Option declined following 2018 season.
Ibson has proven an exceptional possession player with the technical ability to open up space for teammates and create chances further down the pitch. Ibson’s distribution has been a critical part of the MNUFC’s quick attacking play, providing six assists during the Loons' first MLS season. He should continue to be a cog in attack for Minnesota in 2018.
OUTSIDE MLS: After an impressive start to his career with Flamengo in Brazil, Ibson joined European giants FC Porto in 2005. He made 54 appearances for the club, seeing the pitch in both league play and a handful of matches in the UEFA Champions League. He was loaned back to his home club Flamengo for three years while still under contract with Porto, taking the Brazilian league by storm during upon his return with a career high 15 goals in 2008. Ibson returned to Europe, signing with the legendary club Spartak Moscow in 2009. He saw the bulk of his playing time with the club in 2010, when he scored four times in 34 games, with two of those goals coming in Champions League play. After three years in Russia, Ibson once again returned to Brazil where he played for some of the nation’s top teams including Santos, Corinthians, and once more with Flamengo. Finally, Ibson came to Minnesota in 2015, immediately making an impact with the club by scoring six times in his first season, earning a spot in the NASL Best XI. Ibson brings his veteran presence and vast experience to a young Minnesota team that will call for him to be a leader on the pitch in the club’s first MLS season.
