How C. Pompeu Wears #12 Like a Magic Wand — St. Louis City’s Midfield Mischief Maker (Opponents Still Confused)
When you watch Célio Pompeu, #12 for St. Louis City SC, you notice more than just a midfielder. There’s a mix of creativity and relentless energy—he’s grown into a dependable part of the squad since stepping up from CITY2.
Pompeu’s story feels relatable. He worked his way up through Virginia Commonwealth University, playing every match over three seasons and laying the groundwork for his pro career.
That kind of consistency didn’t fade. With St. Louis CITY2, he became one of the league’s most effective attackers, leading in successful dribbles and ranking near the top in key passes.
Now, following his journey with St. Louis City SC, you see both promise and some hurdles. He’s had standout games against top MLS clubs and then had to deal with the tough break of a serious ankle and fibula injury that needed surgery.
The club offered him a new MLS contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. That says a lot about how much they value his future. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on how he bounces back at full strength.
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C. Pompeu at St Louis City SC
Célio Pompeu has turned into a steady presence for St. Louis City SC. He’s reliable in the midfield and you can see the growth since he arrived from Virginia Commonwealth University.
His path from college soccer to MLS shows his consistency and his knack for adapting to tougher competition.
Role and Playing Style
Pompeu looks most comfortable as a wide midfielder, using quick feet and direct dribbling to keep defenders guessing. He doesn’t win with pure speed, but instead relies on control and timing to push the ball forward.
He really shines when it comes to progressing the ball. At Virginia Commonwealth University, he played every single match for three straight seasons. That says a lot about his durability and importance.
He’s not a big goal scorer, but he makes up for it with chance creation and pressing. In 2022, he led MLS Next Pro in successful dribbles. That’s still a key part of his game.
Jersey Number 12 Significance
Seeing Pompeu in number 12 feels like more than just a random roster pick. The number has become part of his identity at St. Louis City SC.
Most midfielders don’t pick 12—it’s often for squad depth or versatile players. But for Pompeu, it fits. He’s adapted to different roles across the midfield.
That number also ties him to the club’s early days. Pompeu came up with the first group promoted from the second team. Wearing 12 marks him as part of the foundation—he’s bridging the gap from development to first team.
Key Performances in MLS
Pompeu’s 2024 season looked like it would be his breakout year until that ankle injury derailed things. In 17 matches, he scored three goals and notched three assists—both career highs.
He started 15 games and played over 1,200 minutes. That kind of involvement shows he’s become a regular contributor.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his 2024 stats before the injury:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 17 |
| Matches Started | 15 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 1,246 |
Those numbers matter because they show steady progress. He’s become more involved in the attack and still puts in the defensive work that’s expected in Bradley Carnell’s system.
First Team Promotion
Pompeu started his pro career with St. Louis City 2 in 2022. That year, he helped the team win the Western Conference regular-season title in MLS Next Pro.
His strong performances earned him a contract with the first team before the 2023 MLS season. The club didn’t just promote him—they gave him real minutes, showing they trusted his development.
By 2024, he’d become a fixture in the lineup—until the injury, anyway.
In April 2024, the club extended his contract through the 2026 MLS season, with an option for 2027. You get the sense they see him as a long-term piece, someone who’ll grow with the team as it establishes itself in MLS.
For more on his contract extension, check out his new MLS deal.
Career Achievements and Highlights
Célio Pompeu has built his career step by step with St. Louis CITY SC after coming from Virginia Commonwealth University. You see his growth in consistent performances, key goals, and his steady climb from MLS NEXT Pro to the first team.
His impact shows up in the stats and the moments that defined his rise.
Notable Matches and Goals
Certain games stick with you. In 2024, Pompeu scored in back-to-back league matches, showing he could stay cool in front of goal and compete with the best.
He also scored in the MLS Cup Playoffs during his rookie season in 2023. That goal counted for a lot, coming under pressure and proving he’s more than just a bench option.
Pompeu’s knack for creating and finishing chances has made him a reliable contributor. Most of his goals came in transition, where his timing and pace left defenders scrambling.
You could see his confidence grow with each finish, especially when he strung together games with a goal or an assist.
Goal Contributions
When you want to judge a midfielder’s impact, goal contributions tell a lot. Pompeu’s 2024 season showed real progress: 3 goals and 3 assists in 9 matches, already beating his totals from the previous year.
Here’s a look at his production across competitions:
| Season | Competition | Goals | Assists | Total Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | MLS NEXT Pro | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| 2023 | MLS, Playoffs, Open Cup | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 2024 | MLS (through 9 games) | 3 | 3 | 6 |
There’s a clear upward trend. Each year, he’s added something new—finishing chances, setting up teammates, or linking play in the final third. That’s turned him into a dependable option for Bradley Carnell’s system.
Awards and Honors
Pompeu hasn’t picked up any major league-wide awards just yet, but he’s earned recognition within the club and league. St. Louis CITY SC rewarded him with a new contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. That shows how much they value what he brings.
Back in 2022, he turned heads in MLS NEXT Pro by hitting double-digit goal contributions. His performances during that first season put him among the more effective attacking midfielders in the league.
He’s not decorated with trophies, but his consistent production and steady development have earned him respect in the locker room and among fans. His honors come from reliability and growth, not just headlines.
Western Conference Championship
Pompeu’s early success came in 2022 with CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro. That season stands out because the team won the Western Conference regular-season title, and his 10 goal contributions played a big part.
In the playoffs, he added two goals and an assist, helping CITY2 reach the MLS NEXT Pro Championship match. They finished as runners-up, but his playoff performances showed he could deliver when it mattered.
That Western Conference run gave him a platform. It convinced the coaching staff he was ready for the next level and gave you a glimpse of his MLS potential. It was the real turning point from prospect to pro contributor.
Development Path and Early Career
You see a player shaped by both Brazilian street football and American college soccer. His growth has come from steady progress, with consistent performances at Virginia Commonwealth University and a smooth jump into the pro ranks with St. Louis CITY2.
Youth Career in Brazil
Célio Pompeu grew up in Fortaleza, Brazil—a city with a reputation for producing technical, creative players. Like a lot of kids there, he learned the game in small-sided matches, where quick thinking and close control really matter.
You can see how that background shaped his attacking style. He’s comfortable on the ball, can beat defenders, and seems to know what to do in tight spaces.
Unlike some prospects who leave Brazil early, Pompeu stayed long enough to build a strong technical base. That foundation helped him adjust when he moved to the U.S., where the game is more physical and structured.
By the time he arrived in college, he already played like a winger who could create chances under pressure. That blend of Brazilian flair and adaptability became central to his development.
College Soccer at VCU
At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Pompeu played every match he could across three seasons, totaling 63 appearances. That kind of consistency is rare in college soccer and shows how quickly he earned the coaches’ trust.
He chipped in with goals and assists, but his influence went beyond stats. He stretched defenses, opened space for teammates, and his pressing work fit VCU’s system.
VCU Career Overview
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 3 | 4 |
| 2020 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 | 30 | 4 | 5 |
You can see his numbers improved each year. More importantly, he became a reliable starter who rarely left the field. That durability and consistency set him up well for the next level.
Transition to Professional Soccer
Pompeu signed with St. Louis CITY2 in 2022, making his entry into pro soccer. He stood out right away, putting up five goals and five assists in 24 regular-season MLS NEXT Pro appearances.
He did more than just score. He led the league in successful dribbles and ranked near the top in key passes, proving his creativity translated at a higher level.
In his first pro start, he scored and assisted in a wild 4-3 win over Tacoma Defiance. That performance set the tone for a strong season, which ended with a playoff run and three more goal contributions.
By the time he joined St. Louis CITY SC’s first team, Pompeu had already shown he could adapt fast. His journey from Fortaleza to VCU to MLS feels like a steady climb, built on skill and resilience.
If you want more on his pro career with St. Louis, check out his player profile.
St Louis CITY2 and MLS NEXT Pro Impact
Célio Pompeu wasted no time making an impression after leaving Virginia Commonwealth University. He played every match in three seasons there, and then jumped into his first pro year with St Louis CITY2, where he brought consistency and creativity.
He helped put the team on the map as a legit contender in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
2022 MLS NEXT Pro Season
During the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season, Pompeu stepped into the professional game with real confidence. He played in 24 matches, started 20 of them, and balanced scoring with playmaking.
His first start? He set the tone right away. In a wild 4-3 win over Tacoma Defiance, he scored a goal and picked up an assist, showing everyone he could make things happen at this level.
CITY2 grabbed the Western Conference regular-season title that year, and Pompeu played a big role in that success. He chipped in five goals and five assists, proving he could help in a bunch of ways.
The Brazilian midfielder didn’t just blend in; he became one of those players you count on when the team needs a spark.
Key Statistics with CITY2
Pompeu did more than just rack up goals and assists. He created chances and moved the ball forward in ways that set him apart from a lot of guys in MLS NEXT Pro.
He led the league in successful dribbles and nearly topped the charts in key passes. That mix made him a real threat—he could break down defenses or set up teammates for big moments.
Here’s a breakdown of his 2022 regular season:
| Category | Total | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 24 | — |
| Goals | 5 | — |
| Assists | 5 | — |
| Successful Dribbles | 49 | 1st |
| Key Passes | 46 | 2nd |
Those stats show why CITY2 leaned on him when it mattered. You could see how his technical ability and quick thinking changed games.
Postseason Contributions
When the playoffs rolled around, Pompeu didn’t fade—he actually stepped up. He played three postseason matches, adding two goals and an assist, giving CITY2 some much-needed punch in knockout games.
His efforts helped CITY2 win the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Championship. Not bad for a young guy in his first pro season.
He showed off his versatility in attack, too. Sometimes he scored, sometimes he set up the final pass, and that kept CITY2 dangerous even when opponents tried to adjust.
His playoff performances basically confirmed what the regular season hinted at: he wasn’t just a depth guy, he was right at the heart of CITY2’s success in 2022.
If you want more on his MLS NEXT Pro career with CITY2, check out his player profile.
Injury History and Recovery
Célio Pompeu’s rise with St. Louis City SC hit a wall in 2024. He suffered a nasty leg injury that needed surgery and a long rehab, forcing his team to figure things out without one of its most reliable midfielders.
Lower Leg Surgery
Pompeu went down after dislocating his ankle and breaking his fibula in a June 2024 match. Doctors had to perform lower leg surgery to fix the joint and repair the fracture. The club said the operation went well, but he faced at least nine months of recovery.
At 24, he was in the middle of his best season. He’d already set new personal highs for starts, minutes, goals, and assists. The injury brought all that momentum to a halt and put him out for the rest of the year.
A quick look at his 2024 numbers before getting hurt:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 17 |
| Matches Started | 15 |
| Minutes Played | 1,246 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
Surgery was just the start. For someone who came through VCU before making it to MLS, the real challenge became rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence.
Return from Ankle Dislocation
Ankle dislocations are brutal for soccer players. They mess with your balance, quickness, and ability to change direction. For Pompeu, that meant a nine-month recovery and missing not only the end of 2024 but also a big chunk of prep for 2025.
His rehab focused on slowly putting weight on the leg, targeted strength work, and controlled training. By early 2025, word was he was making progress, but setbacks always linger in the background. Getting cleared by doctors isn’t the same as being ready for MLS speed. He had to shake off the rust after almost a year away.
The club kept a close eye on his workload. Even once he got back to training, coaches planned to ease him in with limited minutes. They wanted to protect his ankle and avoid another injury.
Impact on Team Performance
You could see the difference in St. Louis City SC after Pompeu’s injury. The midfield lost a guy who connected possession with attack and created chances on the break. His three goals and three assists weren’t easy to replace.
At the time, the team’s record was 3-4-9, which kind of says it all. Without Pompeu, they struggled to find rhythm in the final third. Other midfielders tried to fill his shoes, but the rotation missed his mix of speed, vision, and defensive hustle.
Coaches had to tweak their tactics, relying more on wide play and direct balls into the box. Sometimes that worked, but it didn’t offer the balance Pompeu brought. His absence really showed how important he’d become in just his second MLS season.
For a young club still figuring itself out, losing a player like him was a big setback. His recovery became just as important for the team’s future as any new signing.
Related reading: St. Louis City SC confirmed that Pompeu underwent successful lower leg surgery and would miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Noteworthy Matches Against MLS Clubs
Célio Pompeu, who came out of Virginia Commonwealth University, has put in steady shifts in league play and has shown flashes of creativity in big games. His ability to influence the attack really pops in matches where St. Louis CITY SC faces experienced MLS teams.
Versus Houston Dynamo FC
Against Houston Dynamo FC, Pompeu looked right at home in transition play. His speed on the ball and quick passes stretched Houston’s midfield, opening up space for teammates to push forward.
In one of the more competitive games, he linked up with Eduard Löwen to set up several scoring chances. He didn’t always appear on the scoresheet, but his off-the-ball movement forced Houston’s defense into mistakes.
His defensive work stood out, too. Houston likes to build through the wings, and Pompeu’s pressing on the left slowed them down. He often won the ball back, giving St. Louis more time to attack.
Key Impact Areas vs. Houston Dynamo FC
- Pressing high on the left flank
- Linking midfield to attack
- Forcing turnovers in wide areas
Matches Against Chicago Fire FC
When he played Chicago Fire FC, Pompeu showed a different side. Instead of just using his pace, he leaned on patience and ball control. He dropped deeper to collect the ball, then drove forward to beat the first line of pressure.
Chicago’s midfield left gaps, and Pompeu took advantage. His passing accuracy stayed high, and he often found Klauss or Indiana Vassilev in dangerous spots.
In one match, he switched play quickly to the right, leading to a scoring chance. He didn’t get a goal, but his vision helped tilt things in St. Louis’s favor.
Stat Snapshot vs. Chicago Fire FC
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances Created | 5 |
| Passing Accuracy | 83% |
Performance Against Inter Miami CF
Pompeu delivered his best performance against Inter Miami CF in a 3-3 draw. He assisted Chris Durkin’s opening goal, threading a perfect ball that set the tone for St. Louis early on.
As the match went on, you could see his confidence grow. He carried the ball into tight spots, drew fouls, and forced Miami’s midfield to adjust. Even facing stars like Messi and Suárez, Pompeu didn’t back down.
By the end of that match, he’d picked up his third assist of the season, showing real growth. His composure against one of the league’s top teams proved he can handle the pressure.
Games Against LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids
Pompeu’s performances against LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids really show off his versatility. When he played against Galaxy, he often drifted inside and helped create overloads in midfield.
That little tactical wrinkle let Löwen and Klauss push up higher and put more pressure on the back line.
When St. Louis faced Colorado Rapids, Pompeu leaned on his dribbling to break through defensive lines. Colorado’s compact shape made finding space a headache, but Pompeu’s quick turns and sharp short passes managed to carve out a few lanes.
He didn’t exactly rack up big stats in these matches, but you could see his influence. Pompeu kept possession in tight spots and helped balance things out whenever St. Louis switched from attacking to defending.
Role vs. LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids
- Supporting midfield build-up
- Creating overloads in central areas
- Disrupting defensive blocks with dribbling
