Former NASL Golden Ball Winner Stefano Pinho Signs With Miami FC

Photo credit: Minnesota United

Miami FC announced today that former NASL Golden Ball winner and Minnesota United striker Stefano Pinho has signed with the club.

“Pinho has demonstrated the impact he can have in the NASL,” Miami FC Technical Director Mauro Pederzoli said. “He’s a strong forward with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net more often than not.”

Pinho, a São João Nepomuceno, Brazil, native, brings added fire power to an already potent attack.

He spent 10 years with Brazil’s Fluminense, rising through the club’s youth, while being loaned out to other Brazilian clubs until 2014.

Pinho entered the NASL in 2015, being loaned out to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers by Fluminense. He played in 23 matches that season scoring 16 goals for the Strikers, leading the club to The Championship Semifinals. Pinho's 16 goals led the league to claim the Golden Boot that season, while also earning the Golden Ball award (league MVP).

Entering the 2016 season, Pinho signed with Minnesota United where he saw action in 25 matches, scoring five goals.