Today marks Pablo Campos‘s 43rd birthday, a milestone that celebrates one of the most prolific and feared strikers to ever lead the line for a Minnesota franchise.
Every club has its heavy hitter—the player whose physical presence alone demands the respect of every defender on the pitch. For the Minnesota United of the NASL era, that presence was Pablo Campos. A towering Brazilian with a lethal finishing touch, Campos wasn’t just a goalscorer; he was a walking guarantee of offensive production. As he celebrates his 43rd birthday today, Jan. 29, let’s look back at his legendary run in the North Alpha and where life has taken him since his final professional whistle.
The Loons years (2013-2015)
Pablo Campos arrived in Minnesota in 2013 as a marquee signing for the newly rebranded Minnesota United FC. Having already established himself as a dominant force with the Carolina RailHawks and San Antonio Scorpions, “Wanchope-level” expectations followed him to the Twin Cities. He did not disappoint.
Standing 6’3″, Campos was the ultimate target man. He possessed a unique ability to hold off multiple defenders while somehow finding the angle for a clinical finish. His 2013 season was a masterclass in center-forward play, where he led the team with 13 goals and was named to the NASL Best XI. Even as injuries slowed him down in later years, his legacy was secured on June 3, 2015, when he became the all-time leading scorer in the modern NASL era—a record that solidified his status as a league icon.+1
Life after the professional whistle
After finishing his professional career with a stint at Miami FC in 2016, Campos didn’t venture far from the pitch or the state of Minnesota. Instead of returning to Brazil, he chose to make the Twin Cities his permanent home, transitioning into a successful second act as a coach and mentor:
- High School Success: Campos has become a fixture in the Minnesota high school soccer scene. He served as a coach for the Centennial High School girls’ program for several years and currently serves as the Head Varsity Coach for the Delano Boys Soccer Team, where he uses his 15 years of professional experience to mold the next generation of local talent.
- Youth Development: Beyond high school ball, he is a prominent member of the coaching staff at West Metro Select Rush, providing elite-level training to youth players across the metro area.
- Entrepreneurship: Proving his versatility extends beyond the touchline, Campos has spent the last seven-plus years as a successful business owner and operator in the management sector.
Where is he now?
As of his 43rd birthday, Pablo Campos remains a vital part of the Minnesota soccer community. While his days of bullying NASL center-backs are behind him, his impact on the local game is arguably greater now than it was when he was scoring braces at the National Sports Center.
Whether he’s on the sidelines in Delano or working with the kids at West Metro, the “Big Brazilian” continues to give back to the community that embraced him over a decade ago. He is a rare example of a foreign star who didn’t just play for a Minnesota team, but truly became a Minnesotan.
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