Artur Bio
José Artur de Lima Junior, commonly known as Artur, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo. Born on 11 March 1996 in Brumado, Bahia, Brazil, he has built his career across Brazilian and American soccer, earning a reputation as a tireless central presence in midfield. Artur first gained recognition as a youth standout at São Paulo, where he collected major international titles before moving to the United States.
After joining Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew in 2017, Artur developed into a key starter and helped the club lift the 2020 MLS Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC. He was traded to Houston Dynamo in November 2022, signing a two-year extension in October 2023, and he continues to be an influential figure in the league.
Early Life and Background
Artur was born on 11 March 1996 in Brumado, a municipality in the southwestern Brazilian state of Bahia. Growing up in a region known for producing dedicated athletes, he developed an early passion for football and joined structured youth development programs as a teenager. Standing 1.80 meters tall, he eventually settled into the central midfield role that would define his professional career.
His brother, Norberto, is also a professional footballer who plays as a right back, giving the family a clear connection to the sport. Artur has spoken about how that shared environment shaped his understanding of the game and his competitive drive. He later obtained United States citizenship in 2022.
Path to Soccer
Artur began his formal football education in the Bahia youth system in 2012, spending two years developing there before a brief stint with Juventus-SC in 2014. Later that year he joined the São Paulo academy, a club widely regarded as one of the most demanding development environments in South America. Within the Tricolor setup, he emerged as a polished central midfielder with strong tactical awareness.
While progressing through the São Paulo U20s, Artur won the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 twice and lifted the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores, marking him as one of the most accomplished young players in Brazilian football. Those performances earned him a promotion to the senior squad during the 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro season.
Artur Career
Early Career at São Paulo (2016-2017)
Artur made his senior debut for São Paulo on 19 June 2016, entering a 2-2 draw with Flamengo and earning strong reviews from the Brazilian press. Despite the promising introduction, he struggled to break into a deep squad and made only four total appearances across the Série A campaign, all off the bench.
Looking for more regular playing time, Artur joined Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew on loan in February 2017 after impressing in a preseason match. He quickly adapted to the American game, becoming a starter by midseason and helping the Crew reach the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, where he tallied his first career goal in the conference semifinals.
Columbus Crew Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Columbus secured Artur on a permanent deal in December 2017, paying $1.5 million for 50 percent of his rights while São Paulo retained the remainder. From 2018 onward, he became a fixture in the Crew midfield, appearing in 32 regular-season matches in his first full year and helping the side finish fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The 2020 season proved to be the defining chapter of his time in Ohio. After scoring his first MLS regular-season goal against New York City FC in October 2020, Artur featured in 22 of 23 regular-season games, recording two goals and four assists. He then started all four playoff matches, scored the lone goal in the Eastern Conference Final, and helped Columbus defeat Seattle Sounders FC 3-0 to win the 2020 MLS Cup.
Houston Dynamo Era (2023-Present)
On 22 November 2022, Artur was traded to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for $300,000 in General Allocation Money, ending a five-year stay in Columbus. He made his Dynamo debut on 25 February 2023, completing 90 minutes in a 2-1 season-opening loss to FC Cincinnati. The Dynamo rewarded his immediate impact with a two-year contract extension signed on 12 October 2023.
Driving Style and Strengths
Artur is best known as a defensive-minded central midfielder who combines positional discipline with high stamina and clean distribution. He reads the game well in front of the back line, breaks up opposition attacks with timely tackles, and provides a steady passing base for his teammates. His willingness to cover large areas of the pitch has made him a consistent starter at every club he has represented.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Artur’s career are his two Copa do Brasil Sub-20 titles, the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores crown with São Paulo, and his role in the 2020 MLS Cup triumph with Columbus. His lone goal in the 2020 Eastern Conference Final and his 87-minute shift in the MLS Cup final stand out as signature performances on the biggest stage.
Artur Career Wins
Artur has assembled a respectable collection of team honours across both Brazilian and American soccer. His most celebrated achievements came during his time at São Paulo and Columbus Crew, including continental success at youth level and a major professional title in Major League Soccer.
Columbus Crew Highlights
With the Columbus Crew, Artur won the 2020 MLS Cup as a starter in the 3-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC, contributing a goal in the Eastern Conference Final. He also helped the club lift the 2021 Campeones Cup with a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul, adding another piece of silverware to his résumé.
Other Wins and Performances
During his youth career at São Paulo, Artur earned two Copa do Brasil Sub-20 titles and the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores, underlining his pedigree as a champion before turning professional. His consistent starting role at Houston Dynamo since 2023 has reinforced his reputation as a reliable midfield presence.
Artur Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Artur comes from a family rooted in football. His brother, Norberto, is also a professional footballer who plays as a right back, sharing Artur’s dedication to the sport. The brothers have both built careers at competitive levels, reflecting a household oriented toward athletic achievement.
Personal Life
Artur relocated to the United States in 2017 to join the Columbus Crew and has since built his life there, becoming a United States citizen in 2022. He primarily identifies by his common first name, Artur, in professional settings, though his full legal name remains José Artur de Lima Junior.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign, Artur remains a central figure in the Houston Dynamo midfield following his October 2023 contract extension. He is expected to continue serving as a veteran presence and defensive anchor for a Houston side looking to climb the Western Conference standings.
His combination of tactical awareness, endurance, and big-game experience from the 2020 MLS Cup run provides the Dynamo with a proven leader. As the season develops, Artur is likely to feature prominently in both league play and cup competitions, with the club aiming to push into the postseason picture.