Orlando City SC announced on February 19, 2026, that midfielder Eduard Atuesta has signed a new contract extension, securing his position with the Lions through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer season. The agreement also grants the club an option to extend his stay for the 2029-30 campaign, highlighting Orlando City’s confidence in his long-term contribution.
Club Leadership Emphasizes Atuesta’s Role in Team Development
Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City’s General Manager and Sporting Director, described the contract renewal as a pivotal step in building a team geared for lasting success. Moreira praised Atuesta’s intelligence, leadership, and calm presence, noting his influence on and off the pitch:
“Eduard brings a level of intelligence, composure and leadership that defines how we want to play. His professionalism and influence on the group, both tactically and in the locker room, have been exceptional. We’re proud of the impact he’s made here in Orlando, and we look forward to him continuing to anchor our midfield for years to come.”
Career Highlights and Previous Clubs
Atuesta arrived at Orlando City before the 2025 MLS season after transferring from Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, a top Brazilian team in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. During his first season with Orlando, he made 30 starts out of 33 total appearances and contributed seven assists across all competitions. The 27-year-old Colombian midfielder began his professional journey with Independiente Medellín after graduating from their academy, then played for Los Angeles Football Club and Palmeiras before joining the Lions. Before moving to Orlando, Atuesta had accumulated 259 professional matches, scoring 15 goals and providing 32 assists in over 16,000 minutes on the field.
Championship Pedigree and International Experience
Throughout his career, Atuesta has earned at least one title with each of his three former teams. He won the Colombian league championship with Independiente Medellín during the 2015-16 season, helped LAFC secure the 2019 Supporters’ Shield and the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and collected multiple trophies with Palmeiras, including consecutive Brazilian league titles in 2022 and 2023, the 2023 Supercopa do Brasil, and the 2022 Recopa Sudamericana. Internationally, he has represented Colombia 17 times across various levels, including two appearances in senior-level friendlies.
Expectations for Atuesta’s Impact Moving Forward
With Eduard Atuesta’s contract extension, Orlando City aims to maintain stability and strength in midfield as it pursues sustained competitiveness in Major League Soccer. His combination of leadership, experience, and consistency positions him as a central figure in the club’s future ambitions, with supporters and management alike eager to see his continued influence shape the team’s performance in coming seasons.
