Melbourne City have added some samba flair to their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 Isuzu UTE A-League season, signing experienced Brazilian midfielder Matheus Rossetto on loan from Fortaleza.
The 30-year-old arrives in Melbourne after making more than 200 senior appearances across Brazil and Major League Soccer, where he has won both domestic and continental honours.
A product of Athletico Paranaense’s academy, Rossetto made more than 100 senior appearances during one of the club’s most successful eras, helping lift the Copa Sudamericana and Copa do Brasil before earning a move to MLS side Atlanta United.
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Rossetto spent four seasons in Atlanta, making close to 100 appearances in all competitions, before returning to Brazil with Fortaleza.
Predominantly a central midfielder, Rossetto is also comfortable playing in a deeper role or further forward, adding plenty of versatility to the City midfield.
“I’m very happy to be joining Melbourne City and excited for this new challenge in Australia,” Rossetto said.
“I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the club, the style of football the team wants to play and the ambition that exists here. It made this an opportunity I really wanted to be part of.
“I want to bring everything I’ve learned throughout my career, help the team however I can and do everything possible to contribute to a successful season.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates, the coaches and our supporters, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo believes Rossetto’s experience and football intelligence will make him a valuable addition to Aurelio Vidmar’s squad.
“We’re delighted to welcome Matheus to Melbourne City,” Petrillo said.
“He’s competed successfully at a high level in both Brazil and the MLS, and we believe his qualities are an excellent fit for the way we want to play.
“Matheus is an intelligent midfielder who reads the game exceptionally well. He controls the tempo, works tirelessly for the team and brings composure and balance whenever he’s on the pitch.
“Just as importantly, his professionalism and experience will be a great asset for our younger players, and we’re looking forward to the influence he’ll have across the group this season.”
