Mumbai City FC sign Brazilian midfielder Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos
Synopsis
Mumbai City FC have plugged a gap left by a season-ending injury with the arrival of Brazilian attacker Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos. The 30-year-old left-footed midfielder, who has played across Brazil's football pyramid, is the Islanders' latest ISL import — and a window into how the four-time trophy winners are managing squad depth mid-season.
Key Takeaways
Mumbai City FC signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos , aged 30 , on 11 November 2026 .
The signing is a direct replacement for Leandro , who suffered a season-ending injury .
Hadrian is left-footed and has represented clubs including Ypiranga FC , Cascavel , Atlético de Alagoinhas , and Barcelona-BA in Brazil.
Mumbai City FC have won four major trophies — the ISL League and Cup double in 2020/21 , the League Shield in 2022/23 , and the ISL Cup in 2023/24 .
The club became the first Indian side to record wins in the AFC Champions League .
Mumbai City FC on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, confirmed the signing of 30-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos, bringing in the left-footed creator as a direct replacement for the injured Leandro. The move is aimed at bolstering squad depth for the Indian Super League (ISL) season ahead.
Who Is Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos
Born in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, Hadrian has spent his career navigating the Brazilian football pyramid, representing clubs including Ypiranga FC, Foz do Iguaçu, Cascavel, Atlético de Alagoinhas, and Ríver AC. He also had stints with Santo André, Inhumas, and Moto Club before returning to Barcelona-BA in December 2025. The left-footed midfielder is expected to add creativity and attacking options to the Islanders' frontline.
What the Club Said
Sujay Sharma, Director of Football at Mumbai City FC, explained the rationale behind the acquisition. 'Given the season-ending injury to Leandro, we have moved to get Hadrian in as a replacement, so that the team continues to have options and squad depth. We are hopeful Hadrian will give his all and contribute positively to help us get desired results going forward,' Sharma said.
The new signing also expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club. 'I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to be part of this team. I want to give my best every time I step onto the pitch, help my teammates and make the fans proud,' said Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos.
Mumbai City FC's Trophy Pedigree
Founded in August 2014, Mumbai City FC competes in the ISL — the top tier of Indian club football — and also takes part in the Super Cup (since 2017) and the Durand Cup (since 2022). The Islanders claimed the ISL League and Cup double in the 2020/21 season, the ISL League Shield in 2022/23, and the ISL Cup in 2023/24, tallying four major trophies in total.
Continental Footprint
Mumbai City FC made history by becoming the first Indian club to register wins in the AFC Champions League, having competed in the continental showpiece in both 2022 and the 2023/24 season. Hadrian's arrival comes as the club looks to maintain its competitive edge domestically while reinforcing its ambitions in Asian football.
With the injury crisis at forward positions now partially addressed, all eyes will be on how quickly Hadrian adapts to the ISL environment and whether he can replicate his Brazilian club form for the Islanders.
Point of View
And this signing fits that pattern. The more telling question is how much of the Brazilian football pyramid translates to the ISL's pace and physicality; Hadrian's club record shows breadth across Brazil's lower and mid tiers rather than top-flight dominance. If he settles quickly, it reflects the club's recruitment intelligence. If he struggles, the pressure on Director of Football Sujay Sharma — who personally backed the acquisition — will mount at a club that sets its benchmark at trophies, not participation.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos?
Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos is a 30-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder born in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. He has played for multiple clubs across the Brazilian football pyramid, including Ypiranga FC, Cascavel, Atlético de Alagoinhas, Ríver AC, and Barcelona-BA, and has now joined Mumbai City FC in the ISL.
Why did Mumbai City FC sign Hadrian?
Mumbai City FC signed Hadrian as a direct replacement for Leandro, who sustained a season-ending injury. Director of Football Sujay Sharma confirmed the move was made to ensure the team retains sufficient attacking options and squad depth for the remainder of the ISL season.
What trophies has Mumbai City FC won?
Mumbai City FC have won four major trophies — the ISL League and Cup double in the 2020/21 season, the ISL League Shield in 2022/23, and the ISL Cup in 2023/24. The club also made history as the first Indian side to register wins in the AFC Champions League.
When was Mumbai City FC founded?
Mumbai City FC was founded in August 2014. The club competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and also participates in the Super Cup (since 2017) and the Durand Cup (since 2022).
What did Hadrian say about joining Mumbai City FC?
Hadrian said he is 'grateful for the opportunity and excited to be part of this team,' adding that he wants to 'give his best every time I step onto the pitch, help my teammates and make the fans proud.'
