Finding a home: Soccer star Klauss embraces St. Louis community.

“People are very friendly here,” he says. “Everyone is super nice. It was different when I played in Europe, where people don’t talk as much as the people here do. Every time I’m in a grocery store, people will say hello to me. It’s similar to being in Brazil, where people are very open and will talk a lot. People here are very proud of their sports teams and very proud of their culture.”

That warmth from the community has been a cornerstone of Klauss’ experience as a striker for St. Louis’ professional soccer team. The connection between player and city has grown deeper with each season, creating bonds that extend far beyond the soccer field.

Finding financial security

One of the most important relationships Klauss has built in St. Louis began with a simple need to open a bank account. When he first arrived at Commerce Bank, he was paired with Hugo Figueira, a Commerce team member with Brazilian roots who could help translate banking terms and concepts. “Hugo helped me open my bank account and explained everything about Commerce,” Klauss says.

What started as a banking relationship has evolved over time. “Being able to work with Hugo is perfect,” Klauss says. “Speaking the same language makes things way easier, especially with finance topics. Our relationship is not just about work, either — we've become good friends. I often joke that he and his wife have adopted my wife and me.”

This personal connection has been crucial for Klauss, whose international career created complex financial needs. “When I arrived, I had bank accounts in Brazil and in Europe. Hugo helped me get organized about everything,” he says.

For a professional athlete with a relatively short career span, financial planning takes on added importance. “My finances and my investments are very, very important, especially to our future,” Klauss says. “We have to be smart about money.”

Figueira understands this unique challenge. “What’s relatively unique about Klauss is the fact that his career as a professional player is short compared to most people's careers,” he explains. “But no matter what your career is, universally, everybody is looking forward to that moment of retirement. I’ve been working with him so that he will prepared for whatever comes next.”

Having his finances in order allows Klauss to focus on what he does best – performing on the field. “As a soccer player, you're always traveling, always playing, always training,” he says. “You need someone that you trust to help you.”

Building a life beyond soccer

While Klauss admits he spends much of his off-field time at home, he has embraced exploring his adopted city. He and his wife can often be found walking their dog through St. Louis’ parks or trying new restaurants around town. The couple has visited local landmarks like the St. Louis Zoo and the iconic Gateway Arch, gradually building their own map of favorite spots.

“I really like to try different restaurants, and there are many good ones here,” Klauss explains. “I also like to be around friends and meet with them at coffee shops.” Klauss appreciates the city’s dining scene, particularly its Italian food options and sushi restaurants. Though he wishes he could find Brazilian cuisine more easily, the variety St. Louis offers has helped him feel at home.

The soccer club itself has been instrumental in Klauss’ transition. “It starts with the club, which is like a family, and that makes everything easier,” he says. “When I first came here, all my friends were from inside the club. Eventually I started to have friends outside the club as well.”

Creating lasting memories

Klauss’ time in St. Louis has been marked by several unforgettable moments. The team’s first-ever home game in 2023 stands out as particularly special, and he says the team’s fan base creates an atmosphere that continues to energize him every week. The team’s surprising first-place finish that inaugural season remains a source of pride.

More recently, scoring the first hat trick in the club's history added another milestone to his collection. “I’ve made a lot of memories that I will have for the rest of my life,” Klauss says. “I hope I can have more.”

The fan support has been unwavering through both triumphant and challenging times. "The fans have stayed with us through the good moments and the tough moments,” he notes. “They always support me. That always pushes me and motivates me.”

A true St. Louis success story

Three years after his arrival, Klauss has found more than just a place to play professional soccer – he has found a community that embraces him as both an athlete and a person. From the warmth of everyday interactions to the roar of the home crowd, from new friendships to trusted financial partnerships, St. Louis has provided the foundation for both his athletic success and personal happiness.

“I’m very happy and proud to be here, be part of the community, and be a part of the club,” Klauss reflects. “People here are amazing.”