Columbus Crew defender is living a special moment in his career, celebrates Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance, and discusses the growth of MLS, Wilfried Nancy’s influence, and his bond with Darlington Nagbe
For the first time in history, Cape Verde will play in a FIFA World Cup. The African nation made history in the qualifiers, securing a spot at the 2026 tournament and marking a new era built on talent, organization, and national pride. One of the leaders of this team is Steven Moreira, defender for the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS), who is currently experiencing the peak of his career both in the United States and on the international stage.
Born in Noisy-le-Grand, France, to Cape Verdean parents, Moreira has become a standout in American soccer while proudly embracing his heritage. At Columbus, he’s a key piece of Wilfried Nancy’s trophy-winning side — and was recently named MLS Defender of the Year. Now, with Cape Verde, he’s part of a generation that turned a lifelong dream into reality.
In an exclusive interview, Steven Moreira spoke about the pride of representing Cape Verde, the role of Columbus Crew in his career, the evolution of MLS, and his admiration for Brazilian football.
Check out the full exclusive interview between TMLS and Steven Moreira:
You’ve just lived an incredible moment with Cape Verde’s national team. How did it feel to qualify for the World Cup, and what are your expectations?
Steven Moreira: It’s something incredible, the most beautiful thing I have accomplished in my life because I change all country, the Pride of my family.
My wish is to go as far as possible with team, create the history and if we can play versus France Brazil or other big nations.
What’s your connection with Cape Verde, and how did the process of joining the national team unfold?
Steven Moreira: My two parents was born in Cabo Verde. In my family my cousin made 1 international call with the national team my uncle before he died always told me to go the Cabo Verde National team.
Since a long time we discuss with the national team, but I was on national team youth France before it wast the good moment, and when I feel good in United States I decide to join the national team.
You’ve had fantastic seasons with the Crew, one of the best-run projects in the league. What can you say about the club and its organization?
Steven Moreira: It’s one of the best teams in the league. The atmosphere is very familial always trying to win trophies every year. It’s the best club I played in organisation and facilities.
Columbus has been one of the most successful teams in recent years, winning MLS Cup, Leagues Cup, and reaching the Concachampions final. How do you see Wilfried Nancy’s influence on that success?
Steven Moreira: He played a big part in it there was already the mentality of winning in the club but he brought a different philosophy. If you play better and tactically you’re ready, more chances you have to win with an attractive game.
You’re the current MLS Defender of the Year! How do you see that award and your consolidation in the league?
Steven Moreira: It’s great to be recognized as the best defender in the league. I’ll keep working hard to win another award, but mainly with the team, because it’s all about collective effort.
There’s been a lot of talk about MLS’s growth in recent years. Do you notice that change? Is the league really getting stronger and still underrated?
Steven Moreira: The league is moving at high speed. Our conference this year was very tight until the end of the regular season if you see. Yes, it’s under-rated and it has nothing to envy to the European top-5.
With your recent success at Columbus, have there been approaches from other clubs? Is a move back to France or Europe out of the question?
Steven Moreira: Yes! Clubs, MLS and also in other countries. Now we don’t know the football future, The future will tell us depends the club’s project
And to wrap up — here in Brazil, we celebrated Cape Verde’s World Cup qualification a lot because of the language and the cultural connection we share. What do you know about Brazilian football? Any favorite teams or players?
Steven Moreira: It’s a championship that attracts me a lot. I really like the atmosphere the vibe, the stadiums are full. For me Brazil is the country of football.
I have my friend Yaya Sanogo who was in Brazil who told me that the good of the country and the people.
Yes, we know Santos through Neymar, Flamengo… It is a championship that attracts a lot, for example a player who performed in MLS Alvaro Barreal who also went to Brazil
Recently, Darlington Nagbe announced he’ll retire at the end of the season. It’s clear you two have a strong relationship — what kind of impact has he had on the team over the years, and what have you personally learned from him?
Steven Moreira: Without Darling (Nagbe) we win no trophy. He is a Professional, he brings rigour, work, good vibe, someone very classy. And if everything goes well for me, he has a great part of responsibility
Columbus has been going through a tougher stretch late in the season, especially with the recent string of injuries. What are the expectations heading into the playoffs, and what needs to be corrected for the team to be ready for that decisive phase?
Steven Moreira: We started well and after a little difficult moments. We had a lot of injuries, we did the hardest by qualifying directly for the playoffs (without playing the play in).
Now it will be the big games with big pressure, I like that, that’s what every footballer loves play football, and we start with the derby so it’s wonderful
