The vitals
- Position: Forward
- Height/weight: 6’1”, 161 lbs
- Birthdate: Jan. 12, 1991
- Nationality: Brazil
- How he joined the Loons: Signed as a free agent on Dec. 3, 2015, after winning the NASL MVP award with Fort Lauderdale.
The story so far
Stefano Pinho arrived in Minnesota with the weight of massive expectations. He had just come off a 2015 season where he won nearly every individual award possible with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. While his single season as a Loon in 2016 was hampered by minor injuries, he still managed to record five goals and an assist in 25 appearances, helping the club navigate its final year before the transition to MLS.
His departure from Minnesota did not slow him down. In 2017, he joined Miami FC and produced one of the most dominant individual seasons in modern American soccer history, claiming his second Golden Boot and MVP trophy. This earned him a move to MLS with Orlando City, where he featured alongside legends like Nani. In the years following, Pinho became a true international journeyman, finding success with PT Prachuap in Thailand and Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard in China before returning to the USL. Today, he is back in Brazil, bringing his wealth of experience to a Nacional side looking to climb the regional ranks.
What he brought to the pitch
Pinho was the quintessential “fox in the box.” During his time with the Loons, he was celebrated for his elite positioning and his ability to score with either foot or his head. He possessed a rare blend of Brazilian flair and physical toughness, often holding up play against much larger defenders to bring his teammates into the attack.
Beyond his scoring touch, Stefano was a player of high emotional intelligence. He understood the rhythm of the game and knew exactly when to stretch a backline or when to drop deep to provide an outlet. For fans in Minnesota, he represented the ambition of the club during its final NASL days—a high-profile signing who brought a professional standard and a championship-winning pedigree to the National Sports Center. As he enters his 35th year, he remains a shining example of the talent that helped bridge the gap between the different eras of Minnesota soccer.