EVANDER da Silva Ferreira FC Cincinnati Midfielder #10: Key Player Analysis and Season Impact
Evander, rocking the number 10 for FC Cincinnati, stands out as the club’s creative spark in midfield. He landed in Cincinnati from the Portland Timbers in a record-setting deal, and fans immediately took notice—not just because of his skills, but because of the sheer magnitude of the move.
He’s got vision, technical flair, and a real nose for goal. That’s made him one of the most exciting midfielders in MLS right now.
At 27, Evander brings calm and experience to a squad that’s hungry for a title. He’s already lifted the Orange and Blue with big goals and slick passing. Every time he steps onto the pitch, you can just feel the energy shift.
With him anchoring the midfield, the 2027 MLS season and beyond look pretty bright for Cincinnati.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | FC Cincinnati | — | — | — |
| 2023 | Portland Timbers | — | — | — |
Contents
Who Is Evander?
Evander da Silva Ferreira leads Cincinnati’s attack from the heart of midfield. He stands out for his technical skill and sharp, accurate passing.
The Brazilian midfielder shines in high-pressure moments. He’s got that rare vision you want in the final third.
Early Life and Background
Evander was born June 9, 1998, in Rio de Janeiro. Growing up in a city obsessed with football, he soaked up the game from the start.
His family backed his passion, and he joined Vasco da Gama’s youth setup early on. He made a name for himself with his creative play and quick feet.
Even as a teenager, coaches noticed how calm and composed he stayed on the ball. He just seemed to know what to do before anyone else.
Playing in such a competitive environment forced him to sharpen his skills. That Brazilian flair? It’s a big part of his style to this day.
Playing Style as an Attacking Midfielder
Evander lines up as an attacking midfielder—your classic number 10. He doesn’t just create chances; he scores them, too.
He’s known for quick feet, sharp vision, and smart decisions. Evander loves receiving the ball in tight spots and firing off quick passes.
He’s always looking for space, often sneaking into the box at just the right moment. Defenders have a tough time tracking him.
He prefers his right foot and uses his technique for crisp shots and clever passes. Evander mixes that Brazilian flair with the discipline you need in top leagues.
His off-ball movement keeps defenders guessing. His passing opens up scoring chances for teammates.
Career Highlights and Accolades
Evander started his pro journey at Vasco da Gama. Then he moved to Denmark, joining FC Midtjylland.
He became a key playmaker there, helping them win league titles and compete in Europe.
In 2024, FC Cincinnati signed him for a record $12 million. That was the biggest cash-for-player deal in MLS history.
Evander grabbed the number 10 shirt and immediately gave the team a boost in attack.
Here’s a quick look at his numbers:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–18 | Vasco da Gama | 34 | 3 | 2 |
| 2018–23 | FC Midtjylland | 122 | 31 | 18 |
| 2024– | FC Cincinnati | – | – | – |
He won trophies in Denmark and made the league’s honor teams more than once. Now in MLS, he keeps showing off those skills every week for FC Cincinnati.
Evander’s Role at FC Cincinnati
Evander’s role at FC Cincinnati is huge. He’s the engine in that midfield, driving the attack and taking on big responsibilities.
The size of his transfer, his club status, and that iconic jersey number—all of it shows just how much Cincinnati believes in him.
Transfer and Trade Details
FC Cincinnati pulled off a blockbuster by landing Evander from Portland. They paid $12 million up front, with a chance for $150,000 more if he hits certain targets.
This deal broke MLS records and sent a message: Cincinnati wants to play with the big boys.
Evander’s reputation as a creative playmaker and scorer made the investment a no-brainer. The club wanted someone proven, someone who could change games both here and abroad.
His move from Portland to Cincinnati really highlights how MLS is changing. Big trades and even bigger fees are becoming the norm.
You can check out more details in the FC Cincinnati acquires Evander from Portland Timbers story.
Designated Player Status
Evander joined as a Designated Player. That’s MLS-speak for “we’re pulling out all the stops to get this guy.”
Designated Players can earn more than the league’s normal salary cap. Clubs use this to attract top talent from around the world.
Evander’s contract runs through 2027, with a club option for 2028. That’s a sign Cincinnati sees him as a long-term leader.
They don’t hand out those DP slots lightly. Giving one to Evander means they see him as a cornerstone, plain and simple.
For more on how the DP rule works, take a look at Evander’s Wikipedia page.
Jersey Number #10
Evander wears the number 10. In soccer, that’s not just any number—it’s for the main man in the attack.
The “number 10” means expectations are sky-high. Teams count on that player to shape the offense and set up goals.
At Cincinnati, Evander fills that role perfectly. He links midfield to attack and delivers both goals and assists.
The number 10 is a statement. It’s a sign of trust from the coaches and a nod to his leadership.
Evander’s Key Stats at FC Cincinnati
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 24 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Minutes | 1,720 |
If you want to dig into his stats, check out his FC Cincinnati profile and Transfermarkt.
Performance in Major League Soccer
Evander wasted no time making an impact in Cincinnati. He’s an attacking midfielder with vision, skill, and a knack for stepping up when it matters.
Stats and Goal Contributions
Evander’s numbers tell the story. He’s racked up goals and assists, proving himself as a reliable attacking threat.
He’s logging big minutes, too. The coaching staff trusts him to deliver every game.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32 | 9 | 7 | 2,680 |
| 2025 | 15 | 6 | 5 | 1,321 |
He ranks among Cincinnati’s top contributors. Over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there with the league’s best midfielders in goal involvements.
His steady form has been a big reason Cincinnati keeps pushing for the playoffs. More stats? You’ll find them on his detailed stats page.
Notable Goals and Braces
Evander’s given Cincinnati some unforgettable moments. Remember that brace against Chicago? He came back from injury and scored twice, lifting his team to a 3-2 win.
He’s got a habit of showing up in the big games. His runs into the box and cool finishing have turned tight matches into wins.
A bunch of his goals have been game-winners or equalizers. That’s exactly why Cincinnati brought him in as their main playmaker.
You can catch highlights of those moments on his FC Cincinnati profile.
Assists and Playmaking
Evander isn’t just a scorer—he’s a top-tier playmaker. He threads passes through the tiniest gaps and sets up teammates with chances they can’t miss.
His assist numbers are near the top for MLS midfielders. He’s always racking up key passes, too.
In games, he links the midfield to the attack, running the show in offensive buildups. On set pieces and in transition, he delivers dangerous balls that keep defenses on their toes.
Every season, his creative influence grows. His passing range makes him unpredictable and tough to defend.
You can check out his playmaking stats on his MLS stats page.
2024 Season with FC Cincinnati
Evander arrived with a ton of hype after that record transfer. He’s lived up to it, becoming a key figure in the midfield almost overnight.
Key Matches and Highlights
He made an impact right away, debuting against NYCFC and scoring a clutch game-tying goal. Throughout the 2024 season, he kept the goals and assists coming, changing games with his vision.
One of his best moments came midseason, when he scored twice in a comeback win over a playoff rival. He earned spots in the MLS Team of the Matchday more than once.
With 15 goals, he finished among the league’s top scorers. That’s no small feat for a midfielder.
Evander built a strong partnership with Cincinnati’s front line. His passing, dribbling, and set pieces were crucial all summer.
By July, he’d picked up multiple Player of the Month nominations. That just shows how important he’s been to Cincinnati’s playoff chase.
Want more on his transfer and impact? Check out the acquisition report.
2024 FC Cincinnati Regular Season Statistics
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Key Passes | Player of the Month Nominations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 15 | 7 | 72 | 2 |
MLS Best XI and All-Star Honors
Evander’s performances turned plenty of heads around the league. He earned a spot on the MLS All-Star team, joining the top talent in North America.
Late in the year, he made the MLS Best XI for 2024. That’s a testament to his dominance in midfield.
He even finished as a top-five finalist for MLS MVP. Not too shabby for his first year in Cincinnati.
His rise has boosted Cincinnati’s reputation for smart signings. Evander’s become a true difference-maker on the league’s biggest stage.
You’ll find more on his move and honors at FC Cincinnati’s official announcement.
Previous Clubs and Professional Journey
Evander’s career? Oh, it’s been a ride. He’s left his mark everywhere—Brazil, Denmark, the US—you name it. Every stop has shown off his technical skills, adaptability, and, honestly, just how much he brings to any team lucky enough to have him.
Vasco da Gama and Early Career
Evander kicked off his pro journey at Vasco da Gama in Brazil. He made his senior debut at 18, coming on late in a win over Bonsucesso on March 5, 2016.
Vasco didn’t waste time, giving him more responsibility. By November 2017, he’d already scored his first pro goal.
He set a club record as the youngest Vasco player to net two goals in a single Copa Libertadores match. During his time there, he sharpened his playmaking and got a real taste of top-flight Brazilian soccer.
Vasco da Gama Key Stats
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | 34 | 6 | 4 |
Before heading to Europe, Evander had already shown his talent in both league and continental competitions.
FC Midtjylland in Danish Superliga
FC Midtjylland signed Evander in January 2019. They wanted more creativity in midfield, and he delivered. He brought vision, slick passing, and the ability to work in tight spaces, keeping Midtjylland up near the top of Danish soccer.
Evander played in over 90 league games for the club. Fans quickly noticed his long-range shooting—he became a big piece of their 2019–2020 title run.
He did more than just rack up goals and assists. Evander controlled the tempo and stepped up as a leader when the pressure cranked up.
He also picked up valuable European experience, playing in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.
Stint with Portland Timbers
Evander made the jump to Major League Soccer at the end of 2022, joining the Portland Timbers. The Venezuelan-English midfielder came in with a lot of hype and quickly took over the number 10 role, driving attacks and linking up the midfield with the forwards.
He wasted no time—Evander put up crucial goals and assists, keeping the Timbers in the playoff hunt. His vision and skill on the ball turned heads, and defenders started paying extra attention to him, which opened up space for his teammates.
His MLS run boosted his reputation as a creative, reliable midfielder. That set the stage for a blockbuster move to FC Cincinnati—a transfer that had plenty of people talking. The deal even ranks as one of the league’s biggest ever, showing just how much his stock has risen in North American soccer. See more about the move at FC Cincinnati’s historic exchange with Portland Timbers.
International Tournaments and Achievements
Evander’s reputation? He’s built it on steady performances in big club tournaments and youth international matches. His journey has taken him to big games on two continents and plenty of standout moments in international club football.
Copa Libertadores and South American Success
Early on, Evander got his shot in South America’s top club tournament—the Copa Libertadores. He played for Vasco da Gama, going up against heavyweights like River Plate and Racing Club.
He never lifted the Libertadores trophy, but his work in midfield helped Vasco reach the group stage. That’s a pretty solid feat for any young Brazilian.
His passing, set-piece skill, and cool head under pressure made a difference in those intense, high-speed matches.
Here’s a quick look at his Copa Libertadores numbers:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Vasco da Gama | 8 | 3 |
He also played in the Copa Sudamericana, making the knockouts in 2017 with Vasco. Evander earned respect for handling tough away games in Argentina and Uruguay—never easy for a young player.
UEFA Champions League and Europa League Participation
After heading to Europe, Evander joined FC Midtjylland and got his first taste of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. He debuted in the Champions League in 2020, facing off against clubs like Liverpool and Atalanta.
His team didn’t make it to the knockouts, but his passing range and calm play stood out.
In the Europa League, Evander became a key figure in Midtjylland’s midfield. He scored goals, chipped in assists, and helped the club reach the group stages more than once.
Here are his stats from those European competitions:
| Tournament | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champions League | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| Europa League | 14 | 5 | 3 |
He didn’t win the big European trophies, but his record in continental play built his case as a creative playmaker and a guy who can get it done at multiple levels.
Memorable Matches and Rivals
Evander’s been a game-changer for FC Cincinnati. He’s shown poise in high-pressure moments and delivered against some of the league’s best. His creativity and leadership have swung results, especially in big games or against old rivals.
Leagues Cup Performances
Evander really made his mark in the Leagues Cup. He used quick feet and sharp vision to carve out chances for himself and his teammates.
When the pressure cranked up, he stepped up—scoring big goals and setting up key plays.
Check out his numbers from the tournament:
| Match | Goals | Assists | Key Passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Pachuca | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| vs. Club América | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Quarterfinal | 1 | 0 | 5 |
His tight-space passing made him the focal point. He stayed cool in penalty shootouts, giving Cincinnati an edge. His run in the Leagues Cup locked him in as a reliable attacking midfielder—a real difference-maker.
Matches Against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi
The games against Inter Miami? Those had everyone watching. Fans wanted to see Evander go up against Messi’s star power.
Evander kept his focus, moving the ball well and pressing high up the pitch.
He took charge, organizing attacks and even tracking Messi when needed. Some of his best moments came when he set up scoring chances with pinpoint crosses and quick switches.
When Messi drew extra defenders, Evander changed gears, found open spaces, and linked up with Cincinnati’s forwards. The spotlight was on Messi, sure, but Evander’s steady play kept Cincinnati right in the thick of things.
Clashes with FC Dallas and LA Galaxy
When FC Cincinnati faced FC Dallas and LA Galaxy, Evander showed he could adapt to the Western Conference’s fast pace. These games demanded sharp decisions and real hustle.
Against Dallas, he pushed forward and hustled back on defense. He started quick counterattacks and worked well with his midfield partners.
Going up against LA Galaxy, Evander faced some tough midfield duels but stood out with set-piece delivery and late runs into the box.
He put up goals and assists in these matchups, showing skill and composure under pressure. These games tested his versatility, and he answered, helping build his reputation as a dependable playmaker for Cincinnati. You can find more about his latest season stats on FootyStats—his performances against top MLS teams really stand out.
Tickets and Fan Engagement
FC Cincinnati’s match days? Electric. The fans bring energy to TQL Stadium every time. If you want tickets or want to get involved as an Evander supporter, it’s pretty straightforward.
How to Find FC Cincinnati Tickets
Fans searching for FC Cincinnati tickets can start on the club’s official website. There’s a ticket portal with current matches, seating charts, and prices.
Ticketmaster and other big platforms also have tickets for both home and away games. These sites update in real time and let you pick your seats by section or price.
You can buy group tickets, season passes, and premium packages straight from the club. The resale market on the official site is handy for last-minute deals.
For the biggest games, tickets move fast, so buying early is smart. Weekday specials or family packages sometimes pop up for extra savings.
| Ticket Type | Price Range | How to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Single Match | $25 – $95 | Club site, Ticketmaster |
| Season Pass | $340 – $1,100 | Club season pass section |
| Premium Packages | $1,200+ | Suite & box office requests |
Special events, like Evander’s debut, can push prices up, but deals still pop up for certain matches.
Fan Support and Community Involvement
The FC Cincinnati supporters? They’re something else. Groups like The Bailey lead chants and bring colorful displays, making match day a real event.
Anyone can join in, whether you’re new or a longtime fan. Marches to the stadium are open and always a good time.
The club puts a lot into fan engagement—community events, youth clinics, and charity work. Evander’s a familiar face at meet-and-greets, signing autographs and snapping photos after games.
Fans can sign up for the team newsletter or check out official social media for updates on events and volunteer chances.
Programs support schools, local businesses, and special causes. FC Cincinnati’s commitment to the community gives fans plenty of ways to connect with players and each other outside the stadium. You’ll find all the details, event calendars, and sign-ups on the official FC Cincinnati website.
Future Outlook for Evander
Evander’s influence at FC Cincinnati keeps growing since his big move from Portland. His scoring touch, flair, and leadership make him the focal point for the team’s future.
Potential in the 2027 MLS Season
Evander’s under contract through 2027, so there’s time for him to shape Cincinnati’s fortunes. The squad expects him to be the main playmaker, running the attack and setting up teammates.
His vision and passing should help keep Cincinnati near the top of the league. The club put down $12 million to bring him in—a serious investment and a clear sign of belief in his long-term value.
If the current trend holds, Evander should keep putting up big numbers. Here’s a look at his recent stats:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Portland Timbers | 28 | 9 | 7 |
| 2024 | FC Cincinnati | 29 | 11 | 10 |
If he stays healthy and keeps this up, he could set a new standard for midfielders in club history.
Prospects for Awards and Honors
After landing on the 2024 MLS MVP Finalist list, Evander’s name keeps popping up as a player to watch for individual hardware in the coming seasons.
His attacking numbers? Impressive. He’s shown leadership, too, and those traits keep him in the mix for All-Star nods and end-of-year honors.
But let’s be real—he’s gotta keep it up, especially when the lights are brightest in those big matches. If Evander pushes FC Cincinnati deep into the playoffs or helps grab a Supporters’ Shield, you can bet his case for MVP only gets stronger.
Right now, he’s moving at a pace that makes him a real threat for more awards, especially if Cincinnati keeps sitting near the top of the league. That kind of season would cement his spot as one of MLS’s best midfielders.
