Colorado Rapids sign Portuguese midfielder Sidnei Tavares

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have acquired midfielder Sidnei Tavares on an 11-month loan from Portugal’s FC Porto with an option to make the transfer permanent, the club announced today. The signing is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa; Tavares’ loan will run through June 30, 2024, and the midfielder will occupy a U22 Initiative and international slot on the Rapids’ roster. 

“We’re delighted to add a player of Sidnei’s quality to our roster,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “Sidnei is a young, athletic midfielder who is technically gifted and has the attributes to immediately make an impact on both sides of the ball. We look forward to welcoming him to the club and getting him acclimated as quickly as possible.” 

Tavares joins Rapids after spending the last two seasons with FC Porto B in the Liga Portugal 2. The 21-year-old registered 38 appearances and four assists across all competitions for the Dragões’ second team.

A native of Cascais, Portugal, Tavares joined Leicester City's academy at the age of nine in 2010, later signing his first pro contract with the then-English Premier League side in 2019 at the age of 17. He made his debut with Leicester in a UEFA Europa League match on February 25, 2021, against SK Slavia Prague and went on to record two Premier League appearances during his time at the club. At the youth level, he scored 11 goals and provided four assists for Leicester City's U-18 team and one goal with three assists for their U-21 side. Over the course of his youth career, he scored 12 goals and delivered seven assists across 56 appearances. 

Internationally, Tavares has represented Portugal at the U-18 and U-19 levels.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire midfielder Sidnei Tavares from FC Porto on an 11-month loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent. 

Sidnei Tavares
Pronunciation: SID-nay tuh-VAH-res

Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-2
Weight: 141
Birthdate: September 29, 2001
Birthplace: Cascais, Portugal
Nationality: Portugal