Stephen Eustáquio joins LAFC on loan

With Brazilian defensive midfielder Igor Jesus’s recovery from knee surgery expected to linger past this summer’s FIFA World Cup, the Los Angeles Football Club has moved to cover its rear.

Stephen Eustáquio, the 29-year-old vice-captain of the Canadian men’s national team, joined LAFC on loan from Portugal’s Primeira Liga side FC Porto through June 30, the team announced Friday.

LAFC will cover the full cost of Eustáquio’s salary and holds an option to make the loan permanent for 7 million euros, according to reports.

“Stephen is a top-class midfielder with extensive international experience who knows what it takes to win and lead at the highest level,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “We’re excited to add a player of his quality, and we’re confident he will have an immediate, positive impact on the group both on and off the field.”

After acquiring Eustáquio’s rights from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money, the Leamington, Ontario, native will occupy an international roster slot.

Eustáquio made 156 appearances across all competitions for Porto, including UEFA Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring 12 goals with 11 assists while helping the club collect seven trophies since 2022.

Born to Portuguese parents who returned to their home country when Eustáquio was 7, the midfielder rose through the ranks en route to his top-flight Primeira Liga debut in 2018. Other than a short stint with Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the 5-foot-10 Eustáquio played his club career in Portugal prior to coming over to the Black & Gold.

Representing Portugal internationally up to the U-21 level, Eustáquio’s senior national team debut came with Canada in 2019. Through 54 appearances (50 starts), including all three group stage games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he has four goals for the Canadians.

Considered a playmaking passer capable of sitting deep in the defensive end or breaking down the opposition near their goal, Eustáquio becomes the third Canadian midfielder to appear on LAFC’s roster ahead of the 2026 season — joining national team player Mathieu Choinière and MLS veteran Ryan Raposo, who re-signed as a free agent on Jan. 29.

LAFC also traded for Canadian international Jacob Shaffelburg in January as the team prepares for Canadian head coach Marc Dos Santos’s first season in charge.