S. Moreira Columbus Crew Defender #31: Key Player Profile and Impact in 2025 Season

Alright, Crew fans, let’s talk about the guy wearing #31 on the back line—Steven Moreira. If you’ve watched the Crew lately, you can’t miss him. He’s become one of the most valuable defenders on the roster, and honestly, his performances speak for themselves.

Every time Moreira steps onto the pitch, he brings this spark—leadership, energy, you name it. In 2023, he suited up for 34 regular season games and managed to chip in five assists. That’s not something you see every day from a defender, right?

If you’re curious about what makes Moreira so crucial for the Crew, you’re in good company. Fans and coaches count on him game after game, and it’s easy to see why.

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists
2022	32	1	8
2023	34	0	5

You can check out Steven Moreira’s Columbus Crew profile for the latest stats and a deeper look at his role.

Steven Moreira: Player Profile

Let’s get into it—Steven Moreira is a reliable defender in Major League Soccer. He’s got international experience and has shown he can handle big moments for both club and country.

Background and Place of Birth

Moreira brings a bit of European flavor to MLS. He was born in Noisy-le-Grand, a suburb just east of Paris, France.

That area’s known for its diverse culture and strong youth soccer programs. It’s a place where young players get a real shot to develop their game.

Moreira’s early years in France gave him a solid foundation. He learned the basics playing for local clubs, and those skills carried him all the way to the professional ranks.

Growing up in France meant he had access to top-notch coaching and youth academies. That background paved the way for his career as a Crew defender.

Date of Birth, Age, and Height

Steven Moreira was born on August 13, 1994. Fast forward to June 2025, and he’s 30 years old—definitely a seasoned pro in the Crew’s backline.

He stands around 1.78 meters tall, which is about 5’10”. Not the tallest, but he’s got the reach and agility to play both right-back and center-back.

His size lets him match up well with attackers, and he uses his speed and positioning to his advantage.

Here’s a quick rundown of his physical profile:

Attribute	Value
Date of Birth	August 13, 1994
Age	30 (as of June 2025)
Height	1.78 m (5’10”)

He fits right in with the modern crop of MLS defenders.

Nationality and Heritage

Moreira’s got a pretty cool background. He was born in France but also has Cape Verdean roots.

His family’s heritage gives him the option to represent either country, but he currently suits up for the Cape Verde national team. That’s a big nod to his family’s history.

For club football, he’s all Crew in the U.S. Watching him play, you can see the blend of French and Cape Verdean soccer influences. That versatility and adaptability make him stand out.

Position and Playing Style

He’s comfortable at both right-back and center-back. With the Crew, he’s started mostly as a defender who can shift around depending on what the team needs.

Moreira isn’t just about defense—he’s chipped in with assists, too. In 2023, he made 34 appearances and set up five goals. That’s real two-way value.

You can check his stats on the official Crew site.

He reads the game well, relying more on positioning and tactical smarts than brute strength. That lets him handle both speedy wingers and physical forwards.

He’s right-footed, which gives him a natural edge on his side but also lets him shift centrally when needed.

Columbus Crew Career

Steven Moreira has made a name for himself with the Crew. He’s delivered on defense and stepped up in big moments.

His presence goes beyond stats. You feel it during high-stakes matches—he’s just steady back there.

Joining Columbus Crew

Moreira landed in Columbus in 2021 as a free agent after stints in France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. He brought tactical awareness and defensive versatility from Europe.

When he hit the training field at Lower.com Field, the message was clear: shore up the backline, help build from the back, and stabilize a defense that needed it.

He adapted fast to MLS. You could see his commitment and smart positioning from day one.

That set the tone for what he’d bring in the years ahead.

Appearances and Regular-Season Stats

Just look at the numbers—Moreira’s value jumps off the page. In 2023, he played 34 regular-season games and started 33.

He led the team in minutes played, which says a lot about his fitness and importance.

Here’s his 2023 regular season in a nutshell:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
2023	34	33	2,970	0	5

He played both right-back and center-back, always giving the Crew a solid option in defense.

Week after week, you’d see his name on the team sheet.

Key Contributions and Goals

Moreira’s impact goes beyond goals. In 2023, he notched five assists from the back, pushing the Crew into attack.

He made smart overlapping runs, delivered accurate crosses, and helped launch counters.

Scoring isn’t his main thing, but he’s a master at breaking up attacks and winning the ball back.

Time and again, he came up with big tackles or interceptions to seal results late in games.

He also keeps the backline organized. His leadership shows up in those tense moments when the team needs someone to take charge.

MLS Cup and Playoff Performance

When playoff time rolled around, Moreira’s role got even bigger. He defended with discipline and aggression, giving the Crew a steady presence when it mattered most.

In the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, he made crucial clearances and timed his challenges perfectly.

He adjusted to different attacking threats and worked closely with teammates to keep the Crew’s shape.

When the Crew lifted the trophy at Lower.com Field, Moreira’s calm and consistent play at the back played a big part in that success.

His postseason form turned heads and cemented his status as a top Crew defender in the league.

Defensive Excellence and Recognition

You’ve watched Steven Moreira anchor the Columbus Crew backline with real discipline and skill.

His 2024 season, in particular, stood out for sharp defensive play and some serious honors.

MLS Defender of the Year Consideration

Recognition matters, and 2024 was a big one for Moreira. He took home the 2024 MLS Defender of the Year award.

That’s given to the league’s top defender, and it’s a short list of Crew players who’ve earned it—Chad Marshall and Robin Fraser are the other names.

Moreira grabbed over 18% of the vote, which shows how much respect he commands across MLS.

His timing, awareness, and composure made a difference all year. For Crew fans, it was the first time since 2009 that one of their own won the award.

Notable Defensive Statistics

Let’s talk numbers. Moreira started every game for Columbus in 2022, and he kept that consistency rolling through 2024.

He limited dangerous chances, broke up attacks, and tracked some of the league’s best forwards.

Here’s a quick look at his defensive stats from recent years:

Season	Games Played	Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Assists	Goals
2022	32	64	58	121	8	1
2023	30	61	54	115	6	0
2024	32	68	60	127	7	1

He’s not just stopping attacks—he’s helping push the ball forward, too. Those assists show he’s got an impact in transition.

2024 MLS All-Star Selection

Awards are great, but All-Star nods count for something, too. Moreira landed on the 2024 MLS All-Star team.

That means coaches and fans see him as one of the league’s elite defenders.

He earned it by shutting down opponents and leading by example every week.

His calm approach and smart positioning made him an easy pick.

You can track his All-Star appearances as proof of his steady influence in MLS.

These honors just highlight a career built on reliability and impact for the Crew.

International Career

Steven Moreira, born in France but proud of his Cape Verdean roots, made a splash by choosing to represent Cape Verde at the senior level.

His performances have put him in the spotlight during key international matches and brought valuable experience to his national team.

Cape Verde National Team

Let’s talk about Steven Moreira’s international journey. He kicked things off with France at the youth level, but then he switched gears and brought fresh energy to Cape Verde’s national team. In October 2023, the coaches called him up for the senior squad, and he didn’t waste any time—he jumped right into a big friendly against Algeria.

That debut? Pretty rough. Cape Verde suffered a tough 5-1 loss to Algeria. Still, Moreira’s defensive skills and calmness on the ball stood out. His experience with the Columbus Crew made him a key part of the back line and set a solid example for the younger Cape Verdean players.

Key Match:

Date	Opponent	Result	Notable Contribution
Oct 12, 2023	Algeria	1-5	Full debut for Cape Verde

Since then, he’s shown leadership on the field. Moreira brings structure and tactical awareness to Cape Verde, helping them hold their own against stronger teams.

Africa Cup of Nations Experience

Moreira’s spot in the Africa Cup of Nations squad? That’s a big deal—for him and for Cape Verde. His selection shows the coaching staff trusts his professionalism and defensive skillset.

This tournament’s no joke. Cape Verde regularly faces some of Africa’s top teams. Moreira logged serious minutes in the group stage, leaning on his MLS experience to anchor the defense. He played both right-back and center-back, giving the team much-needed flexibility.

Tournament Highlights:

• Provided stable defense in multiple group matches
• Helped Cape Verde stay organized and competitive in key games

His confidence and ability to communicate on the field made a real difference. Cape Verdean fans see Moreira as proof their team is building real depth and aiming higher in continental competition. If you want more details, check out his Columbus Crew profile or look up recent tournament recaps.

Club Career Before Columbus Crew

Steven Moreira’s professional story starts in France. He came up through respected academies, earned Ligue 1 experience, and played in some high-stakes national tournaments. Those early days set him up for his eventual move to Major League Soccer.

Early Career and Youth Development

Let’s rewind to the Paris suburbs. Moreira started out at AS Champs-sur-Marne, a club with a reputation for tough, disciplined players. He didn’t stay long—his drive and defensive instincts landed him at US Torcy, another youth club known for molding talent.

That’s where he really sharpened his game. He learned to read plays quickly and keep his cool under pressure. By 2009, the Stade Rennais academy brought him in, and scouts started to notice.

At Rennes, Moreira climbed the youth ranks and eventually cracked the reserve squad. That’s a huge step in France—this is where the country’s youth system really shapes players’ tactical skills and technical ability.

Youth Career Timeline

Years	Club
2000-2005	AS Champs-sur-Marne
2005-2009	US Torcy
2009-2013	Rennes

Toulouse FC and Ligue 1 Experience

Moreira signed his first pro contract with Toulouse FC in 2013. That move? Huge. Toulouse had a reputation for giving young players a real shot.

He made his league debut in August 2013 and quickly became a regular. Over four seasons, he played mostly right back but could slide up to midfield if needed. His game was about clean tackles, steady passing, and jumping up into the attack when the moment called for it.

Toulouse FC Stats (Ligue 1)

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2013-2017	93	0	3

During those years, he became a trusted defender in Ligue 1 with his reliability and consistency.

FC Lorient and Coupe de la Ligue

In 2017, Moreira moved to FC Lorient. The club had just dropped to Ligue 2, but they needed experience, and he had it.

He jumped right into the starting lineup and helped steady the defense. Moreira also mentored some of the younger players. Lorient’s runs in the Coupe de la Ligue gave him a chance to shine, especially in big cup matches where he contributed on both ends.

He made 37 league appearances and even scored a goal at Lorient, showing he wasn’t afraid to get forward. His leadership and Ligue 1 background brought toughness and experience to Lorient as they chased promotion and fought through the grind of French cup competitions. If you want the full rundown, his Wikipedia page has the details.

Performance in MLS and Other Competitions

S. Moreira has earned his stripes as one of Columbus Crew’s most dependable defenders. His knack for adapting to different competitions makes him a go-to guy for both national and international tournaments.

Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup

In the Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup, Moreira’s consistency stands out. His positioning and tactical reading give Columbus Crew a solid backbone, especially against top Mexican clubs.

He keeps his discipline and helps cut down on dangerous chances. Under pressure, Moreira stays calm, usually picking out the right pass to move the ball forward. The coaching staff trusts him in big moments, and he delivers steady, mature play.

Key Highlights:

• Averaged over 85% pass accuracy in Leagues Cup matches
• Consistently made clearances in the defensive third
• Shifted between center back and right back as needed

Check out these defensive stats from recent tournaments:

Competition	Appearances	Tackles per Game	Clearances per Game	Pass Accuracy
Leagues Cup	3	2.0	3.5	87%
Campeones Cup	1	2.5	4.0	89%

U.S. Open Cup Contributions

In the U.S. Open Cup, Moreira brings experience that younger defenders can lean on. He steps up when matches get tense and focus is everything.

He logs heavy minutes and makes key interventions to keep opponents off the board. His reliability in high-pressure moments is a real asset.

Standout Actions:

• Stopped several dangerous counterattacks near Columbus’ box
• Completed over 90% of his passes in Open Cup play
• Assisted on a game-winning goal in the quarterfinals

When results are on the line, Moreira steps up. His tactical smarts in knockout rounds make him a key piece for the Crew’s tournament runs.

CONCACAF Champions Cup Appearances

Watching Moreira in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, you see a player who thrives on international challenges. He matches up well against top strikers, using vocal organization and smart marking in the back line.

He makes big interceptions to stop scoring chances and shifts smoothly between one-on-one duels and zonal defense. His play brings stability and confidence, especially in tough away games.

Performance Metrics:

• Averaged 2.8 tackles and 2 blocked shots per match
• Stayed disciplined—just one yellow card in five starts
• Played the full 90 minutes in every Champions Cup appearance

With Moreira on the field, Columbus Crew has a real shot at going deep in the Champions Cup, even against the best in North America.

Notable Matches and Rivalries

Steven Moreira has gone up against some of MLS’s toughest attacks with Columbus Crew. His defensive abilities get tested in high-pressure rivalry games and against teams loaded with attacking talent.

Key Matches Versus FC Cincinnati

When Columbus Crew faces FC Cincinnati in the “Hell is Real” rivalry, the tension is always sky-high. In these games, Moreira’s positioning and tackling really shine, especially against Cincinnati’s top forwards. He often finds himself battling both speed and strength.

His discipline and awareness help disrupt Cincinnati’s quick build-up play. Here are some of his defensive stats from recent clashes:

Match Date	Clearances	Interceptions	Tackles Won	Minutes Played
2023-05-20	8	3	2	90
2024-03-10	6	4	3	90

In these derbies, Moreira’s performance sets the tone for the Crew’s defensive confidence.

Showdowns with Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union brings a direct, organized attack. Moreira faces quick wingers and shifting formations, so these games often come down to split-second decisions—timely interceptions or crucial clearances.

His knack for reading the game helps cut off Philadelphia’s counters. You’ll see him directing teammates and shutting down attacks before they get dangerous.

In a 2023 regular season game, he made several key blocks, keeping Columbus in it until the final whistle. Coaches and fans praise his matchups with Union’s forwards for his mix of physicality and technical skill.

Games Against Inter Miami

Inter Miami’s attack, full of star power, tests Moreira’s anticipation and agility. Miami loves to find space behind the defense, so he’s on alert the entire match.

These games demand quick recoveries and laser focus. Moreira rarely lets his guard down, even with constant pressure.

One of his standout moments came late in 2023—he made a last-second sliding block to deny a goal-scoring opportunity. That kind of play has earned him respect across the league.

Noteworthy Performances Versus Atlanta United

Facing Atlanta United means dealing with sharp passing and fast transitions. Moreira works hard to track runs, organize the defense, and cover ground. Atlanta’s movement keeps defenders busy, so positioning is everything.

In a clutch late-season match, Moreira racked up clearances and dominated aerial duels, helping Columbus lock down a narrow win. His timing and awareness kept the Crew organized under pressure.

He’s also quick to step out and pick off passes, breaking up Atlanta’s rhythm. These matchups are always a showcase for his defensive discipline and smart play.

Media, Videos, and Further Information

If you want to see Moreira in action, there’s no shortage of video highlights and expert breakdowns from his matches with Columbus Crew. They capture his defensive plays and those clutch moments in front of goal. Dive in and see how he changes games from the back line.

Highlights and Video Analysis

Alright, let’s talk Steven Moreira. If you want to really get a feel for his impact on the field, you’ve gotta check out some video clips from the last few seasons.

The Columbus Crew website puts up match highlights, and they don’t miss the big stuff—like that goal and assist he dropped during the Crew’s 4-1 win. That spark helped push the team deeper into the tournament.

You’ll spot him switching it up, moving from right-back to a spot in a three-man defense. The guy’s versatility? It’s right there on the tape.

Crew broadcasts and the big sports networks love showing off Moreira’s defensive positioning. They’ll highlight his successful tackles and those quick recoveries every week.

Want numbers? You can dig into updated stats, full match replays, and short tactical clips on ESPN or his official player profile.

And hey, for the stat-hungry out there, here’s a quick look at his recent defensive numbers:

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Tackles	Interceptions
MLS 2024	22	2	4	38	24