Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed midfielder Jean Mota from Brazilian top-flight club Santos FC with a contract running through the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with a Club option for the 2025 season. The 28-year-old Brazilian central midfielder bolsters Inter Miami’s roster following a nearly 10-year-long career in the Brazilian top flight and brings valuable experience having competed in prestigious South American club competitions the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores and the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana.
Mota joins the Club pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“We’re thrilled to add a player of Jean’s experience and ambition to our team. We’ve followed him for some time, as he’s a well-rounded, versatile and very smart player on the pitch. He checked every box through our diligent recruitment process and we are excited to see him represent the Inter Miami badge,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
"It’s a pleasure to be a part of Inter Miami, a great Club with a fantastic fan base and great facilities. I’m excited to give my best on the pitch and create great memories together with the Club. I’m proud to wear this jersey and look forward to leaving everything on the field to defend it. Lastly, I want to thank the fans for their reception and I’m thrilled to be here as we aim to accomplish our objectives together,” said Mota.
The São Paulo, Brazil native has spent the entirety of his career in Brazil to date, where he amassed a total 257 appearances across all competitions, including 164 matches in the Brazilian Série A, featuring for Associação Portuguesa de Desportos (2012-2015), Fortaleza Esporte Clube (2015-2016) and Santos FC (2016-2021). Additionally, he registered 27 appearances in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, netting once and handing out four assists, and eight appearances in the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, recording one assist.
Mota most recently spent over five years with historic Brazilian powerhouse Santos FC, making his move to the side in June 2016. The central midfielder had a successful stint in the Vila Belmiro-based team, registering 10 goals and 20 assists in 207 appearances across all competitions for the Peixe, including all of his 27 appearances in the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores, scoring once and recording four assists, and six CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana appearances, registering one assist. He also collected several individual accolades during his time at the club, including a strong 2019 Campeonato Paulista campaign that saw him named the competition’s Best Player, Top Scorer and named to the Team of the Year. Additionally, he was teammates with Inter Miami CF captain Gregore in several matches playing for the club’s U-23 side during his spell at Santos.
Before joining Santos, Mota signed with Fortaleza in Sept. 2015. He went on to become a mainstay on the club’s team sheet in 2016, playing a key role in the team’s 2016 Campeonato Cearense winning campaign and being named the Best Player of the tournament as well. In all, Mota registered 17 appearances for the team and scored four goals.
Mota began his career at Portuguesa, where he came through the team’s youth ranks and made his professional debut in March 2012 in a Copa do Brasil match. The midfielder went on to make 33 appearances for the team across all competitions, including two in the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, registering one goal and three assists, and was also part of the team’s 2013 Campeonato Paulista Série A2 title-winning side. He was also deployed as a left back during his spell with Portuguesa.
Inter Miami fans can Join The Heartbeat of the Club and secure their spot for the 2022 season opener by becoming Season Ticket Members. For information on season tickets, group tickets, and more, please visit www.intermiamicf.com/tickets.
