INDIANAPOLIS – Indy Eleven announced on Monday it had signed veteran forward Stéfano Pinho as it continues to build toward the 2022 USL Championship season. Per club policy, terms of the contract will not be released, and the signing is pending league and federation approval. 

Pinho brings an abundance of experience to Indiana’s Team via a 10-year career that has spanned three continents – including five squads across the top two divisions in the United States. The 31-year-old has recorded 68 goals and 21 assists in 193 appearances in the professional ranks, most recently competing for Austin Bold FC in the USL Championship.

“I am very excited to be part of such a club and to have the backing of its amazing fans, and I thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to come to Indy,” said Pinho. “I am extremely happy to join this family and will give everything that I have to achieve our goals and bring the title to Indianapolis.”

Pinho started his career in the youth ranks of South American powerhouse Fluminese FC and began his professional path on loan with fellow Brazilian sides Guaratinguetá (2012) and Madureira (2013) and Finnish club Mypa (2014).

Pinho’s first arrived on the radar for clubs in the United States at the 2013 Major League Soccer Combine, where he ended the week as leading scorer. Two years later, he signed for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers before stints with Minnesota United FC and The Miami FC. Pinho’s standout performances saw him earn a pair of Golden Boot honors, first with Fort Lauderdale (16 goals) and again with Miami FC (17 goals), and a pair of Golden Ball honors as league MVP.

“Stefano Pinho is a pure attacking player whose creativity and ability to finish in every fashion will provide a true threat in the final third,” said Indy Head Coach Mark Lowry. “Indy fans experienced first-hand how dominant and productive Stefano can be, and they should be excited for the opportunity to back him this season.”

Following a move to Major League Soccer’s Orlando City FC in 2018, Pinho took his skills overseas for a three-year run in Asia, where he suited up with clubs in China (Xianjang Tianshan Leopard in 2019), and Saudi Arabia (Al-Washm in 20-21). Last season, Pinho came back to the States for his first USL Championship campaign, collecting a goal and an assist for Bold FC.