COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced today the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian side S.E. Palmeiras to extend defender Lucas Esteves’ loan through the remainder of the 2022 Major League Soccer season. Under the extension, the Rapids retain a club option to purchase the defender.
“Lucas has been a valuable contributor to our team since his arrival so we’re delighted to extend his stay with us through at least the remainder of the season,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager.
Esteves, 21, is in his second season with the Rapids since joining the club midway through 2021 on loan from Palmeiras. The Brazilian defender has made 26 regular-season appearances for Colorado, netting two goals and adding three assists across 1,832 minutes.
Prior to his loan with the Rapids, Esteves spent three seasons with Palmeiras, the most successful club in the history of Brazil’s Serie A, the country’s top flight. The left back made his professional debut in 2020 and went on to win two consecutive Copa Libertadores, the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Paulista during his time with the Alviverde, as well as earning an invitation to train with Brazil’s national team in the summer of 2021 during their Copa America campaign.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids extend defender Lucas Esteves’ loan through the 2022 MLS season on July 1, 2022.
Lucas Esteves
Pronunciation: LOO-kuhs ES-teh-ves
Position: Defender
Height: 5-7
Weight: 152
Birthdate: June 24, 2000
Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazil
