ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 06: Atlanta United forward Leo Afonso (13) during the Wednesday evening Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Atlas FC on August 6, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georiga. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PAWTUCKET, RI– Free Agent forward Leo Afonso has signed for Rhode Island FC.
He will occupy a senior roster slot.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 06: Atlanta United FC forward Leo Afonso (13) warms up before the Wednesday evening Leagues Cup match between Atlanta United FC and Atlas FC on August 6, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Leo Afonso is a 24-year-old, 5’9, 170lb, forward from São Paulo, Brazil.
At the club level, Afonso has played 34 career games (1,343 minutes) in the United States. After a 4-year collegiate career at the University of Virginia (2020-23), he entered the MLS SuperDraft. On December 19th, 2023, he was drafted 32nd overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by Inter Miami CF (2024-2025). During his time with Miami, he was loaned twice to Inter Miami CF II (2024-25), Miami’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. On July 27th, 2025, Afonso was traded to Atlanta United FC (2025) & was subsequently loaned to their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Atlanta United FC II (2025). Rhode Island FC will be considered his fourth professional club.
In total club numbers, the forward has contributed 10 career goals, 2 assists, along with 3 yellow cards and 1 red cards.
Internationally, Afonso has never appeared for his national team. He can represent Brazil or the United States.
In the early morning on Thursday, January 8th, Rhode Island FC announced the signing of Afonso for the 2026 season pending league and federation approval.
He joins a talented Rhode Island FC offensive line that features Noah Fuson, Mathieu Ndongo, & JJ Williams.
RIFC Logo. Image Courtesy of Rhode Island FC.
RIFC head coach Khano Smith will look to make improvements to his squad ahead of the 2026 season with Rhode Island FC. For more USL Championship content, you can find it on ESPN+
(Editor’s Note: For more of Burt Granofsky’s photos, click on the link)
Rhode Island FC
January, 2026
For its season opener against a premier foe, LAFC and MLS decided to go big.…
The Portland Timbers with a victory on a late goal by Ariel Lassiter. The Timbers…
LAFC 3 - 0 Inter Miami LOS ANGELES, CA--Inter Miami were taken apart by an…
FC Dallas kicked off the new MLS Season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over FC…
Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 Real Salt Lake VANCOUVER, BC--The 500th Major League Soccer match in Vancouver…
FOXBOROUGH, MA– New England Revolution (0-1-0, 0 pts.) were defeated 4-1 versus Nashville SC (1-0-0,…