Adelaide United have signed 36-year-old Brazilian midfielder Anselmo de Moraes on a two-year contract set to run to the end of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2026-27 season.
The veteran brings a wealth of experience to Adelaide following stints at clubs in Brazil, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, where he arrives from giants Johor Darul Ta’zim.
His career to date is highlighted by a six-year, 128-game stint at Saudi outfit Al-Wehda, where he played alongside Adelaide legend and CommBank Socceroos winger Craig Goodwin, as well as time spent in Italy at Serie A sides Genoa and Palermo.
Anselmo reunites with Goodwin at the Reds, where he’ll become the eighth Brazilian to have represented the club alongside Henrique, Cristiano, Alemao, Romario, Diego Walsh, Cassio and Fernando Rech.
“I’m happy and very motivated by the opportunity to be part of the Reds family,” Anselmo said, having also played for Saudi side Al-Nassr.
“I want to help Adelaide achieve their season goals and bring joy to our fans.”
Anselmo – who played alongside the likes of Paulo Dybala and Fabrizio Miccoli at Palermo – is Adelaide’s third new recruit of the off-season following Goodwin‘s return to Coopers Stadium and the signing of Dutch goalkeeper Joshua Smits.
Adelaide United technical director Ernest Faber lauded the Brazilian veteran as a player capable of leading the way for the club’s contingent of young footballers looking for role models in the playing group.
“Anselmo is more than just a player – he’s a role model,” Faber said.
“His experience and work ethic will lift the standards across the squad and provide important guidance to our younger talents. He shows real professionalism and takes care of his body the right way.
“This signing is a clear step in Adelaide United’s plan to develop future stars. With Anselmo’s leadership, our young players will learn every day from his habits, his understanding of the game and his winning mentality.”
