Real Salt Lake land Brazilian forward Rwan Cruz on loan from Botafogo | OneFootball

Real Salt Lake have secured the loan signing of Brazilian striker Rwan Cruz, a 24-year-old with European experience and a pedigree of consistent goal production. The deal, announced Friday (July 25), brings Cruz to Utah on a one-season loan from Botafogo, with a purchase option included at the end of the campaign

A New Chapter in MLS

“I’m arriving at Real Salt Lake very motivated and ready to give my best,” Cruz said in his official unveiling. “MLS is a league that’s growing fast, with high-level players and a lot of opportunity for Brazilians to develop and show what we can do. I hope to adapt quickly and help the team reach its goals.”

From Bulgaria to Brazil… and now to MLS

Rwan arrives with a diverse footballing background. He broke out in Europe with Ludogorets in Bulgaria, where he became one of the club’s top ten all-time scorers — notching 28 goals and 12 assists in 82 matches. His success there led to an €8 million transfer to Botafogo in early 2025, one of the Rio-based club’s most expensive signings of the year.

But his spell in Brazil was mixed. Cruz made 14 appearances and scored twice, including a goal in the Copa Libertadores against Estudiantes in a thrilling 3–2 victory at Nilton Santos Stadium. Still, competition for minutes in a stacked Botafogo attack led to the move abroad in search of more consistent playing time.

What RSL Gains

Real Salt Lake adds a forward with proven finishing ability, European and South American experience, and upside at just 24. While his time in Brazil was brief, Cruz’s sharp movement and ability to score in tight spaces could provide a tactical boost to an RSL team looking for depth in the final third.

The club is expected to integrate him quickly, especially given his willingness to adapt and experience with multiple footballing cultures — including his roots at Santos and a short stint at Vasco da Gama before his breakout overseas.