HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced on Tuesday the club had signed Brazilian goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro for the 2024 USL Championship season. Ribeiro brings more than 10 years of experience in the top tier leagues in Brazil and Portugal and boasts 194 professional appearances and 43 shutouts in his career. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“I am excited to sign with Hartford Athletic and to play in front of the amazing supporters in Hartford next season,” said Ribeiro. “I had the opportunity to attend Hartford’s last match of the 2023 season, and I was so impressed by the fans and the atmosphere at Trinity Health Stadium. It’s clear that the fan base in Hartford is hungry for a winning team, and I can’t wait to get in front of them and give them everything I have next season. I am determined to help bring Hartford Athletic to the playoffs and beyond.”

The 33-year-old spent four seasons in Liga Portugal with Club Estoril and Sporting CP before moving to Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League in 2022. He turned in two excellent seasons with Sporting CP, helping lead the team to a Taça de Portugal victory in 2019. He made 38 appearances, made 91 saves, recorded six shutouts and posted a 24-6-7 record. Ribeiro also made eight appearances with Sporting CP in UEFA Europa League play.

“We are thrilled to bring a goalkeeper of Renan’s caliber to Hartford,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “We are determined to improve the quality of this club on the pitch next year, and I could not think of a better player to sign to begin our journey towards that goal. Renan is a true professional with world-class experience and will be central to our success next season. This is one of the biggest signings in club and USL Championship history, and we are looking forward to introducing Renan to the fans over the coming months.”

The Ribeirão Preto, Brazil native began his professional career at the top of the Brazilian football league system with Atletico Mineiro of Série A in 2010, making 42 appearances with the club before signing with Sao Paulo FC in 2013 on a five-year contract. He totaled 80 appearances in Série A and recorded 23 clean sheets. Internationally, Ribeiro made nine appearances with Brazil’s U-20 national team before beginning his professional career.