FC Cincinnati have re-signed forward Sergio Santos to a contract through the 2024 season, with club options for 2025 and 2026, the club announced today. Santos, 28, made eight regular season appearances with the Orange and Blue following his midseason acquisition from Philadelphia Union on July 8.
“We’re excited to have Sergio back with FC Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He’s a player with incredible ability, pace and work rate that adds a dangerous presence to our attack. Sergio is also a tremendous person and teammate, and we look forward to building upon the immediate impact that he made on our group last season.”
The Brazilian made his mark on club history when he entered the match in the second half in Round One of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs against the New York Red Bulls. He made a strong run down the left attacking flank, beating the defender and made a vital pass to pick out Brandon Vazquez in the center of the box, who buried the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute to secure a 2-1 win for FCC.
After Santos arrived in Cincinnati from Philadelphia Union in July, he appeared as a second half substitute consistently down the stretch, using his unique combination of pace, power and technical ability to run at defenses for the Orange and Blue.
“I’m very happy to stay in Cincinnati,” Santos said. “The work we’re doing here is not finished, and I can’t wait to be back in front of the fans at TQL Stadium. Thank you to Chris, Pat, and the coaches for putting their faith in me to help FC Cincinnati for years to come.”
Prior to joining FC Cincinnati, Santos appeared in 89 games for the Union across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and 13 assists. He scored his first MLS hat trick against Toronto FC in 2020, and two weeks later he scored the goal which clinched the Supporters’ Shield for the Union. He has also made seven career MLS Cup Playoff appearances, including in both matchups for the Orange and Blue in 2022.
Santos began his professional career in Chile, with Audax Italiano of the Chilean Primera División. In five seasons with Audax, Santos made 65 appearances, totaling 20 goals and seven assists. He joined Philadelphia in 2019 at the age of 24.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati re-sign forward Sergio Santos to a contract through the 2024 season, with club options for 2025 and 2026.
