The offseason gives players a chance to recover after a long year, but it is also when the foundation for the next season is built. This time of year lets players reset physically, sharpen up individually, and prepare for another demanding MLS campaign.
Through our Offseason Check-Ins series, we are catching up with D.C. United players around the world to hear how they are approaching the break, from training plans and personal goals to life off the field. Some remain in Leesburg working at the Inova Performance Complex, while others are spending time abroad as they gear up for the 2026 season.
This week, we checked in with forward João Peglow, who recently finished his first season in Major League Soccer with the Black-and-Red. Peglow was acquired from Radomiak Radom in the Polish first division on December 16, 2024.
The forward brought creativity and flare to the Black-and-Red attack, scoring some incredible goals in his debut season. Peglow made 26 appearances (23 starts) across all competitions, with seven goal contributions. His four assists was tied for first on the team. The Brazilian won over the D.C. United faithful, displaying his love and passion for the game in every dribble, pass, and moment on the pitch.
The 23-year-old forward is known for his technical skills, blistering pace, and exceptional vision on the field. He joined the SC Internacional youth academy at the age of nine in 2011 and was promoted to the first team at the age of 16. Peglow spent loan spells with FC Porto B, Atlético Clube Gioaniense, SC Dnipro-1, and Sport Club do Recife before permanently signing with Polish side Radomiak Radom in 2024.
Peglow has also represented the Brazilian youth national team at the U16 and U17 levels. He helped Brazil win the 2019 U17 World Cup, scoring three goals in the tournament over 529 minutes played. This propelled the forward's career, resulting in his promotion to SC Internacional's first team in 2020.
Peglow signed with D.C. United prior to the start of the 2025 MLS season and made his debut on March 8 in a 2-1 win against Sporting Kansas City. In his first MLS action, the Brazilian was crucial in the Black-and-Red's win, setting up both goals. Peglow won a penalty for the first goal and assisted the game winner off a cross to midfielder Hosei Kijima to secure D.C. United's first win of the season.
The forward would net his first goal for the Black-and-Red on April 19 against the New York Red Bulls, scoring a brace to help United with 2-1 away from home. His first goal was nothing short of spectacular, as he headed the ball over a Red Bull's defender and netted it past the goalkeeper. Peglow showed off his dazzling skills as he scored an overhead kick to secure an away win for the Black-and-Red. This match endeared him to many D.C. United supporters, quickly establishing him as a fan favorite.
Having spent the season adapting to a new league, country, and style of play, Peglow enters the offseason with a solid foundation and a comprehensive understanding of his environment. He is focused on continuing his development in his second year in MLS, aiming to improve both as forward and as a leader.
Tell us about your plans for the offseason. What are you doing from a training standpoint and what's going on in your personal life?
“My plan for this offseason is to train as much as I can and take it day by day. I've been working on the pitch as much as possible while also hitting the gym and working with my trainer. It's important for me to stay healthy this year because last season I missed a few matches due to some injuries. I'm the type of player that wants to play every match so missing some time last season was tough for me. A big goal of mine is to stay healthy and be on the pitch as much as I can to help the team this season.
"In terms of personal life, everything is going great. My wife and I just had a baby boy so we are very much enjoying parenthood. Being in Brazil allows me to spend valuable time with my friends and family, which is great for my son to meet everyone before going back to D.C. for preseason."
Where in Brazil do you train? How has it been different from training here at IPC and what makes it the right environment for you?
“I train here in my hometown of Porto Alegre, Brazil at my condominium. It has an incredible gym and a couple of pitches where I can work on my speed and dribbling. I usually like to do 30 minutes in the gym, followed by 30 minutes on the pitch and then 30 minutes of recovery. I feel very comfortable training here because it has everything I need. A main difference in training here as opposed to the training facility in Leesburg is that I don't have the coaching staff and teammates to work with, but my personal trainer helps me with speed training, nutrition, weight program, and most importantly my recovery.”
Can you take us through a typical offseason day for you? From a workout and a recovery standpoint.
"I usually start my day with a little coffee and a light breakfast before heading to the gym. Here I make sure to continue the weight program given to me by the team as well as work with my personal trainer on that days' specific objectives. After the gym, we head outside to work with the ball. We also dedicate one day a week to recovery, which includes physical therapy, massages, and more. Being fully fit for preseason and staying healthy throughout the entire upcoming season is a big goal of mine."
You recently became a father; how has fatherhood been and how does it motivate you for this upcoming season?
"It has truly been a remarkable experience that words cannot fully describe. My son recently turned two months old, and I am grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with him and my wife during the offseason. The love I feel for my family is something that motivates me tremendously as I prepare for the upcoming season. My son gives me another reason to perform at my best, as they are another person I want to make proud each and every time I step on that pitch."
After your first MLS season, what aspects of MLS play challenged you the most and how did you adapt as the season went on?
“Major League Soccer is a very competitive league with a variety of talented players, coaches, and clubs. I really enjoyed my first season, as I think I adapted quickly. Of course there are small things here and there that, as a new player, you deal with such as a new language, a new style of play, and a new environment. Regardless, I feel like I have a better grasp of the physical demands and speed of play. While I feel I could have contributed more during my first season, I am confident I can make a bigger impact next season. Every season, the league continues to get better, and I feel like it could be a top five leagues in the world within the next few years. I'm excited for the start of the 2026 MLS season and the opportunities it will bring."
You brought a lot of creativity and scored some amazing goals this past season for D.C. United. How can you build on these performances and what part of your game are you working on this offseason to make an even bigger impact next season?
“First of all, I want to be healthy and fit for all the match's next season. I don't want to have any injuries or setbacks because I know how important I can be for this team. I want to be able to help the club in every match and one way of doing that is by being available for each match. My teammates, the Black-and-Red fans, and my family all depend on me, so I want to be on the pitch every second to show everyone that creativity and flair I bring to the pitch. This season I am trying to become a more decisive Peglow, which I have been working on from a mental standpoint this offseason. I want to score more goals, provide more assists, and put up good numbers for the team. I want this to be a season filled with career highs and I am working each and every day in the offseason to get there."
What are your goals heading into your second season, individually and collectively as a team?
“Personally, I want to become more decisive this season. I want to score a lot of goals, record a bunch of assists, and make as many appearances as possible. Collectively, we need to make the playoffs. I along with the coaching staff and front office have all been working towards this shared goal. We are putting together a competitive team and each player is working hard to get better each day. I want to be an important figure for this club and make history here.
We owe it to our fans and our city to acknowledge that last season did not meet our standards. Our fans consistently support us at every match, and we are committed to honoring that dedication. We need to do better this season and deliver the performances our supporters deserve."
