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Elias Manoel: A Brazilian Making Waves in MLS and Sharing Insights on Arrival of Global Stars

By Arthur Fernandes

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 29: Elias Manoel #11 of New York Red Bulls plays during the first half of a MLS playoff match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 29: Elias Manoel #11 of New York Red Bulls plays during the first half of a MLS playoff match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) /
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In the landscape of American soccer, former Grêmio player Elias Manoel has emerged as a prominent figure, making history in Major League Soccer (MLS) with his outstanding performance at the New York Red Bulls. At 21, he stands out as the first Brazilian to score a hat-trick in the playoffs, a feat that will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on his career.

The young forward, loaned by Grêmio and later acquired for $1 million, celebrates his journey in the United States, highlighting the challenges overcome and the successful conclusion of the season. His seven goals and three assists in 37 games, starting in 23 of them, showcase not only his skill as an athlete but also his ability to make a lasting impact on the American soccer scene.

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However, attention extends beyond Elias’s individual achievements, delving into the realm of international stars shaping the future of MLS. The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami has not only transformed the league’s profile but also prompted reflections on the MLS’s potential as a destination for world-renowned players.

HARRISON, NJ – NOVEMBER 4: Elias Manoel #11 of the New York Red Bulls celebrates scoring during the penalty kick shootout during Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One game between FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 4, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Howard Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ – NOVEMBER 4: Elias Manoel #11 of the New York Red Bulls celebrates scoring during the penalty kick shootout during Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One game between FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on November 4, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Howard Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Elias’s words on Messi’s influence on MLS are revealing. He emphasizes how the presence of the Argentine superstar has drawn global attention to the American soccer league, debunking the notion that MLS is only for players in the twilight of their careers. This perception is crucial as it challenges biases and reinforces the competitiveness and quality of soccer played in the United States.

The projection of Luis Suárez’s arrival in 2024 adds another layer of anticipation and excitement. Elias, in a lighthearted manner, jokes about the prospect of facing teams with Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba, expressing a mix of concern and admiration for the prospect of competing with these giants of the global soccer scene.

Beyond on-field accomplishments, Elias Manoel demonstrates a significant emotional bond with Grêmio, emphasizing that even from afar, he continues to follow and support the club that propelled him onto the professional stage. This loyalty and respect for his roots add a human dimension to the player’s success narrative.

Elias Manoel is not just a rising star in MLS; he personifies the growing relevance and appeal of American soccer. His story, intertwined with the movements of Messi and Suárez, contributes to the creation of an exciting and promising narrative for the future of the sport in the United States.

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