ORLANDO — Orlando City SC acquired Brazilian left back Vinícius Nogueira on loan from PFC Ludogorets of Bulgaria’s first division, the club announced, adding a 24-year-old Palmeiras academy product who has logged 139 matches across senior and U-20 levels in four countries.
Nogueira, a native of Penápolis, Brazil, will wear No. 27 and join the Lions’ roster pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate. The loan runs through the end of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, and Orlando holds an option to make the move permanent.
“Vinícius is a dynamic left back with the pace, technical quality and work ethic to impact the game on both sides of the ball,” Orlando City General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira said. “He comes from a top academy and has further developed in competitive environments in both Brazil and Europe.”
The 5-foot-11 defender tallied four goals and 16 assists across stints with Palmeiras U-20 and Atlético Mineiro U-20 in Brazil, Varbergs BoIS and Halmstads BK in Sweden, Vålerenga Fotball Elite in Norway and Ludogorets in Bulgaria. He recently won the 2025-26 Bulgarian Super Cup with Ludogorets.
“His versatility makes him an excellent fit for our group, and having a new left-sided player will also provide more options and flexibility to the first team lineup,” Moreira said. “We believe he can contribute right away while continuing to develop within our environment, and we’re excited to welcome him to Orlando.”
Nogueira, born Dec. 11, 2001, is a product of SE Palmeiras’ academy system, one of the most decorated youth development programs in South American soccer. His arrival gives Orlando City additional depth on the left side of the defense as the club pushes through the second half of its season.
Nogueira is expected to be available for selection once his P-1 visa and ITC are finalized.