Steven Moreira is one of Major League Soccer’s most decorated defenders — an MLS Defender of the Year, MLS Cup winner, and proud representative of Cape Verde on the world stage.
If you want to know everything about Steven Moreira’s net worth, including his salary, contracts, and career earnings, this guide covers it all.
Steven Moreira’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Moreira |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1994 |
| Age | 31 |
| Birthplace | Noisy-le-Grand, France |
| Nationality | Cape Verde |
| Height / Weight | 5’10” (178 cm) / 159 lbs (72 kg) |
| Position | Right-Back / Centre-Back |
| Current Club | Columbus Crew (MLS) |
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Net Worth | ~$3 million (estimated) |
| Annual Salary | $820,000 |
| Contract Expiry | December 31, 2026 |
| Religion | Islam |
Early Life & Career
Steven Moreira was born on August 13, 1994, in Noisy-le-Grand, a commune in the Seine-Saint-Denis department on the eastern outskirts of Paris.
His parents are of Cape Verdean descent, giving him roots in one of the most football-passionate island nations in Africa.
He began playing football at the local youth level with AS Champs-sur-Marne in 2000, spending five years there before moving to US Torcy in 2005.
In 2009, his talent earned him a place in the prestigious Rennes youth academy, one of France’s most respected development institutions.
Moreira turned professional in 2013 when he signed his first senior contract with Stade Rennais FC.
He made his Ligue 1 debut on May 11, 2013, and went on to appear in the Coupe de France final that same season, where Rennes lost 2–0 to Guingamp in a fierce Breton derby.
He also represented France at youth level, reaching the final of the 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship as a runner-up.
Professional Career
After four seasons in the Rennes system, Moreira made his first major transfer move to FC Lorient in August 2016 for a reported €1.2 million fee, signing a four-year deal.
He made 63 appearances for the club across two seasons and scored a memorable goal against RC Lens in the 2017 Coupe de la Ligue.
He then joined Ligue 1 side Toulouse FC in August 2018 on a three-year contract. Despite an unsteady run — including two red cards and a relegation — he scored a key goal in September 2020 as Toulouse won 3–1 at home in Ligue 2.
In August 2021, Moreira crossed the Atlantic and signed with Columbus Crew on a free transfer. That decision transformed his career.
He became a cornerstone of the Columbus defense, earning the Club’s Defender of the Year award in 2023 and helping Columbus lift the MLS Cup 3–1 against Los Angeles FC.
In 2024, he was even more outstanding — named MLS Defender of the Year, earning a spot on the MLS Best XI, and winning the Leagues Cup — all while earning his 100th appearance for the club in May 2024.
According to FIFA’s official records, Cape Verde’s World Cup qualifying journey has also featured Moreira as a crucial voice and leader at the back.
Steven Moreira’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Steven Moreira has an estimated net worth of $3 million.
He built this wealth through a professional football career spanning French Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and Major League Soccer, complemented by contract bonuses and club incentives.
Contract
According to verified salary data on Capology, Moreira signed a contract extension with Columbus Crew on December 12, 2023, valid through December 31, 2026.
The contract includes a club option that was built into his original 2021 deal, which was progressively extended based on performance.
This reflects the club’s high confidence in Moreira as a first-choice starter and team leader.
His market value on Transfermarkt currently stands at approximately €1.50 million, a figure consistent with an established MLS veteran at the top of his game.
Salary
Steven Moreira earns $820,000 per year ($15,769 per week) at Columbus Crew for the 2026 season, making him one of the better-paid defenders in MLS.
His annual salary has grown steadily from an estimated $700,000 in his early years with the Crew to the current figure, reflecting his impact on the pitch and his award-winning performances.
For context, MLS average player salaries for established starters typically range between $500,000 and $1.5 million annually, placing Moreira firmly in the upper-mid tier for defenders.
Career Earnings By Year
| Year | Club | Annual Salary (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–2016 | Stade Rennais FC | ~€200,000–€350,000 |
| 2016–2018 | FC Lorient | ~€400,000–€500,000 |
| 2018–2021 | Toulouse FC | ~€500,000–€650,000 |
| 2021 | Columbus Crew | ~$300,000 (partial season) |
| 2022 | Columbus Crew | ~$700,000 |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | ~$800,000 |
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | ~$800,000 |
| 2025 | Columbus Crew | ~$820,000 |
| 2026 | Columbus Crew | $820,000 |
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stade Rennais | 2012–2016 | Ligue 1 | 58 | 0 | — |
| FC Lorient | 2016–2018 | Ligue 1 / Ligue 2 | 63 | 1 | — |
| Toulouse FC | 2018–2021 | Ligue 1 / Ligue 2 | 58 | 1 | — |
| Columbus Crew | 2021 | MLS | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| Columbus Crew | 2022 | MLS | 32 | 1 | 5 |
| Columbus Crew | 2023 | MLS | 34 | 0 | 5 |
| Columbus Crew | 2024 | MLS | 27 | 2 | 4 |
| Columbus Crew | 2025 | MLS | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Career Total | 378 | 8 | — |
| National Team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| Cape Verde | 2024 | 12 | 0 |
| Total | 13 | 0 |
FAQs
What is Steven Moreira’s net worth?
Steven Moreira’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $3 million. He earned this through over a decade of professional football contracts in France and MLS.
How much does Steven Moreira earn at Columbus Crew?
He earns $820,000 per year ($15,769 per week) at Columbus Crew. His salary has grown steadily since he joined the club in 2021 on a free transfer.
What trophies has Steven Moreira won?
He has won the MLS Cup (2023), Leagues Cup (2024), and Campeones Cup (2021) with Columbus Crew. He also won the MLS Defender of the Year award and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2024.
Does Steven Moreira play for Cape Verde?
Yes, Moreira represents the Cape Verde national team. He made his senior debut in October 2023 and has since become a key part of Cape Verde’s historic World Cup qualifying campaign.
When does Steven Moreira’s contract expire?
His current contract with Columbus Crew expires on December 31, 2026. He signed the extension on December 12, 2023, after helping the Crew win the MLS Cup.
