[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 23, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Atletico De Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios (8) and Botafogo forward Rwan Cruz (9) jump for a header during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Blake-Reuters via Imagn Images Real Salt Lake acquired striker Rwan Cruz on loan Friday from Brazilian Serie A squad Botafogo.
The 24-year-old Brazilian will occupy a designated player spot and the loan runs through June 2026.
“We are elated to welcome Rwan to our club, and have been working on this move for some time,” RSL chief soccer officer Kurt Schmid said. “Rwan’s quality, finishing and attacking flexibility should allow him to bolster our options up top, adding a difference-maker to our core as we pursue a strong finish to the season.”
Cruz has tallied 37 goals and 14 assists across 137 matches with three Brazilian clubs (Santos, Vasco de Gama and Botafogo) and Bulgaria’s Ludogorets Razgrad.
Cruz’s deal includes an option to extend the loan through the end of 2026, as well as a purchase option at a fixed price that can be exercised at any point during the loan period.
“I am excited to arrive in Utah and I look forward to integrating with the family here at the club,” Cruz said. “I have been watching the RSL games and I think we play very well as a team. We have a playing style with short passing combinations that I enjoy very much, and I believe this is an excellent fit for me.”
–Field Level Media