Luciano Emílio | Legend Profile

Presented by EagleBank

By D.C. United

November 9^th, 2023

Few have arrived on the MLS scene with the goal scoring tenacity of one of D.C. United’s very own, Luciano Emílio. A professional since he was 16 years old, Emílio arrived in the Nation’s capital having already achieved an impressive scoring record across Honduras and Mexico. And the trend would continue with his new club.

Emílio signed for the Black-and-Red in January 2007 and soon would display his quality across the United States soccer landscape, winning the Golden Boot in his first year with the club, helping the Black-and-Red achieve the Supporters’ Shield, and win a US Open Cup in 2008.

His arrival earned him numerous deserved accolades including the first-ever MLS Newcomer of the Year, the MLS Golden Boot, and league MVP for his 2007 campaign. And in the following 2008 season, Emilio would lead the line as D.C. United claimed their second-ever U.S. Open Cup.

But it all started with the original signature and decision to play for D.C. United.

After playing in Germany, Honduras, and Mexico, what convinced or attracted you to playing for D.C. United?

I saw the immense growth MLS had over those years and thought it would be a great opportunity for me which is exactly how it turned out!

Emílio would go on to make 87 appearances for D.C. United, totaling a prolific 41 goals, scoring in nearly half of his competitive matches with the club.

Players of Emílio’s caliber, on top of the individual accolades, strive to lift trophies during their career. Emilio was able to do just that in front of the Chico Stand when he helped D.C. United secure the 2008 US Open Cup in RFK Stadium on September 3, 2008.

What stands out to you when you reflect on your time in D.C. and career with D.C. United?

In all honesty, every single moment that I lived through with D.C. United was beautiful. From the way that the club treated me to the way the fans treated me. If I had to pick one, my best memory would be winning the 2008 Open Cup. I was able to achieve a lot of things during my career here thanks to God and thanks to the help of my teammates/coaching staff.

For many players, their post playing career involves staying close to the game and working to help teach and inspire future generations of footballers. And this would be the case for our own Luciano Emilio as well.

What have you enjoyed doing with your time since playing for D.C. United?

I have a soccer club, Luciano Emilio Brazilian Soccer Club, where I work to train future footballers.

Which of your D.C. United accomplishments are you most proud of and why?

Undoubtedly it was winning the MLS Golden Boot in 2007.

20 goals in 25 games were beyond expectations for just about any striker in the modern game, but Luciano’s first season in Black-and-Red showed he was the top of the class for MLS strikers in the 2000s.

But it wouldn’t have been possible if the fans weren’t there to show up, support, and witness the goal scoring legend Emílio would become.

If you could send a message to the D.C. United fans, what would it be?

I would love to be in form to be able to play for D.C. United again and help in any way I can. D.C. United have a special place in my heart. It was the only team I played for in the US. I love the club so much and I want to thank everyone at the club for the support from 2007-2010.

From the Black-and-Red family to you, thank you Luciano.

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