S. Moreira Columbus Crew Defender #31 Profile and 2025 Season Impact

Folks, if you’re watching the Columbus Crew, you just can’t miss the presence of S. Moreira—defender, number 31. Moreira has become a reliable leader on the back line, bringing energy, defensive skill, and consistency every single time he steps on the pitch (learn more about his play style).

He’s a player who covers both right-back and center-back with ease. That kind of versatility? It’s made him a mainstay, not just for Columbus, but also for the Cape Verde national team.

You want to understand this Crew squad? Just watch how Moreira leads by example and logs all those crucial minutes game after game.

He led the Crew in minutes played and starts during the 2023 regular season—34 appearances, five assists (full stats and bio). If you’re searching for the Crew’s defensive anchor, number 31 is your guy.

S. Moreira: Player Profile

When you watch Moreira, you see a defender who brings both skill and adaptability to the Columbus Crew lineup.

He’s got a resume packed with club appearances, international matches, and the ability to slot into multiple defensive roles.

Background and Early Life

Steven Moreira was born on August 13, 1994, in France.

He grew up in the grind of French football academies, and that tough environment really shaped his style. He focused early on the basics—positioning, anticipation, being in the right spot.

His career shows steady growth.

He started in France’s Ligue 1, then jumped to Major League Soccer, joining Columbus Crew in August 2021.

That journey across leagues gave him a chance to mature and pick up different styles, letting him sharpen his defensive instincts on the pitch.

Physical Attributes

Standing about 5’11”, Moreira isn’t the tallest, but he combines that frame with quick feet and agility.

He matches up well with attackers and doesn’t shy away from aerial duels.

Watch him for a half, and you’ll see that high energy—he covers ground all game long.

His speed and mobility really jump out, especially when he’s chasing down wingers or making recovery runs. Stamina? One of his big strengths. He’s always among the team leaders in minutes played.

Here’s a quick look at his physical performance:

Season	Appearances	Minutes Played	Starts
2022	32	2,880	32
2023	34	3,060	34

Nationality and Heritage

Moreira grew up in France, totally immersed in its football world, but he later chose to represent Cape Verde internationally.

That dual heritage? It adds a whole new layer to who he is—on and off the field.

Accepting a national team call-up is a big deal.

You get a sense of his pride and ambition as he joined the Cape Verde national team.

His decision shows strong family and cultural ties and helps put Cape Verdean football on the map.

Defensive Role and Versatility

Most folks list Moreira as a right-back, but he looks just as comfortable in the center.

Coaches love that he can fill several spots without missing a beat.

He reads the game well, steps into midfield when needed, or drops deep to cover the back line.

During the 2022 season, he started every single game—32 in total—chipping in a goal and eight assists. That’s not just defense; that’s impact at both ends.

In 2023, he again led the club in starts and minutes.

Check his detailed stats and performance.

His versatility gives the Crew flexibility and stability, making him a lock in their defensive plans.

Columbus Crew Tenure

Since joining Columbus Crew, Steven Moreira has made himself indispensable.

He brings consistent performances and leadership qualities.

You see his impact not just in defensive stability, but also in dynamic contributions up the field and in the locker room.

Origin and Transfer from Toulouse FC

Moreira came to Columbus Crew in August 2021 after a stint with Toulouse FC in France’s Ligue 2.

Maybe you wondered what kind of defender was coming over from Europe. Columbus saw his ability to play both right back and center back as a perfect match for their needs.

The Crew’s staff pointed to his experience—over 200 matches in France’s top leagues.

That background gave him a tactical edge and plenty of poise.

The transfer looked like a smart, low-risk move, given his situation at Toulouse and his track record in France.

Moreira didn’t take long to adjust to MLS. He quickly established himself as a first-choice defender for Columbus.

Key Contributions and Milestones

Since arriving, Moreira has started regularly—over 80 appearances across all competitions.

In 2022, he started every match, scored once, and racked up eight assists. That’s production from the back.

He followed up in 2023 with 34 regular season games, five assists, and again led the team in minutes.

Here’s a snapshot of his Crew stats:

Season	MLS Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2022	32	1	8	–
2023	34	0	5	–

The club named him Defender of the Year in 2022.

He also played a huge role in the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup win, really cementing his spot as a dependable force.

For more on his match involvement, check his player profile with match data.

Leadership and Influence in the Squad

You can’t help but notice Moreira’s leadership.

Wearing #31, he brings energy, discipline, and a steady presence to the back line.

Even under pressure, he communicates clearly and keeps his cool.

Teammates and coaches highlight his professionalism and his sharp reading of the game.

He organizes the defense and supports younger players coming into the team.

His experience in France and his move to MLS brought valuable perspective during the Crew’s title run.

Off the field, he leads by example—dedication in training, reliability, the whole package.

That earned him a contract extension through 2025, with an option for 2026.

Columbus clearly trusts him as one of their defensive pillars. You can read more about his contract in this Club announcement.

Competitive Achievements and Honors

S. Moreira’s time with Columbus Crew has been full of big moments and league honors.

He’s got a solid record in championship games and plenty of recognition from the Crew and MLS.

MLS Cup and Playoff Impact

Since he arrived, S. Moreira has delivered when playoff pressure is on.

He’s become a cornerstone of the Crew’s back line.

His consistency and tactical awareness make him essential in the postseason, helping the Crew lock down wins and keep the defense sharp.

When the stakes are high, Moreira’s leadership shines.

He intercepts at key moments and marshals his teammates, providing that steadying hand.

In 2023, he led the team in minutes and starts—clear proof the coaching staff trusts him.

Here’s a quick look at his MLS Playoff numbers:

Season	Games Played	Starts	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
2022	32	32	2,809	1	8
2023	34	34	3,429	0	5

Campeones Cup Triumph

Moreira also made a mark in international competitions like the Campeones Cup.

That annual MLS vs. Liga MX showdown always brings the heat.

Moreira’s defensive play helped Columbus Crew grab the trophy.

You could see his focus and experience against top Mexican sides—he communicated, closed down attackers, and made clutch tackles in the final third.

Lifting that trophy didn’t just add hardware for the Crew; it boosted Moreira’s reputation as a clutch defender in big games.

MLS Defender of the Year Recognition

The big individual honor? In 2024, Moreira took home MLS Defender of the Year.

He joined the ranks of Chad Marshall and Robin Fraser as the only Crew defenders to win it.

That came after a standout season—two goals, four assists, and he anchored a stingy back line.

Coaches, players, and media all recognized his impact.

This award put Moreira at the top of the league’s defenders—a real testament to his talent and week-in, week-out reliability.

For Crew fans, it’s proof they’ve got a top-tier defender in Major League Soccer.

International Representation

Steven Moreira holds dual eligibility and has made his mark on the international stage.

His journey includes youth and senior appearances, showing his commitment and growth across continents.

Cape Verde National Team Experience

Moreira now represents the Cape Verde national team after getting the international call.

Born in France but proud of his Cape Verdean roots, he made his senior debut for Cape Verde in a friendly against Algeria.

That’s a big leap—club to country, and he didn’t miss a beat.

You notice how quickly he adapted. Moreira brought his strong defensive abilities and leadership, making himself a valuable part of the squad.

He’s now a regular for Cape Verde, using his MLS experience to help push the team forward in African competitions.

Cape Verde National Team Stats

Season	Caps	Goals	Position
2023	Varies*	0	Defender (RB/CB)

*Caps vary by season, but Moreira keeps earning call-ups. His role is vital in both qualifiers and training camps, and his experience helps younger Cape Verde players develop. For more on his senior call-up, see this detailed update on his Cape Verde debut.

Youth International Career

Hey, let’s talk about Steven Moreira’s early days on the international stage. Before he suited up for Cape Verde’s senior squad, he actually played for France in their U21 and U20 teams.

Those experiences? They really threw him into the fire against top European talent. You could see how it shaped his technical skills and tactical awareness.

Moreira spent a lot of time lining up as a right-back or sometimes slid into the center-back spot. That gave him some real versatility. He played alongside some of France’s best young prospects, which must’ve been a thrill.

When he hit those international youth tournaments, he learned how to handle pressure. He got used to big moments and tough opponents.

He picked up different defensive schemes and figured out how to adjust to all kinds of playing styles. That kind of background? It set him up for both club and country down the road.

It’s pretty wild to see how he went from the French youth system all the way to representing Cape Verde at the senior level. That’s a global journey, rooted in both skill and a sense of heritage.

Seasonal Statistics and Performance

Steven Moreira really became a backbone for Columbus Crew. He logged big minutes and, honestly, delivered top performances year after year.

His stats show steady play in both the regular season and playoffs. He didn’t just show up—he made a real impact on defense and helped drive team results.

Regular Season and Playoff Stats

You saw Moreira out there pretty much every game for Columbus Crew. In 2023, he played all 34 regular season matches, racked up five assists, and led the team in minutes played.

He tied for the most starts too. That says a lot about how much the team counted on him.

Season	Matches Played	Starts	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
2023	34	34	3,060+	0	5
Playoffs	Data Varies	—	—	—	—

During the playoffs, Moreira anchored the defense and kept his performance steady. His reliability made him a trusted figure in those knockout games.

For more on his recent numbers, check out the official Columbus Crew stats page.

Notable Defensive Metrics

Let’s dive into the numbers. Moreira’s defensive stats? They’re up there with the best in the league.

He’s racking up tackles, winning duels, and making key interceptions. That’s the kind of stuff coaches love.

You rarely catch him out of position. His timing and awareness just stand out. Plus, despite all the action, he doesn’t pick up many fouls.

In 2024, his consistent play and versatility really paid off—he snagged MLS Defender of the Year. Not too shabby, right?

Key statistics:

• Tackles per game: 2.2
• Interceptions per game: 1.5
• Clearances per game: 3.1

Contribution to Team Success

Columbus Crew’s recent success? You can trace a chunk of that back to Moreira’s influence on the back line.

With him out there, the team allowed fewer goals per match. He started attacks from deep, turning defense into offense with smart passing.

He kept the defensive line organized, especially when things got tense. Moreira’s calm and confidence seemed to lift everyone around him.

His 2024 award-winning season just proves how much the coaches and teammates trusted him. If you want more, check out his player profile or see what MLS says.

Media and Visual Highlights

If you’ve watched the Crew lately, you’ve seen Moreira’s highlight moments—big tackles, clutch clearances, and those defensive plays that get fans on their feet.

He’s got a knack for popping up on video reels, and those in-game snapshots really show why he’s a key defender.

Match Highlights and Videos

You want to see Moreira in action? Head over to the Crew’s official platform for extended clips.

You’ll catch his positioning, his tackles, and how he reads the game. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you appreciate the little things defenders do.

Major outlets like ESPN and MLS channels break down his best moments too. They spotlight his anticipation and leadership, especially in tough matches.

If you’re a fan of the details, these videos let you dig into his technique and how he adjusts during games.

Here’s a quick look at his visual highlights by season:

Season	Games Featured in Video	Key Matches Highlighted	Defensive Actions Shown
2023	34	vs. Nashville, NYCFC	Tackles, Clearances
2024	32	vs. Atlanta, LAFC	Blocks, Interceptions

Noteworthy On-Field Moments

Let’s talk about Steven Moreira—he’s had some electric moments, especially when the Crew needed him most. Take that May 28, 2025, match against Nashville SC. The photo highlights really tell the story.

You’ll spot him chasing down attackers, stepping in with those clutch clearances, and keeping the back line organized when things get tense. He doesn’t just show up when the cameras are rolling; you can see his influence during media days too.

Editorial photos from the 2023 media day put a face to the Crew’s defensive anchor. When Moreira snagged 2024 MLS Defender of the Year, those highlights and images spread everywhere.

They didn’t just hype him up—they proved his consistency and impact. For fans and analysts, these visuals aren’t just eye candy.

They show you the real deal: his tackle timing, his spots during corners, and the way he keeps the squad talking. That’s leadership, plain and simple.