Artur Bio
José Artur de Lima Junior, commonly known as Artur, is a Brazilian professional footballer born on March 11, 1996, in Brumado, Bahia, Brazil. He currently plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo. Artur began his career in Brazil with São Paulo, where he gained recognition for his performances in the youth teams. He later moved to the United States to play for Columbus Crew, where he was part of the team that won the 2020 MLS Cup. In 2022, Artur transferred to Houston Dynamo and continues to be an influential player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Artur was born on March 11, 1996, in the city of Brumado in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Growing up in a country where football is woven into everyday life, he developed an early passion for the sport and began his playing journey in local academies. His progression through the Brazilian youth system helped shape the technical foundation that would later define his professional career.
Before reaching the senior ranks, Artur came through the youth setups of Bahia, Juventus-SC, and São Paulo. Each stop along the way exposed him to higher levels of competition and helped refine his passing range, tactical understanding, and comfort in central midfield. These formative years laid the groundwork for his transition into the senior ranks of one of Brazil’s most historic clubs.
Path to Professional Soccer
Artur broke into the São Paulo first team in 2016, making his senior debut on June 19, 2016, in a 2–2 draw with Flamengo. Although he rarely left the bench during the rest of the Série A season, finishing with just four appearances in the Campeonato Brasileiro, his early performances drew praise from the Brazilian press and signaled his potential.
At the youth level, Artur enjoyed notable success, winning the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 twice with São Paulo and the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores. Those titles confirmed his reputation as a composed and creative midfielder. His limited first-team minutes at São Paulo ultimately opened the door for an international move that would launch the next phase of his career.
Artur Career
Early Career at São Paulo (2016)
Artur’s first stint with São Paulo’s senior squad was brief but meaningful. After impressing in the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 and the U-20 Copa Libertadores, he earned a place in the senior rotation during the 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro. His debut against Flamengo offered an early glimpse of his quality, even as opportunities remained scarce.
Over the course of the season, Artur made just four appearances for the Tricolor, all of which came in the Brazilian top flight. The limited senior minutes at São Paulo, combined with growing interest from clubs abroad, set the stage for his loan move to Major League Soccer and a fresh start in the United States.
Columbus Crew Era (2017–2022)
After impressing against Columbus Crew SC in a preseason match, Artur signed on loan with the American club on February 13, 2017. He made his debut for the Crew on March 4, 2017, coming off the bench in a 1–1 season-opening draw with the Chicago Fire. What looked like a depth signing quickly turned into a starting role, as Artur forced his way past established midfielders Wil Trapp, Mohammed Abu, and Tony Tchani.
Despite missing time early in 2017 following surgery on his left wrist, Artur started 24 regular-season matches and added three playoff appearances. He scored his first career goal in the 58th minute of a 4–1 playoff win over New York City FC. Following the 2017 season, Columbus officially acquired his rights from São Paulo for $1.5 million in exchange for 50 percent of his contract.
Artur remained a regular for the Crew through the following seasons. In a shortened 2020 campaign impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he appeared in 22 of 23 regular-season matches, recording two goals and four assists. He scored the lone goal in the Eastern Conference finals to send Columbus to MLS Cup 2020, then helped the Crew defeat Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 to claim the club’s second MLS Cup title.
Later years in Columbus were marked by injury challenges. Artur underwent sports hernia surgery in the 2020 offseason and a second hernia surgery in August 2021 that ended his season. He returned in 2022 but missed two months with a hairline fracture in his leg, finishing the year with 24 appearances as the Crew finished eighth in the Eastern Conference, one spot shy of the playoffs.
Houston Dynamo Era (2022–Present)
On November 22, 2022, Artur was traded to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for $300,000 in General Allocation Money. He made his Dynamo debut on February 25, 2023, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 season-opening loss to FC Cincinnati. The trade gave him a fresh opportunity to anchor a midfield in need of experience and creativity.
On October 12, 2023, Artur signed a two-year contract extension with the Dynamo, signaling the club’s commitment to his role in the project. His leadership in central midfield and familiarity with MLS competition have made him a steady presence in Houston’s lineup.
Playing Style and Strengths
Artur is recognized for his composure on the ball, accurate passing, and intelligent reading of the game from central midfield. He combines defensive responsibility with the ability to progress play through line-breaking passes, and his stamina allows him to cover large areas of the pitch across a full match.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Artur’s career came in MLS Cup 2020, when he helped Columbus Crew defeat Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 to win the club’s second MLS Cup. Earlier milestones include his first senior debut for São Paulo in 2016, his first professional goal for Columbus in the 2017 playoffs, and his U-20 Copa Libertadores title that same year.
Artur Career Wins
Artur has collected several team honors across his career in Brazil and the United States. His most prominent titles include the 2020 MLS Cup with Columbus Crew, the 2021 Campeones Cup, and two Copa do Brasil Sub-20 trophies with São Paulo.
Major League Soccer Highlights
Artur’s signature MLS accomplishment is the 2020 MLS Cup triumph with Columbus Crew, where he played 87 minutes of the 3–0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC. He also contributed to the Crew’s 2021 Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul. Across his MLS career with Columbus and Houston, he has been a consistent midfield presence with multiple playoff appearances.
Other Wins and Performances
Earlier in his career, Artur won the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 twice with São Paulo and lifted the 2016 U-20 Copa Libertadores. These youth titles helped establish him as one of Brazil’s promising midfield prospects before his move abroad.
Artur Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Artur’s brother, Norberto, is also a professional footballer who plays as a right back. The siblings share a deep connection to the game that began in Brumado, Bahia, and continues through their respective professional careers.
Personal Life
In 2022, Artur became a United States citizen, adding to his Brazilian nationality. His professional commitments have kept him based in the United States since 2017, where he has built his career across Columbus and Houston.
2025 Season Performance
Artur enters the 2025 MLS season as a central figure in the Houston Dynamo midfield. Following his October 2023 two-year extension, he remains under contract and is expected to feature prominently under the club’s ongoing project. His experience from the 2020 MLS Cup run with Columbus brings a championship pedigree to a Houston side aiming to climb the Western Conference standings.
Throughout the early portion of the year, Artur’s role has continued to emphasize ball progression, defensive cover, and set-piece delivery. His chemistry with the Dynamo coaching staff and fellow midfielders has been a key storyline as the club navigates a competitive Western Conference.
Looking ahead, Artur’s leadership and tactical awareness are expected to remain central to Houston’s ambitions. With the playoff push typically heating up in the fall, his consistency and big-game temperament will be major assets as the Dynamo chase a return to the postseason.