Show FC Dallas Midfielder #21: Key Stats and Recent Performances
Folks, every time Show steps onto the pitch in that number 21 jersey, you’re witnessing the heartbeat of FC Dallas’s midfield. Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana—yeah, everyone just calls him Show—arrived on loan from Maccabi Haifa, and he’s brought a level of international flair and energy that’s tough to miss. If you’re trying to figure out what keeps the Dallas midfield humming in 2025, you really can’t look past his influence.
He’s 5’11” and 176 pounds, and he plays bigger than those numbers. Show’s got a real edge defensively and, man, his passing is sharp. All those years playing for Angola and bouncing around Europe? You see it every match—he brings something fresh to Dallas. Number 21 just seems to pop up wherever the ball goes—relentless, always pressing.
Let’s dig into the numbers. Show’s not just a defensive stopper—he’s the guy who makes Dallas tick in transition.
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| Stat | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 22 |
| Starts | 18 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
If you want the full breakdown, check his FC Dallas player profile or the player stats page.
Contents
Profile of Show: FC Dallas Midfielder #21
You can trace FC Dallas’s midfield backbone right back to Show, the dynamic Angolan in the engine room. His story? From Luanda’s dusty pitches to Major League Soccer—full of grit, athleticism, and a technical touch.
Personal Background and Early Life
Born Manuel Luís da Silva Cafumana, but everyone just calls him Show. He grew up in Luanda, Angola, kicking a ball around from the time he could walk. Those early years? They built his discipline and drive.
Show stood out in local academies, then made the jump to professional teams in Angola. His talent took him to Europe before long, including a key stint at Maccabi Haifa in Israel. Each move sharpened his game and opened new doors.
Angola’s national team spotted his potential early. They called him up to the senior squad while he was still a teenager. That international experience shaped his mindset when he landed in Dallas—he brought a different perspective and a serious work rate.
Physical Attributes and Playing Position
Show is 26 now, built for the grind of a central midfielder. He’s about 5’10” (178 cm), with a strong, balanced frame. That makes him tough to knock off the ball.
You’ll see him mostly as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder. He’s got stamina for days and covers a ton of ground. His vision and anticipation let him break up attacks and launch counterplays.
Here’s a quick look at his main stats this season for FC Dallas:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Nationality | Angolan |
| Appearances (2024) | 18 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
Notable Skills and Playing Style
Show thrives on smart movement, crisp passing, and gritty tackles. He stays calm when the pressure’s on, even in tight spots. As a holding midfielder, he shields the defense and keeps the ball moving.
You’ll spot his defensive grit every game. Show intercepts passes, tracks runners, and uses his strength to win possession. On the ball, he favors quick, simple passes to link defense and attack.
Fans love his leadership. He’s played in both Europe and Africa, and that experience gives him a cool, measured approach in MLS. If you want to dive deeper, his FC Dallas player profile has more.
FC Dallas Career
Let’s get into how Show—number 21—has fit into this FC Dallas squad. From his transfer, to his on-field impact, there’s a lot to unpack.
Joining FC Dallas and Loan Details
FC Dallas brought Show in from Maccabi Haifa back in July 2024. It’s a one-year loan, with Dallas holding an option to buy if things click. They had to sort out paperwork, like the P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate, before he could suit up.
This move added another international name to the Dallas roster. Show’s reputation in Israel set the bar high, especially since Dallas needed depth after losing Liam Fraser to injury. When Show walked into the locker room, his experience stood out—especially among the younger Academy guys.
You can read the official club announcement for more on his arrival.
Season Statistics and Squad Role
This season, Show jumped right into the midfield rotation. As a defensive midfielder, he’s there to protect the back line and move the ball through the middle. His passing is steady, his tackles are tough, and he keeps his position.
Here’s a look at his 2024 MLS stats so far:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Starts | 13 |
| Minutes Played | 1,040 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% |
| Tackles | 42 |
| Interceptions | 21 |
He’s not out there to score goals, but he controls the tempo and breaks up attacks. His presence gives Dallas’s attackers the freedom to push forward and take chances.
Impact on Team Dynamics
With Show in the lineup, FC Dallas looks more organized and balanced. He covers for defenders, especially when fullbacks like Reggie Cannon get forward. Show’s style helps Dallas keep the ball longer and recover fast after turnovers.
You’ll hear Show’s voice during games—he’s directing traffic, helping the younger players adjust to the league’s pace and physicality. Communication and tactical smarts are big strengths for him. The team’s chemistry has gotten better, especially when they need to hang onto a lead.
Key Teammates and Partnerships
Watch how Show works with his teammates out there. Alongside outside backs like Reggie Cannon, he closes down gaps and stops counterattacks. Their partnership keeps Dallas’s defensive line tight against quick breaks.
He pairs well with creative midfielders, too. When an attacker pushes up, Show drops deeper to cover and win the ball back. That lets Dallas commit numbers forward and still feel safe at the back.
At practice, Show mentors Academy grads stepping into the first team. His experience with Angola’s national team stands out. Young players watch how he prepares, picking up on his work rate and focus.
International Career with Angola
Show’s run with Angola’s national team is pretty impressive. He’s got big moments in continental tournaments and now plays a key role in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Anchoring the midfield, he’s become a steady presence for Angola.
National Team Debut and Progression
Show broke into Angola’s national squad at 19. He made his debut in March 2018 against South Africa. Since then, he’s racked up over 40 caps and become a regular for the Seleção.
Early on, coaches trusted him as a disciplined defensive midfielder. His smart positioning and composure under pressure made him a backbone for Angola’s midfield.
He’s faced teams all over Africa, sharpening his tactical awareness and keeping his spot as the roster changed. By 2025, Show had grown into a leader and mentor for younger players.
Show’s Angola National Team Stats
| Year Debuted | Caps | Goals | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 43+ | 0 | Defensive Midfield |
You can find more on his international career at the FC Dallas website.
Africa Cup Of Nations Performances
The Africa Cup of Nations really puts Show to the test. He’s logged important minutes as Angola’s holding midfielder.
Show’s game is all about work rate and simple, effective passing. He limits the other team’s counters and keeps things tidy. He’s not a big scorer, but his influence comes from controlling the pace and stopping threats before they develop.
He’s helped Angola stay competitive against top African squads. Even when Angola didn’t make deep runs, Show’s discipline and organization in midfield stood out.
For more on his tournament appearances, check MLSsoccer.com.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Campaign
As World Cup 2026 qualifiers kicked off, Show stepped up as a veteran leader for Angola. He’s played most of the qualifiers, logging heavy minutes and shielding the defense.
Show’s consistency is vital for Angola’s hopes to make history. The midfield really builds around his strengths—breaking up play, calm passing, and reading the game.
His stints in Israel, Portugal, and now MLS have added tactical tools to Angola’s campaign. Show’s leadership is obvious every match as Angola pushes for a second-ever World Cup appearance. You can follow Angola’s squad news at PanafricaFootball.com.
Club History and Transfer Moves
Show’s career path is one for the books—three continents, a stack of trophies, and experience at every stop. You can track his rise from Angola to Europe, Israel, and now MLS.
Early Success with 1º de Agosto in Girabola
Show first made waves at 1º de Agosto in Angola’s Girabola. He debuted professionally at just 17, showing off slick passing and defensive chops. Fans remember his quick feet and leadership even as a teenager.
At 1º de Agosto, he helped the club win multiple Girabola titles and the Angolan Super Cup. His performances turned heads across Africa and set up his first international moves. That foundation in Angola gave him the confidence to tackle tougher leagues down the line.
European Stints: Belenenses SAD, Boavista, and Lille
Let’s talk about Show’s European journey, folks. He jumped to Belenenses SAD in Portugal’s Liga NOS, and you could really sense the step up—faster, sharper, just a different class of football.
Scouts noticed his vision and relentless work rate. That’s what got him a move to Boavista, still in Portugal.
After Boavista, Show signed with LOSC Lille in Ligue 1. Now, he didn’t get a ton of minutes there, but he trained with some top-tier talent and got a taste of the intensity of French football.
Those experiences? They really sharpened his game—especially in possession and positioning. He started looking ready for big European nights, like the UEFA Europa League.
Clubs and Stats in Europe
| Club | League | Appearances | Goals | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belenenses SAD | Liga NOS | 30+ | 1 | Consistent starter |
| Boavista | Liga NOS | 20+ | 0 | Gained valuable experience |
| Lille | Ligue 1 | 5 | 0 | Experience in training, cup |
Bulgarian Titles with Ludogorets Razgrad
Show’s time in Bulgaria? That’s where he started collecting silverware. At Ludogorets Razgrad, he became a key cog in a team that expected to win every year.
He helped them snag back-to-back Bulgarian First League titles. Plus, he saw action in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Fans remember Show for his tough tackling and the way he kept his cool under pressure. He broke up attacks, kept the ball moving, and earned the coach’s trust.
At Ludogorets, he finally showed he could run the show—not just at home, but on the continental stage.
Achievements with Ludogorets Razgrad
- Bulgarian First League: 2 titles
- UEFA Champions League: Group stage appearances
- UEFA Europa League: Knockout stage matches
- Bulgarian Super Cup: Finalist
Maccabi Haifa and Ligat Ha’al Experience
Next up, Show took his talents to Israel, joining Maccabi Haifa in Ligat Ha’al. He landed at a club with big ambitions and a fast-paced style.
His time there? You saw a physical midfielder who adjusted to new tactics pretty quickly.
With Maccabi Haifa, Show won the Israeli league. He played in Champions League qualifiers and group matches, showing off his consistency.
He faced some of Europe’s best and didn’t look out of place. Right now, he’s on loan at FC Dallas, bringing a ton of international experience to MLS.
You can check out more about his latest move with this coverage of his loan to FC Dallas.
Achievements and Notable Performances
Show’s built a reputation as a reliable midfielder—always steady, rarely flashy, but boy, do coaches love that. He’s picked up club titles, made big plays for FC Dallas, and answered the call for Angola.
Club Honors and Championships
At FC Dallas, Show’s already making an impact. He works hard in midfield, reads the game well, and helps the team chase trophies.
He kicked off his pro career with 1º de Agosto in Angola, grabbing league titles there. That success set him up for Europe, including a strong run with Ludogorets Razgrad.
At Ludogorets, he grabbed more league titles and added some serious hardware to his resume.
Here’s a quick look at his club achievements:
| Club | Competitions Won | Notable Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1º de Agosto | Angolan League | 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Ludogorets Razgrad | Bulgarian League | 2020, 2021 |
| FC Dallas | Ongoing MLS | 2024– |
Memorable Matches and Career Highlights
Show’s career? It’s packed with games where he made a difference in midfield. For FC Dallas, he’s shown off his playmaking and defensive hustle, especially in those tight MLS showdowns.
In 2024, he played a key role in matches where Dallas secured crucial points against tough Western Conference foes.
At Ludogorets Razgrad, Show turned heads with his performances in Bulgaria’s top league and on European nights. Coaches and commentators praised his calm under fire and his knack for breaking up plays.
Back with 1º de Agosto, he played in heated derbies and title deciders. His ability to keep the ball and control the tempo proved vital for those championship runs.
International Recognitions
Show keeps getting the call for Angola’s men’s national team, especially during Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He’s played against teams like Ghana and Sudan—no small feat.
You can find fresh updates about his international duty on the official FC Dallas player page.
His international experience? It lifts every team he joins. Show’s role as a central midfielder gives his squads defensive strength and a link from back to front.
In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, he featured in most group games. That says a lot about his importance to Angola.
Market Value, Transfers, and Contracts
Let’s break down Show’s road to FC Dallas. He hit some big contract milestones, saw his market value shift, and had to sort out all the paperwork—like the international transfer certificate.
If you’re curious about how Dallas landed him and what his deal means for the club, you’re in the right place.
Transfer Timeline and Contractual Agreements
FC Dallas brought in Midfielder #21 from Maccabi Haifa at the start of the 2024–25 season. They wrapped up the move after he got his international transfer certificate and P-1 visa.
Dallas followed all the league rules and made a clear push to add young international talent.
As for contract details, he signed a three-year deal. That could keep him in Dallas through 2027, with club options for more.
FC Dallas likes to keep their options open with these contracts.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key transfer and contract info:
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Previous Club | Maccabi Haifa |
| Transfer to FC Dallas | Summer 2024 |
| Required Certificates | International Transfer, P-1 Visa |
| Length of Contract | Three years (plus options) |
Market Value Trends and Analysis
Alright, let’s talk about Midfielder #21 and what’s happening with his value in Major League Soccer. When he first showed up, his market value matched up with other young, international midfielders who actually see the field regularly.
Right now, he’s sitting at around $2.5 million. That’s pretty much in line with what you’d expect for a player his age and with his experience in the league.
If he keeps getting regular minutes for FC Dallas, watch out—his value could jump. We’ve seen it before: international roster spots, especially in central midfield, often come with a nice boost in value when players string together strong performances.
Check out this market value analysis. It shows that FC Dallas midfielders in similar situations have bumped up their value after solid seasons.
MLS clubs, Dallas included, usually put their money on young international players. Why? The upside for both resale and on-field performance is just bigger than with most domestic guys.
If you want to spot a big swing in his value, keep an eye on his match appearances and goal contributions. Oh, and don’t forget his contract status—that can move the needle, too.
