Chicago Fire FC have officially signed 21-year-old Ivorian midfielder Dje D’Avilla from Portuguese side União Desportiva de Leiria, the club announced on Tuesday. The transfer, made under Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative, sees D’Avilla join the Fire on a contract through the 2028 season, with an option for 2029. He will also occupy an international roster slot.
D’Avilla arrives in MLS after a standout 2024-25 season, during which he played in 26 matches across all competitions. Since joining Leiria in 2022, he has appeared in over 50 games and played a key role in the club’s promotion from the third division to Liga Portugal 2. Fire head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter praised D’Avilla’s maturity, describing him as “an exciting talent” with valuable international experience.
Standing at 6-foot-3, D’Avilla began his professional career with Stella Club d’Adjamé in Ivory Coast, before moving to Lanfiara Sport Attécoubé and later joining Al Hilal United in the UAE. His steady development and impact on the pitch make him a promising addition to the Fire’s long-term vision.
