Vancouver bring in dual-national midfielder Rui Modesto from Udinese

Angola-Portugal midfielder Rui Modesto has joined Vancouver from Udinese, signing a contract that runs until 30 June 2030.

The 26-year-old right midfielder arrives in Major League Soccer after a season in which he spent time with both Udinese and Palermo. He joined Palermo on loan from Udinese on 2 February 2026 before returning to the Italian club at the end of June.

Modesto made two appearances in the Serie B play-offs during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring once. He did not feature for Udinese in Serie A or the Italy Cup during the 2026-27 season before completing his move to Vancouver on 1 September.

Born in Vendas Novas, Portugal, Modesto stands 1.83m tall and is naturally right-footed. He began his senior career with Vitoria FC Under-23s before moving to Finland, where he joined FC Honka in 2020 on a free transfer.

He later switched to AIK in Sweden in February 2023 for €500,000, and moved to Udinese in August 2024 for €2m. The Italian club sent him to Palermo during the second half of the 2025-26 season, giving him his most recent competitive experience before the move to Canada.

Modesto has also spent time in the youth systems of Vendas Novas and clubs in the Evora area. His only recorded honour is a Finnish League Cup winner’s medal with FC Honka in 2022.

The midfielder joins Vancouver with the club recording his arrival on 1 September 2026, and his new deal keeps him under contract through the end of June 2030.