PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha today announced it has signed 34-year-old Brazilian forward Stéfano Pinho. The Brazilian forward will be the club's second midseason signing to bolster their offense, after Pato Botello Faz was confirmed on a permanent deal earlier this month.

A Fluminense FC youth academy product, Pinho has had a lengthy career with many stints in American soccer. That began in 2013, where he lit up the MLS Combine and was drafted in the second round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Colorado Rapids, though he did not end up signing with them.

After loans from Fluminense to Brazilian teams Guaratinguetá and Madureira Esporte Clube, along with Myllykosken Pallo −47 in Finland, Pinho joined the NASL's Fort Lauderdale Strikers for his last season out on loan from Fluminense. He earned the 2015 NASL Golden Ball and Golden Boot honors for being the league's MVP and top scorer, which he parlayed into a deal with then-NASL side Minnesota United FC. After spending the 2017 season with Miami FC, where he earned his second Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards, he signed with MLS side Orlando City SC, making 25 appearances with the club in 2018.

After brief stints in China and Saudi Arabia with Xinjiang Tianshan Leopard FC and Al-Washm FC, respectively, Pinho returned to the United States with USL Championship sides Austin Bold FC and Indy Eleven. He scored 13 goals in 32 appearances for Indy Eleven in 2022, and last year benefited from the support of Prosper Kasim at Birmingham Legion FC, scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances. Pinho won USL Championship Player of the Week honors in Week 21 last season after bagging a brace against Orange County SC.

He has also been a prolific scorer in the U.S. Open Cup, with a hat trick against Orlando City SC in 2017 and a four-goal outburst last year against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Earlier this year, Pinho had a brief stint with AA Aparecidense in Brazil's fourth-tier Serie D before joining up now with Union Omaha.

"I'm incredibly excited to join this amazing club and to be part of such a passionate soccer community. I've heard great things about the city, the fans and the team’s ambition, and I can't wait to contribute on and off the field," said Pinho. "I'm ready to work hard, give my best every day, and help bring success to the club. Let's go, Owls!"