André Luiz
SKC
RW
Wide Forward
Feb 23, 2002 (24)
Right
6'1"
170 lb
Sporting KCBench option against Vancouver
Luiz (not injury related) is on the bench for the weekend's match versus Vancouver Whitecaps.
Analysis: Luiz will be able to make his Kansas City debut after solving his visa issues prior to Saturday's game. It's unclear when he'll make the starting lineup, but he's a strong alternative to Capita on the right flank, having stood out with seven goals and five assists over 19 games in his previous experience in the Portuguese league with Rio Ave.
Won't play Sunday
Luiz won't be available for Sunday's game against Atlanta United due to visa issues.
Analysis: Luiz joined Sporting KC on a club-record deal on Aug. 18, but he's not ready to play since he needs to sort out his visa-related paperwork. When available, he's widely expected to start right away.
Signs in club-record deal
Luiz has joined Sporting Kansas City from Olympiacos as a Designated Player, signing a five-year MLS contract through the 2030-31 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Luiz came through Flamengo's academy before a loan move to Portugal's Estrela da Amadora in 2023-24, where four goals in his debut season prompted a permanent deal. He then moved to Rio Ave in January 2025 and broke out in the first half of 2025-26, posting seven goals and six assists in just 19 appearances, form that earned him a January 2026 move to Greek giants Olympiacos. Sporting Kansas City's front office pointed to his combination of pace, directness, and technical ability as reasons for committing to him long-term at 24, with general manager David Lee noting he was highly coveted across Europe's top leagues before choosing Kansas City. Capable of playing both wing and through the middle, he gives Sporting a versatile attacking option as the club looks to turn around a struggling season and the record transfer, reflecting the club's belief in his upside at just 24 years old with his prime years still ahead.
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