ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2025) – Orlando City SC has acquired forward Tiago Souza from Esporte Clube Bahia of Série A, Brazil’s top division, the club announced Wednesday. Souza will join the Lions via transfer as a U22 Initiative player through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for 2028-29, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.
“Tiago brings energy and versatility to our attack,” said Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “He’s dangerous in one-on-one situations, can play across the front line and combines speed with creativity to unlock defenses. His work rate and tactical awareness fit perfectly with our style, and we’re excited about the dimension he’ll add to our offense.”
A product of Bahia’s youth academy, Tiago earned his first-team promotion in July 2024 after rising through the club’s U-20 ranks. He made his professional debut earlier, featuring in a 1-0 Campeonato Baiano victory over Doce Mel EC on Feb. 11, 2023. Across both the senior and U-20 sides, the 20-year-old tallied 81 appearances, scoring 20 goals and adding three assists. During his time with Bahia, Tiago also lifted the Copa do Nordeste trophy, Brazil’s major regional tournament in the northeast, in the 2025 edition, scoring a hat-trick in the final.
Orlando City will open its 2026 campaign in the home opener, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, on Saturday, Feb. 21, against Red Bull New York at Inter&Co Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV. Tickets are available here.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires forward Tiago Souza via transfer from Esporte Clube Bahia as a U22 Initiative player through 2027-28 with a club option for 2028-29.
Tiago Souza [tee-AH-go SOO-zah]
Position: Forward
Height: 5-10
Born: April 8, 2005
Citizenship: BRA
