Austin FC announced today that the Club has reached an agreement with Brazilian Série A club São Paulo FC for the transfer of Argentine attacker Emiliano Rigoni. Rigoni, 29, joins the Verde & Black on a Designated Player contract, guaranteed through the 2024 MLS season with options in 2025 and 2026. Per Club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed. Rigoni will arrive in Austin in the coming weeks upon receipt of his P1 visa.
“Austin FC is an ambitious Club and I’m excited to help the organization reach its goals this season and beyond,” said Rigoni. “I want to thank Claudio and Josh for this opportunity, and will give everything I have for this Club and this fanbase.”
Rigoni began his professional career with Club Atlético Belgrano in his native Argentina in 2013, and also played for Club Atlético Independiente in his home country, with whom he won the 2016/17 Copa Sudamericana. Rigoni signed with Zenit Saint Petersburg of the Russian Premier League in 2017, where he played alongside Austin FC midfielder and Designated Player Sebastián Driussi and helped the club win three (3) Russian championships, one (1) Russian Cup, and one (1) Russian Super Cup between 2019 and 2021. Rigoni scored a hat-trick in Zenit’s 3-1 UEFA Europa League group stage win over Rosenborg BK on October 19, 2017.
While with Zenit, Rigoni went on loan to Atalanta and Sampdoria of Italy’s Serie A, and to Elche of Spain’s La Liga. Rigoni left Zenit in 2021 and signed with São Paulo in Brazil. Across his club career, Rigoni has 55 goals and 36 assists in 307 matches. At the international level, Rigoni made two (2) appearances for the Argentina senior men’s national team including his national team debut in 2017 in a World Cup Qualifying match vs Peru.
“We’re very excited to welcome Emiliano and his family to Austin,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He’s a winger with a lot of quality and experience competing in some of the top leagues around the world. His abilities are an excellent fit for our style of play.”
Rigoni will occupy Designated Player and International designations on the Austin FC roster.
Transaction: Austin FC reaches agreement with Brazilian Série A club São Paulo FC for the transfer of Argentine attacker Emiliano Rigoni. Rigoni, 29, joins the Verde & Black on a Designated Player contract, guaranteed through the 2024 MLS season with options in 2025 and 2026.
Player Details:
Name: Emiliano Rigoni (pronounced “em-eel-ee-AH-no ree-GOH-nee”)
Position: Forward
Height: 5’11”
Date of birth: February 4, 1993
Age: 29
Born: Colonia Caroya, Argentina
Nationality: Argentina
Last club: São Paulo FC
How acquired: Transfer agreement with São Paulo FC.
Roster Designation: Designated Player, International
