ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 22, 2022) — Orlando City has signed midfielder Felipe Martins from free agency to a one-year contract, with a Club option in 2024, it was announced Tuesday.
“Felipe is a player that we have watched and respected for a while. As an 11-year veteran of our league, he will bring needed and valuable depth, as well as important experience from his time in both MLS and at international clubs,” said EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “Getting a player with Felipe’s skillset and leadership both on and off the pitch is an important step toward our 2023 goals and we’re excited to have him with us in Orlando this season.”
A product of Calcio Padova’s youth academy system in Italy, the Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil native spent time at clubs in Italy, Brazil and Switzerland before making his way to MLS in 2011, joining CF Montréal ahead of the 2012 season.
Martins spent four seasons with Montréal before joining the New York Red Bulls from 2015-2018. He spent 2018 with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 2019-21 with D.C. United and Austin FC in 2022. Throughout his MLS career, he won the Canadian Championship with Montréal in both 2013 and 2014, as well as the 2015 Supporters’ Shield with the New York Red Bulls.
Martins has appeared in 454 professional matches across all competitions, scoring 44 goals and providing 39 assists throughout his career. Martins, 32, holds a green card and will not occupy an international spot.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs midfielder Felipe Martins to a one-year contract, with a Club option in 2024.
Name: Felipe Martins (feh-LEE-pay)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-9
Born: Sept. 30, 1990 in Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil
Hometown: Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil/USA/Italy
