Boston Legacy Signs Benfica Midfielder
Another Brazilian is set to join the Boston Legacy
Another Brazilian is set to join the Boston Legacy, as Laís Araújo, from Salvador, Brazil, signed a one-year contract with a club option to renew in 2027. The 29-year-old will be joining the team as a free agent.
Araújo is a familiar face for head coach Filipa Patão, who coached the midfielder at S.L Benfica from 2023 to 2025. During her time in Portugal, she won the Campeonato Nacional Femenino title twice and played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“Laís is a player with great personality, ambitious, passionate about the game, and highly competent,” said Patão. “She can play as a holding midfielder or center back, and the main characteristic that sets her apart is her game understanding and decision-making. She is a technically refined center back with the ability to play out from the back under pressure.”
The Brazilian moved to the United States at 18 to play soccer at ASA Junior College, then transferred to the University of Florida to finish her collegiate career. As a Gator, Araújo appeared in 44 games and recorded seven goals and seven assists over two seasons.
She captained Brazil’s U-20 World Cup team in 2016, which advanced to the quarterfinals, and was also called up to a senior team camp in 2020.
Araújo has plenty of experience abroad. She played one season at Norway’s Arna-Bjørnar after college, then joined Adelaide United in Australia’s W-League. She also spent seasons at Cyprus’ Apollon Limassol FC, Spain’s Madrid CFF, and Portugal’s Famalicão before landing at Benfica.
“Laís brings a mix of qualities that will strengthen our group on and off the field,” said Boston Legacy general manager Domè Guasch. “She’s a positive leader with experience across different environments, from college soccer in the U.S. to competing in the Champions League with Benfica. That background gives her a perspective and maturity that will add a lot to our team. Having already worked with Filipa, she understands the standards we want to set, and we’re excited to support her continued growth here at BLFC.”