Artur Houston Dynamo FC Midfielder #6 Key Contributions and Season Performance

Artur’s become the heartbeat of Houston Dynamo FC, wearing that #6 jersey and just owning the midfield. Watch him long enough and you’ll see why the club puts so much faith in him—he’s always making the smart play, popping up in the right spot, and bringing a level of energy that never seems to dip.

He doesn’t miss a beat, does he? Every match, every competition, Artur’s out there, and you can tell he’s grown into a leadership role, especially with that recent long-term contract. If you’re trying to figure out what makes Houston’s midfield tick, well, you’d better keep your eyes on Artur.

Stat	2024 Season
Appearances	All Matches
Starts	Team Leader
Minutes Played	Team Leader
Position	Midfielder
Jersey Number	6

Curious about how he got here and why he’s so crucial for Houston’s resurgence? There’s a lot to like about Artur’s game (visit Houston Dynamo FC).

Player Profile and Background

Artur’s the kind of guy who always shows up in the middle of the park for Houston Dynamo FC. He started his journey in Brazil, made some noise at the club and youth levels, and then brought his talents stateside.

Full Name and Personal Details

You probably know him as Artur, but his full name? José Artur de Lima Junior. Born on March 11, 1996, which makes him 29. He’s a midfielder through and through, rocking the #6 for Houston.

At about 5’11” (180 cm), he’s got the frame and the work rate to match. Artur stepped onto the field for the Dynamo for the first time on February 25, 2023, against FC Cincinnati. Since then, he’s been a regular in the lineup.

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics:

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	José Artur de Lima Junior
Date of Birth	March 11, 1996
Height	5’11” (180 cm)
Position	Midfielder
Club Number	6

Early Life and Youth Development

Artur grew up in Brumado, Bahia, Brazil. That’s where he first chased the ball around, showing early signs he’d be a rock-solid midfielder.

He took a big step up when he joined São Paulo’s youth academy. He played for the São Paulo U20 squad and helped them lift the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 twice.

In 2016, he also won the U-20 Copa Libertadores with São Paulo’s youth side. That’s a massive deal for a young player.

You could spot his tactical sharpness and maturity even then. That foundation in Brazil helped shape how he approaches the game today.

Nationality and Citizenship

Artur’s a Brazilian citizen—born, raised, and trained in Brazil. He’s always been registered as Brazilian, with all the pride and pressure that comes with it.

After making his mark back home, he moved to the United States for MLS. Even though he plays in the U.S., he still represents Brazil internationally. He’s part of that wave of Brazilian talent making MLS clubs like Houston Dynamo FC better.

You can check out more about his background on his Houston Dynamo FC player profile.

Career Path and Club History

Artur’s career has taken him from Brazil to the U.S., and he’s made his mark as a midfielder in both places. Starting at São Paulo’s youth academy, he built his reputation on hard work and a calm demeanor. He then took those qualities to Columbus Crew and now Houston Dynamo FC.

São Paulo and Youth Achievements

Artur’s journey kicked off at São Paulo FC, one of Brazil’s top academies. He helped his youth team win the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 and the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores.

Those wins proved he could deliver when it mattered most. Facing Brazil’s best young players, he picked up technical skills and tactical know-how that set him up for success in MLS.

Columbus Crew Years

In 2017, Artur signed with Columbus Crew SC. Expectations were high, and he didn’t disappoint. He quickly became a starter, anchoring the Crew midfield.

He made over 140 league appearances for Columbus and played a big part in their MLS Cup win in 2020. His steady play and knack for showing up in big moments really stood out.

Here’s a look at his numbers with Columbus:

Season	MLS Appearances	Goals	Assists
2017	24	1	3
2018	32	0	2
2019	28	0	1
2020	21	2	2
2021	13	0	1

Move to Houston Dynamo FC

After five years in Columbus, Artur landed with Houston Dynamo FC in November 2022. This move signaled a new era for both him and the club. Houston wanted more steel and experience in midfield, and Artur fit the bill.

He jumped right into the starting lineup and became a pillar for Houston. In 2024, he led the team in starts and minutes, playing in every competition. That tells you all you need to know about how much they count on him.

Major League Soccer Experience

Artur’s time in MLS has been all about adapting and thriving. Since 2017, he’s played in over 180 league matches. You see his reliability, tactical sense, and steady performances every week.

He’s been through playoff battles, a championship, and plenty of pressure-packed games. Whether with the Crew or Dynamo, he’s always found a way to contribute. That’s the mark of a true pro. For more stats and info, check out his official profile.

Role at Houston Dynamo FC

Artur’s become one of Houston Dynamo FC’s most reliable starters, always offering steady performances as a defensive midfielder. He’s the one who keeps things ticking in the center, helping Houston hold possession and frustrate opponents.

Midfield Responsibilities

Watch Artur in midfield and you’ll see him linking defense to attack. He takes on the role of defensive midfielder, breaking up opposition plays and then starting Houston’s moves forward.

He keeps the ball moving, even when things get tight. Under pressure, he’ll pick the safe pass, letting Houston breathe and build again. When teams press high, Artur’s calmness is just what you want. He’s always there as a safety valve for the backline.

His play isn’t flashy, but wow, is it important. With his MLS experience, Artur knows just when to slow things down or push forward. For Houston, having a midfielder like him is almost a must.

Defensive and Central Contributions

Defensively, Artur’s a machine. He breaks up attacks, wins loose balls, and never stops running. He positions himself perfectly to cut off passing lanes and limit what the other team can do.

Let’s check out his numbers from the 2023 season:

Minutes Played	Interceptions	Clearances	Passing Success %
2,900	63	34	87%

In tight matches, you can trust him to step up with a big tackle. Artur sees the danger and reacts fast. He might not grab headlines, but he’s a big reason Houston’s defense stays solid.

Leadership and Influence

Artur’s leadership shows up every week. He keeps teammates calm when things get tough and helps the younger guys stay focused.

He earned respect quickly after coming over from Columbus. When Houston lifted the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2023, Artur’s leadership in midfield was a huge factor.

Even when he’s not on the ball, he’s talking, organizing, and making sure everyone’s in the right spot. That kind of presence gives Houston the structure and discipline they need. If you’re a Dynamo fan, you know his leadership is a big reason for the team’s confidence.

Houston Dynamo FC: Recent Seasons and Success

Houston Dynamo FC have really picked up steam in the last couple of years. They’ve started to find some consistency and momentum, thanks in part to strong leadership and better squad depth.

2023 Campaign Highlights

In 2023, Houston Dynamo FC made people pay attention. They locked up a playoff spot, showing real grit in a tough conference. Artur, wearing #6, started almost every game and set the tempo in midfield.

Houston leaned on their defense and smart ball movement. Their season featured key wins, tough defending, and the ability to finish out close games.

The attack chipped in with timely goals, but it was the discipline in midfield that gave the defense a platform to shine. Houston put together one of the league’s better home records, which helped them push into the postseason and surpass early expectations.

2023 Key Stats

	Starts	Goals	Assists	Points
Artur	33	1	3	5
Team Total	34	48	36	57

Key Achievements in 2024

Alright, let’s talk about 2024—what a ride for the Dynamo. Houston kept climbing, and Artur? He showed up in every single competitive match, leading the way in starts and minutes.

That kind of consistency? It doesn’t just happen. Artur’s steady play helped push the Dynamo into back-to-back postseason runs, and you could feel a real shift in the club’s culture.

Houston punched their ticket to a bunch of tournaments: Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup. Artur ran the midfield, setting the tone and keeping the intensity dialed up.

Few teams managed to keep a player starting every MLS regular season game, but Houston did it—proof of their depth and fitness.

Artur’s work didn’t go unnoticed. He took home team MVP and Players’ Player of the Year. The Dynamo’s balance and discipline made them tough to break down, and those consecutive playoff berths? That’s a new level of stability.

If you want all the gritty details on Artur’s 2024, check out his team profile.

Position in 2025 MLS Season

Flash forward to 2025, and Houston’s become a playoff regular. This is their 20th MLS season, and expectations are sky high. Ben Olsen is still calling the shots in his third year, and Artur’s sticking around after signing an extension through 2025.

I’d bet on Artur holding down his starting spot, leading a roster that’s hungry for even deeper playoff runs. Houston’s got depth, a nice mix of veterans, and a real commitment to defense—fans are expecting a lot right from opening week.

GM Pat Onstad and technical director Asher Mendelsohn keep tinkering, always looking for that extra edge. They’ve shaped this squad with smart recruiting and steady finishes. Now, the target’s clear: go further in the playoffs and make noise in the cups.

For updates on their 2025 chase, swing by the Wikipedia season summary.

Honors, Competitions, and Notable Matches

Artur’s been front and center for Houston Dynamo FC, picking up honors and stepping up in big MLS and international games. He’s the guy you spot in the thick of the action, driving the team forward when it matters most.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Victories

Let’s not forget the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup—that’s been a real highlight for Artur in Houston. In 2024, he held down the midfield in every round.

He racked up the most minutes on the team, never missing a match as Dynamo battled through a packed schedule.

Artur faced tough opponents like Real Salt Lake and CF Montréal. He brought defensive balance and set the tone for big wins.

He might not always fill up the stat sheet, but his ability to win duels and keep the ball moving gave Dynamo a real edge, especially during those marathon cup runs. You could see his leadership even when the cameras weren’t on him, especially as Houston managed fatigue and tactical shifts.

Year	Matches Played	Minutes	Notable Opponents
2024	5	450	Real Salt Lake, CF Montréal

MLS Cup Playoffs and Finals

Artur seems to get even better in the postseason. In the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, he started every match, helping Houston reach the Western Conference Final.

He showed calm under pressure in knockout games, especially against FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC. Those midfield battles were no joke.

He shut down playmakers and kept possession in tight spots, making himself a crucial piece of Houston’s playoff game plan. Sure, Dynamo just missed out on the final, but Artur earned big praise from teammates and coaches. He’s turned into one of the league’s most dependable guys when the stakes are high.

Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup Performances

Artur didn’t miss a beat in the 2024 Leagues Cup either. He anchored the midfield, whether Houston faced MLS foes or Liga MX challengers.

His work rate and tactical discipline stood out. You could always count on him, no matter if it was NYCFC or an international side across the pitch.

In the Campeones Cup, Artur kept his cool against some stacked lineups. He completed a ton of passes and made several key recoveries, showing poise against all sorts of playing styles.

All that experience in different tournaments just made him—and the team—tougher for the next challenge.

Competition	Matches Played	Pass Accuracy	Key Recoveries
Leagues Cup	4	89%	11
Campeones Cup	1	90%	3

Concacaf Champions Cup and Other International Tournaments

Artur’s role as midfield anchor in the Concacaf Champions Cup? You couldn’t miss it. He led by example as Houston took on the group stage and knockout games against some of North America’s best.

He played every minute—seriously, every one. That says a lot about his fitness and how much the team leans on him.

He faced tough international opponents. His positioning and tackling helped keep Dynamo in the fight, and forwards like Brumado found it tough to break through, thanks to Artur’s smarts.

You could rely on his consistency, even as the lineup changed and the pressure ramped up. That experience carried over to MLS play, giving Houston a real edge in those fast, physical games.

Tournament	Matches Started	Tackles	Interceptions
Concacaf Champions Cup 2024	6	14	10

Professional Statistics and Performance

Wearing number 6, Artur’s made his name as a steady presence in Houston’s midfield. You’ll spot his impact not just in appearances, but in defensive work, passing, and discipline.

Match Appearances and Starts

If you want reliability, Artur’s your guy. He’s started nearly every game in recent seasons, barely missing a minute.

In 2024, he featured in every competition: MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and U.S. Open Cup. He led the team in starts and minutes, showing just how much the coaches trust him.

2024 Season Table

Competition	Matches Played	Starts	Minutes Played
MLS Regular Season	34	33	2,950
MLS Cup Playoffs	4	4	360
Concacaf Champions Cup	6	6	540
U.S. Open Cup	3	3	270
Leagues Cup	5	5	450

He joined Dynamo in 2023 and, since then, has racked up over 60 appearances. You’ll see his name on the team sheet week after week—that’s a testament to his fitness and value.

Defensive and Offensive Metrics

Looking for a midfielder who wins the ball back? Artur’s your man. He racks up tackles, interceptions, and duels won like clockwork.

He doesn’t score a ton, but he sparks attacks with sharp passing and smart distribution.

Key 2024 Stats:

• Tackles per game: 2.7
• Interceptions per game: 1.8
• Pass completion: 88%
• Assists: 3
• Goals: 2

He often drops deep to help the back line, then kickstarts attacks with quick, accurate passes. You’ll catch him pressing opponents and recovering the ball, keeping Dynamo solid in the middle.

Passing’s a real strength—he keeps things moving and links defense to attack. For more on his numbers, swing by the Houston Dynamo profile page.

Discipline and Minutes Played

Artur stands out for his discipline. He commits few fouls for his position and keeps his yellow card count low.

In 2024, he played more minutes than any other Dynamo player and avoided major suspensions.

Discipline Record 2024:

Category	Stat
Yellow Cards	5
Red Cards	0
Fouls Committed	42

You can count on him to stay on the pitch, contributing at both ends. His high minutes and clean record just underline how crucial he is in midfield. For a deeper dive, check LiveScore stats and ESPN match details.

Transfers, Contracts, and Off-Field Developments

Artur’s journey with Houston Dynamo FC? It’s a story of smart transfers, financial moves, and bouncing back from injuries. You get a clear look at how he landed in Houston, how his contract’s evolved, and the hurdles he’s cleared.

Acquisition by Houston Dynamo FC

Artur arrived in Houston in late 2022 after a trade with Columbus Crew. The front office valued his defensive chops and leadership—exactly what they needed for a rebuilding midfield.

Houston locked in the deal ahead of the 2023 season, focusing on his on-field skills and off-field professionalism.

The club sent $300,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM) to Columbus for the veteran midfielder. That move filled a key need for Houston, while Columbus got some salary cap relief.

Dynamo fans saw Artur become a regular starter and key contributor right away.

Contract Extensions and Options

After joining Houston, Artur quickly became a core player. The club rewarded him with a contract extension through the 2025 season. There are club options for 2026 and 2027, so Houston can keep building around him.

They didn’t release the financial details, but the length of the deal says a lot about their trust in him. Houston wants stability, and Artur’s consistency and durability fit that plan. His extension signals an ongoing investment in team chemistry and leadership. Artur signs contract extension.

General Allocation Money and Transfer Details

For those who like the business side, Artur’s move stood out for its use of General Allocation Money. Houston spent $300,000 in GAM for 2023, a solid price for a starting defensive midfielder with his résumé.

Houston Dynamo FC: Artur Transfer Details

Year	Transfer Fee (GAM)	Sending Club	Receiving Club	Position
2022	$300,000	Columbus Crew	Houston Dynamo FC	Midfielder

There weren’t reports of a transfer fee beyond the allocation money, so this deal fits right into MLS’s unique structure. Houston kept things flexible, too, with those club options for future seasons.

Injuries and Recovery

Alright, let’s talk about Artur’s journey before he landed in Houston. He dealt with a nagging sports hernia during his last seasons with Columbus Crew. I remember fans wondering about his durability, especially when he missed a handful of games in 2021.

He chose to get surgery to fix the problem. Recovery took months—no easy task. That process really pushed his patience and tested how badly he wanted to get back on the field.

Once he got to Houston, Artur had already finished his rehab. He’s shown way better durability since then, and the Dynamo can count on him game after game.

This comeback? It’s a huge part of his story. It shapes how he trains and plays. You can tell he’s still careful, but there’s no lack of confidence in how he helps the team.