The Brazilian DP jinx continues

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Feb 20, 2015

Last year we asked, Will the Brazilian DP jinx strike again? Gilberto lasted longer than any other Brazilian entering MLS as a DP signing, but his forced departure, on loan from Toronto FC to Vasco da Gama, means that no Brazilian DP other than Luciano Emilio, who wasn't elevated to DP status until after his MVP season with D.C. United in 2007, has played more than one season in MLS.

The move to send Gilberto on loan to Vasco became necessary as the acquisition of Italian star Sebastian Giovinco gave TFC four Designated Players, one over the limit. With Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore also holding down DP slots, Gilberto was the odd man out.

Gilberto made 32 combined appearances, scoring seven goals with five assists in MLS regular season and Amway Canadian Championship play.

The Brazilian DP jinx should be broken, or Orlando City fans better hope it will, as Kaka has signed a multi-year deal with Orlando City, beginning with the 2015 season.

Brazilian DP Signings:
2007: Denilson (FC Dallas)
2011: Geovanni (San Jose)
2011: Jeferson (Sporting KC)
2013: Kleberson (Philadelphia)
2013: Rafael (D.C. United)
2014: Gilberto (Toronto FC)
2015: Kaka (Orlando City)
Note: Luciano Emilio wasn't elevated to DP status until after his MVP season with D.C. United in 2007.