Lineker Rodrigues Dos Santos (2002)

Lineker Rodrigues Dos Santos • 24-year-old centre-forward • Brazil

Lineker Rodrigues Dos Santos is a 182 cm Brazilian centre-forward currently playing for Real Monarchs SLC in MLS Next Pro, the affiliate side of MLS club Real Salt Lake. A mobile striker with decent pace and intelligent movement, he consistently causes problems through well-timed runs behind the defensive line.

His left foot is a major asset. He delivers precise finishes in open play and is dangerous on set pieces, particularly with inswinging corners and whipped deliveries into the box. Although naturally left-footed, he also finishes reliably with his right.

Where Lineker truly stands out, however, is in his link-up play. He is excellent with a defender on his back, using his strength, balance, and low centre of gravity to protect possession and connect attacks. He reads the game well and regularly shows strong anticipation and vision in advanced areas. When not combining directly with teammates, he often turns intelligently into space and finds creative passing options that break defensive lines.

Technically, he is very well schooled. Comfortable under pressure, he can carry the ball progressively through central areas and add momentum to attacking transitions rather than simply acting as a static target striker.

Areas for improvement

While his aerial ability is adequate, he could involve himself more consistently in aerial duels. Part of this is linked to the team’s playing style, but there is still room for improvement in his aggression and timing when attacking crosses inside the penalty area. Refining his movement in these situations could further increase his goalscoring output.

Career trajectory and current form

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Lineker moved to Houston during his teenage years, where he played high school football before progressing through the American college system with the University of Memphis and later Marshall University. He established himself as one of the stronger attacking players at collegiate level and was selected 29th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake.

Since joining Real Monarchs, he has adapted quickly to professional football, recording 4 goals and 2 assists in his first 9 matches. His performances earned him inclusion in the Real Salt Lake first-team squad against Colorado Rapids on 17 May, although he remained unused.

Transfer outlook

Lineker is under contract with Real Monarchs / Real Salt Lake until 31 December 2026. At 24 years old, he is entering an important stage of his career, and a move to a competitive European environment could suit his profile well. Leagues such as Serbia or Romania appear stylistically compatible with his strengths in link-up play and physical duels, while success there could naturally open pathways toward stronger leagues such as Poland or Czechia.

There is still a sense that Lineker may be somewhat a hidden gem. Spending many formative years within the American college system likely delayed his exposure to higher-level professional football, but the underlying qualities suggest there could still be significant upside in his profile.