—reliable, smart, and always ready to adapt.

Columbus Crew Career Highlights

Steven Moreira’s consistency and flexibility have shaped the Crew’s back line.
His Major League Soccer years show steady growth, leadership, and moments that made the club’s defense stronger.

Signing and Integration with the Team

Back in 2021, Moreira joined Columbus Crew after playing in France with Toulouse FC and FC Lorient.
The jump from Ligue 1 to MLS meant a quick learning curve, but his experience and awareness made the transition smoother.

He started making an impact almost right away, earning starts late in the 2021 season.
His early games showed calm decisions and strong tackling, which built trust with teammates and coaches.

Moreira came up through the Stade Rennais academy, bringing that European discipline to a young Crew defense.
His ability to play both right-back and center-back gave the team tactical flexibility.

By the end of his first season, you could already see how his presence improved the team’s organization at the back.

Key Performances and Milestones

In the 2022 and 2023 MLS seasons, Moreira became one of the most reliable players on the squad.
He started all 32 games in 2022, finishing with a goal and eight assists, according to his Columbus Crew profile.

In 2023, he led the team in minutes played and grabbed the club’s Defender of the Year award.
His five assists and steady defensive work helped Columbus maintain one of the league’s most balanced back lines.

Selected Statistics (2022–2023):

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played	Award
2022	32	1	8	2,880+	—
2023	34	1	5	6,238	Crew Defender of the Year

His consistent form also earned him a call-up to the Cape Verde national team, making his international debut in October 2023.

2023 MLS Cup and Playoff Contributions

2023 stands out for both Moreira and the Crew.
The team won the 2023 MLS Cup, and his leadership in the playoffs really mattered.

He started every postseason match, added an assist, and anchored a defense that didn’t give up much.
His play in the final rounds showed real poise, especially against teams with strong attacks.

In games like the Leagues Cup win over Club América, where he scored and assisted in a 4–1 victory, he proved defense can turn into offense.
His calmness in buildup play helped Columbus control the tempo and transition smoothly.

That championship run really locked in his reputation as one of the league’s most complete defenders.

2021 Campeones Cup Victory

Moreira made his Crew debut in the 2021 Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul.
You could feel his impact right away, even with limited minutes.

He started, played 58 minutes, and helped the Crew win 2–0 to take home the trophy.
It was a strong introduction to North American competition and a glimpse of his reliability under pressure.

That night set the tone for his MLS career.
Coming from France, he adjusted fast to the physical pace of MLS.

His early success in an international cup match gave fans confidence he’d be a long-term fit for the club.

By mixing European experience with MLS energy, Moreira became a big part of Columbus Crew’s defensive identity.

Statistical Overview and Accolades

He’s the kind of defender whose stats actually match what you see on the field.
Steven Moreira’s record with Columbus Crew highlights his reliability and growth, from those first adjustment games to his status as one of the league’s best.

He balances defense with distribution and has become one of MLS’s most dependable right-backs.

Season-by-Season Stats

Moreira joined Columbus Crew in 2021 after stints with Toulouse FC and FC Lorient.
He came up through INF Clairefontaine and turned pro in France.

Since arriving in MLS, he’s been a regular, known for his stamina and passing range.
He’s steadily improved his attacking output while keeping things tight defensively.

You’ll notice he often ranks among team leaders in assists for a defender.
Check out his full career stats on ESPN.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played	Award
2021	Columbus Crew	7	0	3	580	—
2022	Columbus Crew	32	1	8	2,800+	Club Defender of the Year
2023	Columbus Crew	34	0	5	6,238	Club Defender of the Year
2024	Columbus Crew	33	3	4	2,900+	MLS Defender of the Year
2025	Columbus Crew	Ongoing	—	—	—	—

MLS Defender of the Year Recognition

In 2024, Moreira picked up the MLS Defender of the Year award, which really highlights his consistency and leadership.
He reads the game, anticipates attacks, and transitions fast into possession.

His performances anchored Columbus’s back line during a strong season.
That recognition put him among the league’s elite defenders.

The award also showed how his influence goes beyond stats.
His calm and ability to organize teammates made him a steadying force.

You can read more about his Defender of the Year honor and the Crew’s 2024 season.

All-Star and Team Honors

Moreira made the 2024 MLS All-Star Team, a nod to his reputation across the league.
He rarely misses matches and usually plays the full 90.

He’s also won multiple Club Defender of the Year awards with Columbus.
Those honors reflect not just his defense but also what he adds to the attack.

His leadership has grown, and he’s become a mentor for younger defenders.
The Crew’s recent success, including deep playoff runs, has been built around players like Moreira.

You can see his current Columbus Crew profile for the latest stats and honors.

International Career and Heritage

He’s a player shaped by two football cultures—France and Cape Verde.
His story reflects both his technical education in Europe and his pride in representing his family’s roots internationally.

Cape Verde National Team Involvement

Steven Moreira plays for the Cape Verde national team, a decision that shows his connection to his parents’ homeland.
Born in Noisy-le-Grand, France, he switched international allegiance after years in French football.

His versatility at right-back and center-back helped Cape Verde during their strong run at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
In the group stage in Ivory Coast, he played a key role in Cape Verde’s defensive setup.

The team reached the knockout rounds and got praise for organization and resilience.
Moreira’s performances matched his Crew form, often playing in a three-man defense.

He called the experience both personal and professional growth.
Representing Cape Verde let him embrace the identity of a player from an island nation with big football dreams.

For more on his international journey, check out this Forbes report on Cape Verde’s AFCON campaign.

Tournament	Year	Matches Played	Role	Outcome
Africa Cup of Nations	2024	4	Right-back	Round of 16

Debut Against Algeria

Moreira stepped onto the pitch for Cape Verde against Algeria, one of Africa’s top-ranked teams. That match really put him to the test, and his calm defending caught the eye of both fans and analysts.

He faced Algeria’s quick attack and relied on the tactical awareness he picked up in Ligue 1 and MLS. You could see how he anticipated plays and distributed from the back, helping Cape Verde stay organized under pressure.

That debut meant a lot—it was the official start of him representing his parents’ homeland, after years playing for France at the youth level.

French Youth National Teams

Before he played for Cape Verde, Moreira wore the French national team badge at youth levels. He played from the U16s up to the U21s while coming through the Stade Rennais Academy, which has a reputation for producing technically sharp defenders.

Those early international matches put him up against elite competition, including UEFA youth tournaments. He played alongside future senior internationals and picked up the discipline and positional sense that helped shape his career.

His journey eventually led to Cape Verde, but that French background gave him the base for his modern defensive style. The mix of French tactical training and Cape Verdean pride really defines his international identity now. You can get a quick overview of his career on his Wikipedia profile.

Previous Club Experience in Europe

You can trace Steven Moreira’s steady rise in French football by looking at his years with Toulouse FC and his early days at Stade Rennais. His time in Ligue 1 set the tone for the defensive consistency you see in his play for Columbus Crew now.

Toulouse FC and Ligue 1 Experience

If you check out Moreira’s stint with Toulouse FC, you’ll find a defender who thrived in France’s top division. Between 2018 and 2021, he made 68 appearances across all competitions, chipping in one goal and three assists.

His work rate and positioning helped Toulouse reach the 2020–2021 Coupe de France quarterfinals. He mostly played as a right-back but would often shift to center-back if needed.

That flexibility made him useful in a league packed with tactical variety and technical challenges.

Toulouse FC Career Overview

Season	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2018–2021	Toulouse FC	Ligue 1 & Ligue 2	68	1	3

During his Toulouse years, Moreira really sharpened his passing accuracy and defensive timing. Those skills definitely carried over to his later success in Major League Soccer.

Early Career and Youth Development

Before Toulouse, Moreira came up through the youth system at Stade Rennais FC, signing his first pro deal in 2012. He played 73 times for the senior team, scored once, and added two assists.

He took part in the 2013–2014 Coupe de France final, a big moment that tested his composure. He also helped Rennes reach the 2014–2015 Coupe de la Ligue quarterfinals.

Moreira represented France at several youth levels, from U-16 up to U-21. Those experiences gave him early exposure to international play and taught him discipline.

He went through the Stade Rennais academy, which is known for producing defenders who read the game well. That background helped him adapt to new systems quickly.

Notable Matches and Rivalries

You really see Steven Moreira’s value when the stakes are high. His performances in rivalry games and playoff atmospheres show how his defensive control and passing influence the Columbus Crew’s results.

Rivalry with FC Cincinnati

When the Crew face FC Cincinnati, Moreira’s composure steadies the back line. In the 2022 season, he scored a late equalizer against Cincinnati, keeping the Crew’s playoff hopes alive. That moment showed his knack for delivering under pressure.

He often marks Cincinnati’s most dangerous forwards, relying on smart positioning rather than risky tackles. His one-on-one defending and quick recovery runs shut down counterattacks. Fans notice how his timing and awareness frustrate Cincinnati’s attack.

Rivalry Highlights

Season	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Key Moment
2022	2	1	1	Late equalizer at Cincinnati
2023	3	0	1	Defensive shutout in home win

You can check out his club record with the Crew on the Columbus Crew official profile and see his full career background on Wikipedia.

Key Games Against Miami

When Columbus faces Inter Miami, Moreira’s tactical discipline really jumps out. Back in 2022, he racked up assists in two straight matches against Miami, proving those forward runs of his bring something extra to the Crew’s attack.

He loves picking his moments to overlap, working with midfielders to pull Miami’s defense out of shape. It’s not flashy, but it works.

Going up against Miami’s wingers keeps him on his toes. He often steps in to intercept a through ball or forces the play out wide, slowing down Miami’s transitions.

Performance Snapshot

Year	Matches vs Miami	Assists	Tackles Won	Interceptions
2022	2	2	6	5
2023	2	0	8	7

His presence—steady in defense and sharp in buildup—lets the Crew hang onto control, even when Miami throws something unexpected their way.