Luciano Acosta, affectionately known as “Lucho,” is one of the most skillful midfielders in contemporary football. Born on May 31, 1994, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he stands out despite his short stature—just 1.60 meters—which never hindered him from overcoming challenges similar to those faced by Lionel Messi in his youth. From an early age, Acosta dealt with growth issues, but his determination led him to an impressive professional career. After years of brilliance in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, he joined Fluminense in Brazil in August 2025, bringing his sharp vision and match-winning ability.
Early Life and Youth Development
Acosta’s journey began on the streets of Buenos Aires, where football is more than a sport—it’s a collective passion. Born into a humble family, he joined the youth ranks of Club Comunicaciones as a child, displaying natural talent as an attacking midfielder. At 14, in 2007, he moved to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s football giants, where he stayed until 2014. There, he shared space with prospects like Leandro Paredes, which delayed his rise but shaped him into a resilient player.
In Boca’s youth system, Acosta honed the fundamentals of South American football: quick dribbles, precise passing, and above-average tactical intelligence. He trained relentlessly, compensating for his small stature with agility and peripheral vision. A doctor once predicted he wouldn’t grow taller, but Lucho turned this into motivation. His professional debut came in 2014, marking the start of a career that would take him across continents.
Early Steps in Argentine Professional Football
At Boca Juniors, Acosta played 25 matches in the Argentine league between 2014 and 2015, scoring two goals. His Primera División debut came in the 2013-14 season, where he featured in 17 games, alternating between starter and substitute. A memorable moment was his first top-flight goal against Belgrano de Córdoba. He also assisted Emmanuel Gigliotti in a win over Argentinos Juniors and scored the winning goal against Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata. In the 2014 Copa Sudamericana, he made three appearances, showcasing versatility.
In 2015, he was loaned to Estudiantes de La Plata, where he played 27 league matches (one goal), four in the national cup, and seven in the Copa Libertadores (another goal). In total, he made 38 appearances and scored two goals, an experience that helped him mature in continental competitions. These years in Argentina forged his competitive character, preparing him for bigger challenges abroad.
Arrival in Major League Soccer and Time at D.C. United
In 2016, Acosta crossed the ocean to the United States, joining D.C. United on loan in the MLS. He played 31 league matches (three goals), one in the national cup, two in the CONCACAF Champions League, and one in the MLS Cup playoffs, totaling 35 games and three goals. The club signed him permanently for a record fee, signaling confidence in his potential.
In 2017, he featured in 31 league games, scoring five goals. His peak came in 2018: 33 league matches (10 goals), two in the cup (one goal), and one in the playoffs. He scored his first professional hat-trick against Orlando City in a 3-2 win and contributed a goal and assist in a 3-1 victory over New York City FC, securing a playoff spot. His partnership with Wayne Rooney, dubbed “Luchoroo,” was legendary, producing goals and assists in abundance. In 2019, he played 31 league games (six goals), plus playoffs.
Overall, at D.C. United from 2016 to 2019, he made 126 league appearances (24 goals), six in the cup (one goal), two in CONCACAF, and three in playoffs, totaling 137 games and 25 goals. He nearly joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 but stayed in the MLS, where his contract eventually expired.
Experience in Mexico with Atlas
From 2020 to 2021, Acosta moved to Mexico to play for Atlas in Liga MX. He appeared in 33 league matches, scoring three goals, including his first against Tijuana in January 2020. This stint was more modest, serving as a bridge between the MLS and new adventures. He adapted to the intense Mexican game but missed the more creative style.
Stardom at FC Cincinnati
In 2021, Acosta joined FC Cincinnati as a designated player on a three-year contract, acquired from D.C. United for $250,000 in general allocation money plus incentives. His debut came against Nashville SC, scoring in the eighth minute of a 2-2 draw. That year, he played 31 league matches, scoring seven goals.
In 2022, he featured in 30 league games (10 goals), two in the cup, and two in the playoffs (one goal). In 2023, he exploded: 32 league matches with a personal record of 17 goals, five in the cup (one goal), and seven in other competitions (three goals, including the Leagues Cup and playoffs). He led Cincinnati to their first Supporters’ Shield title. In 2024, he played 32 league games (14 goals), four in the CONCACAF Champions Cup (one goal), and five in other competitions.
In total at Cincinnati from 2021 to 2024: 125 league games (48 goals), seven in the cup (one goal), four in CONCACAF (one goal), and 14 in other competitions (four goals), totaling 150 games and 54 goals. He became captain, a local idol, and was named captain of the MLS All-Star Game in 2024. His leadership and skill made him a star, with the team unbeaten in games where he shone.
Changes in 2025: From FC Dallas to Fluminense
The year 2025 brought twists. In February, Cincinnati traded him to FC Dallas for $5 million plus $1 million in add-ons. There, he played 21 league matches (five goals) and two in the cup (two goals), totaling 23 games and seven goals. In August, a surprising transfer took him to Fluminense in Brazil’s Série A for $4 million plus add-ons.
His Fluminense debut came on August 12 as a substitute in a 2-1 Copa Sudamericana win against América de Cali. His first goal was in a 4-2 Brasileirão loss to Red Bull Bragantino. As of July 2025, he hadn’t yet debuted in the league for Fluminense, but his arrival injected creativity into the midfield. Brazilian fans see him as a key piece, with recent posts highlighting his impact in matches.
Playing Style and Technical Attributes
Acosta is a classic attacking midfielder, with precise dribbles, pinpoint passes, and a nose for goal. His short stature makes him agile, slipping through tight marking with quick touches. He excels in tight spaces, creating chances for teammates—as seen in his record-breaking MLS assists. Defensively, he contributes with high pressing, but his strength is in attack: game vision, mid-range shots, and positional intelligence. At Fluminense, his adaptation to Brazil’s more physical football has been gradual but promising.
Achievements and Individual Awards
His achievements include the 2023 Supporters’ Shield with Cincinnati. Individually: MLS MVP in 2023 (17 goals), MLS Best XI in 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024; All-Star in 2022 and 2023; MLS Player of the Month multiple times (September 2018 with D.C., June 2022, July and September 2023, May 2024 with Cincinnati); MLS Goal of the Year in 2023; and assist leader in 2022. These accolades underscore his consistency and impact.
International Career with Argentina
While Acosta represents Argentina, his senior international career is limited in available records. He played for the U-20 team, but there are no prominent records of recent senior call-ups. His Argentine citizenship and U.S. green card make him eligible for selection, but his focus has been on club football.
Recent Updates and Prospects at Fluminense
In October 2025, Acosta remains a key figure at Fluminense. In a recent Brasileirão match against Mirassol, he was substituted in the 71st minute for Lima and Santi Moreno, alongside Agustín Canobbio. Fans praise his genius, with comments like “Fluminense’s team is Luciano Acosta and 10 others,” emphasizing he should stay on the pitch while “alive.” Criticism of the team’s overall performance contrasts with his quality, and there’s debate about lineups, including calls for young attackers from Xerém.
His move to Brazil closes an era in the MLS, where he was an idol, but opens a new chapter in Rio football. With 410 games and 93 goals in his career as of August 2025, Acosta aims for titles with Fluminense, like the Copa Sudamericana or Brasileirão. Adapting to Brazil’s intense pace and passionate crowds, the 31-year-old Lucho still has plenty to offer, inspiring young players with his story of perseverance.
