Where are they now?: Stefano Pinho
Today marks the 35th birthday of one of the most prolific strikers to ever grace the North American Soccer League (NASL). Stefano Pinho, the Brazilian marksman who spearheaded the attack during the final NASL season for the Loons, continues to prove that his nose for goal is timeless.
As he celebrates his birthday today, he finds himself back in his native Brazil, having recently signed a veteran contract with Nacional de Muriaé to lead their front line in the 2026 regional championships.
After a globetrotting decade that saw him win two NASL Golden Boots and two MVP awards, Pinho has transitioned into the “elder statesman” phase of his career. His journey since leaving Minnesota in 2016 has taken him to the bright lights of Orlando City in MLS, the high-scoring leagues of Thailand and China, and several successful returns to the USL Championship with Indy Eleven and Birmingham Legion.
Even at 35, Pinho remains a physical threat in the box, utilizing the same predatory instincts that made him a nightmare for defenders across the United States.
