Houston Dash signs Brazilian defender Rebeca Costa Da Silva from Cruzeiro

The Houston Dash have made their intentions clear. With the signing of Brazilian defender Rebeca Costa da Silva from Cruzeiro, the club has moved boldly into a new era—one defined not just by ambition, but by belief in the next generation of global talent.

At only 19 years old, Rebeca arrives in Houston as more than a promising fullback. She is the embodiment of a growing pipeline of South American stars reshaping the trajectory of women’s soccer. The Dash secured the teenager on a multi-year contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028, reportedly paying a six-figure transfer fee in the realm of $175,000—a significant investment for an NWSL team, and one that underlines the stakes.

Rebeca’s style is unmistakably Brazilian: fluid on the ball, unshaken under pressure, with a calm presence in the backline that belies her age. Raised on futsal courts and forged in the fires of Brazil’s increasingly competitive domestic league, she quickly earned her spot with Cruzeiro, where she tallied 25 appearances, netted two goals, and helped lead the team to consecutive state championships.

But it was more than her stats that drew Houston’s eye. It was her composure, her timing, and her hunger to challenge herself in a faster, more physical league. The NWSL offers that crucible—and Houston offers her the opportunity to be something more than just a squad player.

“She’s the kind of talent you build around,” said one club official familiar with the move. “We didn’t bring her here to fill space. We brought her here to help set the standard for where we’re going.”

For Rebeca, the move represents a dream long in the making. While many of her peers stay close to home, she chose the leap—across continents, cultures, and expectations—to test herself in a league known for its relentlessness.

“I came here to grow,” she said. “Not just as a footballer, but as a person. There’s something beautiful about starting over, proving yourself again, and being part of something bigger than you. I want to fight for this badge.”

The transition won’t be simple. She’ll need to adjust to the speed of the American game, the demands of a new system, and the cultural shift that comes with living abroad for the first time. But if her trajectory in Brazil is any indication, Rebeca isn’t here to blend in—she’s here to lead.

Her signing also signals something deeper for Houston: a pivot toward long-term development over short-term fixes. In a league where roster churn is frequent and coaching tenures short-lived, this move suggests the Dash are ready to commit—to a player, a project, and a future they’re actively building, not waiting for.

As the Dash prepare for the rest of the season, there will be pressure. Expectations always follow a transfer of this magnitude. But with Rebeca Costa da Silva now wearing orange, Houston isn’t just thinking about today—they’re investing in what could become a cornerstone of their tomorrow.