SARASOTA, Fla. – Seventeen-year-old Cristiano Oliveira had a whirlwind year in 2025. He played his first season of professional soccer with New England Revolution II, made his first team debut in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (and scored the game-winning goal only moments later), and represented New England at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where he earned a starting spot and scored a goal.

It was a dream year for the Somerville resident, and so far, 2026 is only getting better, as the young Homegrown midfielder just signed a first team deal with the Revolution through 2029.

“It’s been a dream to be honest. Every single detail of my journey so far, God has taken care of,” said Oliveira, who worked his way up through the ranks of the Revolution Academy. “I thought it was possible, and my mom and I would pray, and she would always tell me that I could do this, I just have to be confident. That confidence helped me believe this could happen.”

At just 17, Oliveira is now officially an MLS player, doing so even before graduating from high school – an objective he is on track to accomplish this May. His life already looks very different from that of most teenagers, yet he still hopes to enjoy moments like attending prom with his friends in Somerville, all while staying focused on the road ahead.

Despite standing at the edge of what could become a remarkable career, the Revolution Academy product remains grounded and humble, fully aware of how much he still has to learn.

“Sometimes, I forget that I’m still 17,” he said with his signature Oliveira giggle. “I still have so much more to learn, so much more to develop, not only on the field, but in life. It’s really just an amazing opportunity. I just want to take it, run with it, and maximize it the best I can.”

Like his mother, Oliveira’s teammates have given him a lot of belief in his ability. While he singled out leaders like Andrew Farrell and Carles Gil (who treated him to a celebratory steak after scoring his All-Star goal), he said everyone in the organization has surrounded him with support.

“Last year was my first preseason with the first team and from day one everyone has been super welcoming to me. I always say if you are super comfortable with the team off the field, that is going to translate onto the field, and that’s something that has really helped me grow confidence. I’m super grateful for everyone in this locker room,” he said.

While Oliveira has earned his way to a first team contract through endless hard work – and the stats show it, earning five goals and two assists through his 34 appearances with the second team – he’s quick to share the credit. For Oliveira, his thanks always go to God, his family, teammates and coaches.

His parents, two Brazilian immigrants, came to the United States in search of opportunity, and he doesn’t take that lightly. Every step he takes is an extension of the hopes they brought with them. He feels deeply indebted to their sacrifices, but also grateful that they chose New England as their home.

Growing up in Somerville, Oliveira was a lifelong Revolution fan, watching the team from the time he was a child. Representing the club now is the greatest honor he can imagine. It’s not just the organization he’s played years for, it’s the crest of the place that’s shaped him.

“For me, this club is part of me. This club is like my family. Playing for them, I'm protecting my home,” he said with a hand across the Revolution seal on his chest. “I was born here, so it's the biggest honor to protect my family, protect who I am, protect where I come from.”

With a few preseason sessions under his belt, Oliveira is simply filled with excitement. Back with his teammates, he feels like he’s reunited with family, and he’s committed to doing everything he can to help the team succeed in 2026.

“I want to win an MLS Cup, one hundred percent. I came here as an Academy kid and we haven’t won one yet, and that’s my goal. I want to win an MLS Cup, play with the first team and help however I can – score, assist, defend, tackle. Mainly, just enjoy it. It’s my first year and I just want to help however I can and enjoy it all.”