Brazilian Connection Leads the Galaxy Attack into 2026 

Brazilian soccer is best known for attacking flair, commonly referred to as Joga Bonito.  

But, in the LA Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with New York City FC, Brazilian striker João Klauss, who scored his first goal for the team just 85 seconds into his first MLS game with the Galaxy, was lauded for his defensive intensity, hold-up play, combinations with the players around him, and overall determination to get a result.  

“Today, he, like everybody else, laced on his work boots and did the work up top that he had to do, and I appreciate that from him today,” LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney said after the match. “There is a lot to be excited about with him up top. I think getting that first goal in the first game is great for his confidence and he hasn't been here very long.” 

Klauss is the third Brazilian on the Galaxy’s roster in 2026. He joined the Galaxy this offseason from St. Louis CITY SC as a Designated Player (DP) and joins fellow Brazilians in DP and winger Gabriel Pec and striker Matheus Nascimento, who is on-loan through June from Brazilian club Botafogo for the second-year running.  

When the Galaxy take on Charlotte FC this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT at Dignity Health Sports Park, fans will experience Brazilian Carnaval atmosphere at SoccerFest prior to the game before the Galaxy attack brings the Brazilian dazzle on the field during the game.  

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The Galaxy’s Brazilian connection runs deep. Juninho, currently the Senior Advisor to the General Manager, won three MLS Cups with the Galaxy as a midfielder. During his playing time with the Galaxy, the club hosted a Brazilian Heritage Night and the three-time MLS Cup winner is “proud” to see it continue. He and fellow Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Sarvas had a natural bond that Juninho says could be emulated up top with the current Brazilian athletes. 

“To have three Brazilians who also play up top and score goals and can be the game-changers for us that’s very important for a team that wants to achieve big things this year,” Juninho said. 

Klauss is surrounded by speed and creativity in the attack. Pec, the 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, and fellow DP Joseph Paintsil flank each side of the 6-foot-1 striker. Along with Marco Reus playing at the No. 10 for the Galaxy, success going forward will run through these four.  

“I think it’s very easy to create relationships with great players so with their qualities it’s not difficult. I think my job is to make the things easier for them,” Klauss said after the Galaxy’s Home Opener against NYCFC. “They are the stars. They create the most for the team. My job is to make things easier for them.” 

Klauss credits the time spent with the team at the Coachella Valley Invitational for developing rapport on and off the field. His emphasis on helping his teammates by getting outside the box, bringing the ball down and creating chances for others sets a standard for others to follow as he leads the attack. 

“I think that soccer’s changed a lot from years ago. I think everyone has to contribute to the team in the defensive part and the offensive part,” Klauss said. “I think we are the first ones to press up high and help the defense. Also, for us to score goals, they have to create [chances] from the back.  I think we have to play as a team in all the phases of the game.  Being the first guy to start the pressing I have to show the example so I always give my 100 percent for the team. I always put the team in front of me.  

“It's not about me. It’s about the team. So that’s the mentality that I try to show every single day and every single game.”