Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Auro Alvaro da Cruz Junior, simply known as Auro, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a right back in the MLS. Auro began his club career with São Paulo in 2014, where he made a combined 34 appearances in Brazil's Serie A and the Campeonato Paulista over three seasons. He later spent time on loan at Clube Atlético Linense in 2016, and with América Mineiro in 2017, making a total of 14 appearances between Brazil's Serie B, Primeira Liga and Mineiro 1 competitions with the latter side. He subsequently returned to São Paulo in 2018, after his loan spell had ended.

On 13 February 2018, it was announced that Auro had been signed on loan by MLS side Toronto FC with an option to buy. He made his club debut on 20 February 2018, in a 2–0 away win against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of their round of 16 CONCACAF Champions League tie. In his debut season with the club, Auro made 28 appearances across all competitions, registering five assists.

A versatile defender, Auro is usually deployed as a right-back, but is capable of playing on either flank. On 17 December 2018, Toronto opted to purchase Auro permanently from São Paulo.