On August 6, Atlanta United announced that it signed Luiz Araújo as a Designated Player via transfer from Lille OSC. The Brazilian striker joins Atlanta with a championship mentality and experience playing in France’s top league. Here’s a breakdown of some of Araújo’s career stats, by the numbers:
22
The 25-year-old out of Taquaritinga, Brazil has scored 22 career goals, including five in 2017-18 during his first season for Lille. He has the capability to create space and possesses a quality finishing touch. I mean… we’ve all seen this arching beauty off the outside of his left foot into the net, right?
11
This is likely just the start for Araújo in the career assists category, especially once he lines up alongside one of Major League Soccer’s most potent strikers. With Josef Martínez at center forward, Araújo would be a natural fit as a winger. Or, Araújo could distribute and create as a midfielder. Whatever role he fills on the field, his addition strengthens a dynamic attack and could open things up for central playmakers Marcelino Moreno and Ezequiel Barco, who are both coming off strong performances over the past week in Montreal and Columbus.
136
Araújo made 136 total appearances at Lille OSC in France. As a member of the 2020-21 squad, Araújo helped Lille win its first league title in 10 years. The first-place finish and 83 points in the league table qualified the French club for the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. Lille also qualified for the Champions League in 2019-20 after securing second place in Ligue 1. Araújo made six appearances in the group stage that season.
108
While playing for Lille, Araújo made over 100 appearances in Ligue 1. The French league is one of the top leagues in Europe, ranking no. 5 after England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A. Ligue 1 consists of 20 teams, the most famous arguably being Paris Saint-Germain. PSG has held a spot in Ligue 1 for over four decades and currently boasts several notable stars on its roster including Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
2
The 5-Stripes might like this stat most of all. Araújo is a proven winner, playing a part in two major trophies during his stint at Lille. In the 2020-21 season, Lille won the Ligue 1 championship for the fourth time in club history. On August 1, they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the club’s first-ever Trophée des Champions, also known as the French Super Cup, a match in which Araújo started and played 85 minutes. Araújo has competed at very high levels, and that mindset will only help Atlanta United as it looks to get in the playoff picture.
