Brazilian forward’s loan from Botafogo extended with purchase option
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23, 2026) – The LA Galaxy extended the loan of forward Matheus Nascimento from Brazilian Série A side Botafogo for the first half of the 2026 season with a purchase option. Nascimento will continue to occupy an MLS U22 Initiative roster spot and an international roster slot and will rejoin the club’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Nascimento was on a season-long loan with a purchase option for the 2025 season. Since arriving in LA, the 21-year-old produced six goals and four assists in 28 games across all competitions, tallying two goals in LA’s 4-0 win over Club Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup on Aug. 7, 2025.
“Matheus became an important part of our squad in the 2025 season, and we’ve been impressed with the impact he’s made since joining,” said Will Kuntz, General Manager, LA Galaxy. “He’s shown the qualities we believed in when we brought him here, and as he’s settled into the squad, we’re giving him every opportunity to thrive in 2026.”
Prior to the 2025 MLS Season, Nascimento notched 12 goals and 7 assists in 98 appearances (55 starts) across all competitions in six seasons played with Botafogo (2020-25). In five matches played (4 starts) for Botafogo during the 2025 Campeonato Carioca, Nascimento recorded one goal and one assist. Nascimento was also the youngest player in club history to make their debut for Botafogo.
Transaction: LA Galaxy extend forward Matheus Nascimento loan through June 30, 2026, from Brazilian Série A side Botafogo on January 23, 2026.
Matheus Nascimento
Position: Forward
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
Date of Birth: March 3, 2004 (21)
Birthplace: Niterói, Brazil
Last Club: Botafogo (Brazil)
Citizenship: Brazil
Roster Designation: U22
