FRISCO, Texas (December 14, 2023) – North Texas SC has announced today the signing of attacking midfielder Pedrinho from Brazilian side CR Flamengo ahead of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Pedrinho joins North Texas on a one-year MLS NEXT Pro professional contract with a club option for the 2025 season.
Pedrinho, 20, joined the CR Flamengo youth ranks at age 9. Pedrinho signed his first professional contract with the Brazilian club on July 20, 2021. The Rio de Janeiro native spent a season out on loan with Serie D side Azurirz in 2022. With Azuriz, Pedrinho scored once in seven matches.
“Pedrinho’s creativity and game feel is going to be a big bonus within our style. He’s a player that has developed in one of Brazil’s best academy systems at Flamengo,” said North Texas SC Head Coach John Gall. “His passion for football is contagious and we are excited to bring the young Brazilian to North Texas and provide us with that flair that’s always a little different than what we are used to.”
Following his loan with Azuriz, Pedrinho returned to Flamengo, where he competed in the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 for the 2023 season. Pedrinho logged 17 appearances during regular season play and found the back of the net seven times, netting a hattrick over Botafogo’s Sub-20 on May 24. In playoff action, Pedrinho netted two goals helping Flamengo win the Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 over Palmeiras on September 7, 2023.
Pedrinho made his first team debut with Flamengo on September 20, 2023, entering the match in the 72nd minute in a Série A match against Goiás.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Full Name: Pedro Henrique Fonseca de Araújo Martins
Preferred Name: Pedrinho
Pronunciation: peh-DREEN-yoh
Connect with Pedrinho: X | Instagram
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: April 18, 2003 (20)
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Last Club: CR Flamengo
Transaction: North Texas SC signs midfielder Pedrinho to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for the 2024 season with club option for 2025.
