Colorado Rapids sign Brazilian leftback Lucas Esteves on loan from Palmeiras

One day after announcing the departure of homegrown defender Sam Vines, the Colorado Rapids have signed a replacement: 21-year-old defender Lucas Esteves. He is officially on loan from Brazilian side S.E. Palmeiras through June 2022, with a club option to buy. Per usual, this is all pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 visa.

“Lucas is an athletic and technically gifted left back with top-level experience in South America,” said Pádraig Smith, Rapids Executive VP & General Manager. “We’re thrilled to add a player of his quality to our group and look forward to welcoming him to Colorado.”

A native of São Paulo, Brazil, Esteves joined Palmeiras’ U-15 side in 2014 and debuted for the senior team in 2019. Since then, he tallied 27 appearances and recorded one goal. In 2020, Palmeiras won the Copa Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Paulista.

He will wear number 66 in burgundy.