Houston Dynamo 2025 player report cards: Artur
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We’re continuing our 2025 report card series, recapping each Dynamo player’s season. Next up, we look at midfielder Artur.
2025 Grade: C
2025 by the numbers (MLS play)
Appearances: 33
Minutes played: 2,850
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
(image via FBref.com and FBcharts.com)
2025 in review
As we all know, the offseason leading into the 2025 campaign saw several key pieces leave the Dynamo — a shift that directly impacted Artur’s overall performance this year. As the lone remaining member of last season’s exceptional midfield trio, the Brazilian was asked to take on multiple roles both on and off the field.
His first role was that of mentor and anchor in the midfield, guiding two young rising stars in Jack McGlynn and Brooklyn Raines. Artur’s quality as a player is unquestionable; he’s comfortable in tight spaces and often finds ways to play out of pressure. However, there were a few decisive moments this season where his decision-making faltered, leading to opposition counters and goals — factors that slightly lowered his overall grade.
His second, and arguably most important, role came with the captain’s armband. In a season full of moving parts and constant adjustments, leadership was crucial. The captaincy assignment evolved over the year — starting off rocky but improving as the season went on. From an outside perspective, this responsibility might have been better placed on him earlier. Ultimately, this delayed leadership presence is reflected in his final grade of a C. Being a captain is never easy, but as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected — and for Artur, those leadership qualities surfaced later than many would have hoped.
Moment of the season
The balloons, streamers, and party hats were all set for a certain German making his debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps against the Houston Dynamo. Everything pointed toward a full celebration, as Thomas Müller appeared poised to lead his team to a 1–0 victory in his first home match.
In a season where the Dynamo had dropped numerous points in the final minutes of matches, this one looked destined to follow the same script — until it didn’t. A crisp build-up play led to a one-on-one run by Houston’s own German, Lawrence Ennali, who laid the ball off to Amine Bassi at the top of the box. Bassi lifted his head, spotted Artur arriving late into the play, and with one magical strike from outside the area, the Brazilian not only rained on Müller’s parade but also secured a valuable point in a tough stadium. It was a moment that showcased the team’s resilience — even late in the season, they were still fighting for every inch.
Looking forward
The Dynamo have exercised Artur’s option for 2026, ensuring the captain’s return for another year. With a full season under his belt as team captain and a solid foundation in place — particularly in the midfield alongside McGlynn and Raines — 2026 looks like a promising year for both Artur and the Dynamo. It’s worth remembering that Artur is still relatively young, with several strong seasons of soccer ahead of him. He’s already a well-liked figure within the club, but with continued team success, he could easily evolve into a beloved icon — a Boniek García–type presence whose skill, leadership, and warm, easygoing personality make him a fan favorite for years to come.
