FC Dallas transferred former MLS MVP Luciano Acosta to Fluminense of Brazil, the team announced Friday.

FC Dallas reportedly received $4 million for Acosta, who was in his first season with the club after being acquired from FC Cincinnati in the offseason. Acosta was league MVP with Cincinnati in 2023.

“Signing Lucho Acosta was a calculated move for our club, and we were excited about what he could bring to FC Dallas,” team president Dan Hunt said in a news release. “His legacy in MLS is undeniable, and while this chapter was shorter than we imagined, we respect Lucho’s desire to be closer to home and thank him for his contributions this season.”

Acosta, 31, had five goals and one assist in 21 matches (18 starts) this season for Dallas. The franchise acquired the star midfielder from Cincinnati in February for $5 million and up to another $1 million based on performance metrics.

The 5-foot-3 Acosta scored 41 goals over the previous three seasons with Cincinnati, including a career-best 17 during his MVP season. He also had 14 assists that season for a league-high 31 goal contributions.

He followed up with 14 goals and a career-best 19 assists last season before seeking to be moved. He led the MLS in assists in both 2022 and 2024.

Acosta is a four-time MLS Best XI selection and a three-time All-Star. He played four seasons with D.C. United (2016-19). He then played two seasons for Atlas FC of Liga MX before joining FC Cincinnati (2021-24).

Overall, Acosta has 77 goals and 98 assists in 272 matches (243) starts in nine MLS seasons. In 12 playoff matches (11 starts), he has three goals and four assists.

–Field Media Level