Loudoun United Football Club sign Major League Soccer veteran Pedro Santos to a one-year contract through the 2025 season, with an option for the 2026 season
Leesburg, VA (April 23rd, 2025) – Loudoun United Football Club sign former MLS and S.C. Braga winger Pedro Santos to a one-year contract through the 2025 season with an option for the 2026 season.
“I am really excited to join the club for the rest of the season, and I am very happy to be here with Loudoun United.” – Pedro Santos
Santos joins the Red-and-White on a one-year contract following the completion of a 25-day contract with the club. During this 25-day contract, Santos recorded four USL Championship appearances, receiving USL Championship Team of the Week honors twice. Santos also appeared in two U.S. Open Cup matches, tallying one assist.
“Pedro has been a fantastic addition to the club. He has so much great experience that helps bring a calming presence to the group,” said Head Coach Ryan Martin. “Along with the quality and composure to make a difference in a variety of positions, he also fits in in terms of the way he sees the game and the culture of the club we are building here.”
Prior to joining Loudoun United FC, Santos spent time in the MLS, Portuguese, and Romanian leagues. The 37-year-old veteran has experience playing in leagues such as the Primeira League with S.C. Braga and for MLS clubs Columbus Crew and most recently D.C. United. Throughout his professional career, the Portuguese native has made over 400 club appearances, recording 80 goals, as well as two appearances for the U19 Portuguese National Team.
Born in Lisbon, Santos grew up as a product of the Casa Pia A.C. and quickly rose through the ranks, making his professional debut in the Taça De Portugal, on Oct. 18, 2009. He was acquired by Leixões S.C. in 2010, recording six goals in 50 appearances before joining Vitória F.C. in 2012 where Santos recorded four goals and four assists in his 34 appearances. Santos made his debut for S.C. Braga in 2014, and would remain there for three seasons, totaling 24 goals and 19 assists in his 154 appearances for S.C. Braga.
In 2017, Santos would be acquired by MLS side Columbus Crew where he made his debut for the club in a 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC in August of 2017. Santos remained with Columbus for six seasons, recording 25 goals and 34 assists in 156 appearances, being a key piece in the club’s 2020 MLS Cup and 2021 Campeones Cup wins. In 2022, DC United signed the midfielder as a free agent on a two-year contract ahead of the 2023 season. Santos recorded four goals in 51 appearances for the Black-and-Red and was not re-signed following the 2024 season.
Player: Pedro Santos
Position: Midfielder
Birthday: April 22, 1988
Age: 37
Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
Height: 5’ 7”
Status: Domestic
