Orlando Pride Re-Sign Brazilian International Midfielder Luana through 2026

The Orlando Pride announced today that the club and Brazilian international midfielder Luana have agreed on a new contract through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027. The deal solidifies Orlando’s midfield for the near future and caps a difficult two seasons for the central midfielder, who underwent treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2024.

Prior to her diagnosis, Luana had started twice and played in all three of the Pride’s 2024 matches, but her treatment sidelined her for Orlando’s historic double.

“Luana has been and will continue to be an integral part of our club as we prepare for another championship run this year and beyond,” Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said in a club press release. “Her versatility, steady presence, and leadership helps solidify our midfield in both the attack and defense. But more than that, Luana’s resilience and strength this past year and a half has inspired us all. She embodies what it means to be a Pride player both on and off the pitch and her performance and character has earned her this new contract.” 

The now-32-year-old midfielder transferred to the Pride on Dec. 14, 2023 from Brazilian giants Corinthians to a two-year deal through 2025 with an option for 2026. This new deal guarantees her stay for one more year and pushes that option to the end of 2027, which is in keeping with the club’s standard approach to players nearing the end of their deals.

Her first season in Orlando had hardly gotten underway when she was diagnosed and placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list for treatment. She missed almost all of last season and did not return to the pitch until Sept. 2, when she came off the bench to replace Ally Lemos in a 3-0 home win over Alajuelense in Concacaf W Champions Cup play.

In her first season with Orlando, Luana played 192 of the available 270 minutes before ending her season to get treatment. Luana did not have a goal contribution, attempting one shot (off target). She was effective in helping control the middle of the pitch, winning two of four tackle attempts (50%), tallying three interceptions, and winning four headed duels. She completed 80% of her 75 pass attempts across the three games, including a successful long ball and a cross. Her bite in the midfield showed in her five fouls conceded, six fouls drawn, and two yellow cards. In the two games after her debut in Louisville — in which Orlando rallied from two goals down inside of 19 minutes and got a road result, despite Kylie Strom being sent off in the 62nd minute — the Pride conceded only once in the run of play.

Luana has played just 45 minutes of NWSL action in five appearances (regular season plus playoffs) in 2025 — all off the bench. She scored her first goal with Orlando in the Pride’s most recent match — Friday’s NWSL playoff quarterfinal win over the Seattle Reign. Her goal from the penalty spot deep in stoppage time sealed Orlando’s 2-0 playoff victory. She has yet to register an NWSL assist. Luana appeared in four Concacaf W Champions Cup matches with the Pride this year, starting three and playing 171 minutes. She did not register a goal contribution in the tournament and neither of her two shots were on target. Luana completed 74.1% of her 85 passes, contributed three tackles, and committed eight fouls without drawing one on an opponent. She was booked once, receiving a yellow card against Club America.

The veteran midfielder began her career with the Sao Paulo, Brazil-based club Centro Olimpico in 2011 before moving to Europe in 2015. She played for Avaldsnes IL in Norway until 2018, South Korean club Hwacheon KSPO in 2019, and French giants Paris Saint-Germain from 2020-2022, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 21 appearances and helping the French giants finish at the top of the league. The Sao Bernardo do Campo native returned to her home country in 2022, signing with Corinthians, where she appeared in 42 matches across all competitions and helped the club win five titles.

She made her international debut in 2010 with Brazil’s under-17 national team, taking part in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. She was in the squad for the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan before making her senior team debut in December 2012. She’s made 38 national team appearances for the senior side, scoring two goals.

Luana initially wasn’t on Brazil’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster, but was added to the squad after new Pride teammate Adriana suffered an injury. The midfielder appeared twice in the tournament, coming on as a substitute in group games against Australia and Italy. She made her way into the starting lineup for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all three group stage games where Brazil was surprisingly eliminated.

What It Means for Orlando

There was an option year to be considered for 2026 remaining on Luana’s initial Pride contract, however, the club — as it so often does — prioritized locking the player up for another year and kicking the can on having to consider an option until after next season. If she can stay healthy and regain her previous form, Luana will be a key player, either as a starter or a regular depth option in central midfield. She is good with the ball at her feet, anticipates the play well, and can be a gritty player in 1-v-1 duels.

The Pride central midfield is in good shape for 2026. With Luana in the fold, Angelina under contract through 2026, and Haley McCutcheon locked up through at least next year, the Pride have three solid veterans who can play in the middle of the pitch. Additionally, Viviana Villacorta is signed through 2026, and Ally Lemos is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028, although the latter has been used in the attacking line a lot this season. The Pride have no outstanding option years on which to decide, however, there are five players on expiring contracts according to The Mane Land’s records — Amanda Allen, Simone Charley, Mariana Larroquette, Brianna Martinez, and Carson Pickett.

With a full (and healthy) training camp ahead of next season, Luana may be able to snatch a starting role, but even if she doesn’t, she’ll be a valuable depth asset.