27-year-old defender has made 215 professional appearances and brings nine years of European soccer experience including French topflight
August 23, 2021
COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that the club has signed French defender Steven Moreira (pronounced: MO-ray-rah). The 27-year-old defender, who most recently played for French side Toulouse FC, has made 215 professional appearances and brings nine years of European soccer experience, including playing in France’s topflight. Moreira signs with the Crew for the remainder of the 2021 season with an option for 2022 and 2023. He will officially be added to the Black & Gold roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa, and will occupy an international roster slot.
“We are excited to welcome Steven to the Crew,” said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Steven is a dynamic defender who is entering the prime of his career, and we believe his addition will help strengthen our backline on both sides of the ball. As someone who has regularly played in one of the top leagues in the world, we are pleased he has chosen the Crew and we look forward to incorporating him into the team.”
Moreira played for Toulouse FC from 2018-2021, where he made 68 appearances across all competitions while scoring one goal and providing three assists. The defender helped Toulouse reach the quarterfinals of the 2020-2021 Coupe de France. Prior to his time with Toulouse, Moreira played for FC Lorient from 2016-2019, where he made 74 appearances across all competitions, while registering two goals and seven helpers.
A product of Stade Rennais FC’s youth system, the defender signed with the club in 2012, remaining with the Stade Rennais until 2016. During his tenure with Rennais, Moreira made 73 appearances across all competitions, netting one goal and providing two assists. Notably, Moreira was in the Stade Rennais FC starting XI that competed in the 2013-2014 Coupe de France final. Additionally, the defender also helped Rennais reach the quarterfinals of the 2014-2015 Coupe de la Ligue.
At the international level, Moreira has represented the France Youth National Teams, featuring for France’s Under-21, U-20, U-19 and U-16 squads. The defender played at 2013 UEFA European Under-19 European Championship, helping France finish as the runner-up to Serbia.
Next up, Columbus Crew hosts in-state rival FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field in a nationally televised contest on Friday, August 27 [6:30 p.m. ET / ESPN, Watch ESPN (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English); ColumbusCrew.com (Spanish)]. Supporters interested in securing the very best seats and exclusive benefits at Lower.com Field can find more information here.
TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew signs defender Steven Moreira for the remainder of the 2021 season with an option for 2022 and 2023 on August 23, 2021. Moreira will officially be added to the Black & Gold roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa, and he will occupy an international roster slot.
Name: Steven Moreira (MO-ray-rah)
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 159
Born: August 13, 1994 in Noisy-le-Grand, France
Hometown: Noisy-le-Grand, France
Citizenship: France and Cape Verde
Acquired: Signed by the Crew on August 23, 2021
Previous Experience: Toulouse FC (2018-2021), FC Lorient (2017-2019), Stade Rennais FC (2012-2016)
ABOUT COLUMBUS CREW
Columbus Crew is the first club in Major League Soccer. The Crew is operated by The Edwards Family and Haslam Sports Group. The Black & Gold are the 2020 MLS Cup Champions. The Club won its first MLS Cup championship in 2008 and also won the 2002 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009. The 2021 campaign is the Columbus Crew’s 26th season in MLS as well as the Club’s final season at Historic Crew Stadium — the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States – and the Crew’s inaugural season at Lower.com Field.
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