FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Revolution II rising star Cristiano Oliveira has already created an impressive resume since becoming the 14th Academy player to sign a professional contract with the club last October.
The 17-year-old Somerville, Mass. native has netted three goals in 13 games played during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Oliveira opened his 2025 account with a game-tying goal in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew 2 on April 23. The dynamic midfielder has since scored goals over his last two consecutive appearances – including a stoppage time winner on July 5 against Columbus.
“It’s been amazing so far,” Oliveira said of the 2025 season. “Thinking about me going from being an Academy kid to this year, I believed that I could do this, but I didn’t expect it.”
Oliveira’s efforts on the attacking end have helped New England to a five-match unbeaten streak in July. Revolution II has recorded points in seven of its last eight games, dating back to May 31.
“My favorite [goal] was the Columbus one” Oliveira said. “I think that was a big win and a big moment for me. Not only because I scored a last-minute goal, but also, I felt that’s what helped us push these last few games.”
Oliveira was rewarded for his clutch contributions to New England’s success with a selection to the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star game in Austin, Texas. Oliveira was one of two Revolution II players to suit up in the annual East vs. West showcase on July 21, alongside fellow Academy product Josh Macedo. Before their departure to Austin, Revolution II celebrated with the duo by presenting them their All-Star jerseys at training.
“It was kind of like a full circle moment, because I was there [in 2024] when [fellow Academy product] Damario [McIntosh] got his All-Star shirt,” Oliveira said. “So, it was just a good moment to reflect and see that I’m an All-Star and so I’m super happy about that.”
Oliveira made the most of his All-Star selection, netting a crucial goal just moments before the halftime whistle to help spark the East to a 4-3 victory over the West. Earlier that day, Oliveira chatted with Revolution midfielder Carles Gil, who represented New England’s senior team at the 2025 MLS All-Star game.
“It was super cool, I think that goal helped us going into the second half, because we were kind of struggling a bit,” Oliveira said. “But overall, it was a great experience playing with a lot of young, talented players, and it tells a lot about not only me, but everyone, to be able to come together from only one day of training and play and win.”
In addition to his three tallies for Revolution II, Oliveira also owns one goal scored for New England’s first team in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 against Rhode Island FC on May 7. Fittingly enough, it was a game-winner that helped send New England to the Round of 16.
Oliveira’s knack for finding the back of the net, he said, begins with the work the team puts in during the week on the training ground.
“It definitely comes from the preparation that we do here at training,” Oliveira said. “I think that helps us as a team, and we stay focused and keep pushing to the last minute, which led to these last-minute goals.”
Amidst his rapid success and development this season, Oliveira’s deeply rooted faith and support from his family continue to keep him grounded.
“My faith in God has helped me, the church, and I think my parents lead me by example and character. I would say my mom stands out a lot in that and how hard she works,” Oliveira said. “God and my family are what keep me grounded and keep pushing me to achieve more.”
