LOS ANGELES (September 3, 2026) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has acquired former Galaxy defender Lucas Calegari from Eyüpspor of the Turkish Süper Lig in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa. The 2023 LA Galaxy Defender of the Year returns to Los Angeles nearly three years after his initial loan spell with the club from Brazilian side Fluminense FC. He will occupy an International Slot on the Galaxy roster and is guaranteed through June 30, 2029.
“Lucas made a great impact during his first stint with the LA Galaxy, and we are excited to welcome him back to the club,” said Will Kuntz, General Manager, LA Galaxy. “He is a talented and versatile defender who knows our organization, our expectations and our supporters. At just 24 years old, Lucas already brings valuable experience from MLS, Brazil, Portugal and Turkey, and we believe he will be an important addition to our group as we continue building toward sustained success.”
Calegari, 24, rejoins the Galaxy after spending the past season with Eyüpspor, where he recorded a goal and four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. The Cuiabá, Brazil native joined Eyüpspor on a permanent transfer in August 2025 after spending the previous 11 years under contract with Fluminense FC. Calegari initially joined the Brazilian club’s academy at the age of 12 and rose through the ranks to the first team, making his professional debut in 2020. In total, he recorded a goal and two assists in 86 appearances for his boyhood club, including 10 in the Copa Libertadores, and helped the side capture the Campeonato Carioca in 2022.
In March 2023, Calegari embarked on a loan stint with the LA Galaxy as a U22 Initiative player. During that campaign, the defender started 27 consecutive matches for the Galaxy before seeing his season come to an abrupt end due to injury. Prior to the setback, Calegari earned MLS Team of the Matchday honors for registering two assists in a 3-2 road victory over Real Salt Lake and was ultimately voted as the club’s 2023 Defender of the Year at season’s end. The following year, Calegari went on loan to FC Famalicão in Portugal and earned 20 appearances in 2024-25. Internationally, Calegari has represented Brazil at both the U-17 and U-20 levels.
Transaction: LA Galaxy acquire defender Lucas Calegari from Eyüpspor in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee through June 30, 2029 on September 3, 2026.
Name: Lucas Calegari
Pronunciation: kah-leh-gar-ree
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7
Weight: 155
Born: February 27, 2002
Age: 24
Birthplace: Cuiabá, Brazil
Previous Club: Eyüpspor
Roster Designation: International