17-Year-Old Cristiano Oliveira Remains Grounded As He Continues To Find Success

“Achieving things like this, they push me to achieve even more. I think it shows that hard work does pay off. Hopefully, I can achieve more.”

Photo Courtesy of the New England Revolution

While Cristiano Oliveira has accomplished a great deal for a 17-year-old, he remains humble and focused.

Oliveira, a native of Somerville, Mass., will represent the New England Revolution at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game on Monday, July 21 at 8:30 p.m EST.

The recognition comes in his first season as a full professional, having signed a contract with Revolution II in October 2024.

The last nine months have featured numerous highlights for the midfielder, who has scored three goals with the second team and a game-winner in the U.S. Open Cup game against Rhode Island FC in his first-team debut.

“It's been a journey,” Oliveira said. “A lot of hard work, a lot of faith. But I am super grateful for all my teammates, all my coaches, because for me to be where I am, it's not only for me, but everyone around me, always pushing for me to get better.”

Oliveira wasn’t initially interested in soccer, noting, “I would get distracted super easily.”

He caught the bug around the age of seven, in large part because of his dad.

“[My dad] was always super passionate about soccer,” Oliveira said. “He always watched it growing up, playing when he was younger.

“And being Brazilian, I think that made it a lot easier because everyone in Brazil plays soccer.”

Naturally, Oliveira attended Revolution games, naming Tajon Buchanan and Gustavo Bou as two players he looked up to. The latter was one of his dad’s favorites.

“I think [Bou’s] goalscoring ability was something that stood out to me,” Oliveira.

A true product of the club’s Pro Pathway, Oliveira featured for the Academy before suiting up for Revs II.

On May 7, 2025, he got an opportunity with the first team, being named to the bench for the Open Cup game against RIFC. He entered in the 75th minute with the game tied at 1-1.

Oliveira was calm, connecting simple passes as he looked for a chance to make an impact.

That came in the 88th minute when fellow substitute and Revs II player Gevork Diarbian fired a cross that deflected off the far post into the path of Oliveira, who put it in the net for his first Revs' goal.

“When I scored, I don't even know how to explain it,” Oliveira said. “It felt like I was watching myself score from above. It was a surreal feeling. Super happy.”

Oliveira kept the jerseys from that night because “it’s just a good memory.”

More positive memories have come since then, as he collected a first-team bench appearance during a league game and played 90 minutes against the Fire in Round 16 of the Open Cup.

He also just scored in consecutive Revs II games.

Oliveira has stayed grounded through it all, thanking his community for helping him along the way.

Former teammate Max Weinstein calls Oliveira one of the most positive people he knows, as he always has a smile on his face.

“That comes from God because I think being positive helps you in negative moments,” Oliveira said. “With the Christian faith, knowing that Jesus Christ died for us, no matter what happens, we're going to have a better future.”

Oliveira, of course, has big dreams. He aims to continue scoring goals and providing assists, and hopes to become a regular contributor to the first team. He would love to play in Europe one day.

More than anything, he wants to remain present, valuing each opportunity as it comes.

“My dad and my agent always talk about step by step,” Oliveira.

On Monday, Oliveira will compete with and alongside some of the best young, domestic talent in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game. Revs II teammate Josh Macedo, whom Oliveira describes as “hard working” and “dynamic,” will be there as well.

These moments are to be cherished.

“Achieving things like this, they push me to achieve even more,” Oliveira said. “I think it shows that hard work does pay off. Hopefully, I can achieve more.”