HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, August 10, 2026) - Real Salt Lake announces today the signing of Real Monarchs attacker Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos. The Brazilian-born Houston native joins the Claret-and-Cobalt through the 2027 “Sprint” Season, with Club options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 Major League Soccer campaigns.
At 24 years-of-age, Rodrigues made his debut with RSL back on May 23 at Minnesota United FC in a 1-1 road draw, coming off the bench in the 60th minute. Since his debut, Rodrigues has appeared twice for RSL boss Pablo Mastroeni’s side, starting away at St. Louis CITY SC, logging a 45 minute shift in the 1-1 draw, and then substituting on in the 82nd-minute for his 2026 Leagues Cup debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Atlante CF at America First Field, RSL’s largest-ever international victory.
“Signing with RSL means a lot to me. It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time, and to be able to do it with this Club makes it even more special,” Rodrigues said after a recent training session. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Utah. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed and supported by everyone around the team. It’s been a great environment in which to learn, and I feel like I’ve grown alot already just being around the players and staff everyday. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me and helped me get to this point.”
Drafted in the first round of the 2025 SuperDraft out of Marshall University by the Claret-and-Cobalt, the same draft class that saw Sergi Solans, Jesus Barea and Max Kerkvliet, amongst other first-team players, Rodrigues distinguished himself over the last season-plus as a standout for Mark Lowry’s Real Monarchs. Since his arrival on the Wasatch Front, the Brazilian attacker has logged 19 MLS NEXT Pro appearances, notching seven goals and two assists.
Real Salt Lake now heads into its 2026 Leagues Cup Phase One finale, welcoming FC Juárez Tuesday, August 11, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. MT in Sandy.
RSL then returns to MLS regular-season play later this week, on Saturday, August 15, for its fourth of five consecutive home matches in a 15-day span, hosting West rival Minnesota United FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT. All Leagues Cup and regular-season tickets are available for purchase here.
