Alessio Sergio Fernando da Cruz (born 18 January 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Italian Serie B club Feralpisalò. Born in the Netherlands, he represented that country at youth level before switching allegiance to Cape Verde in 2022.
Club career
Da Cruz was scouted aged 10 by Ajax at local side BAS in Biddinghuizen and also played in the youth teams of Almere City and FC Twente. He made his Eredivisie debut on 15 August 2015 against ADO Den Haag. He replaced Bruno Uvini at half-time in a 1–4 home defeat. He was sent out on loan to FC Dordrecht in 2016. Da Cruz left Twente in July 2017 to join up with Italian side Novara. During his time at Novara he went on to put in some impressive displays. Altogether Da Cruz was capped for a sum of 19 matches and scored 5 goals during his six months at the club.
In January 2018, despite mounting interest from English club Arsenal, he signed up with Serie B side Parma for €3 million.
On 11 January 2019, Da Cruz joined on loan to Italian Serie B side Spezia until 30 June 2019.
On 1 August 2019, Da Cruz joined Ascoli on loan with an option to buy.
On 29 January 2020, Da Cruz joined English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan until the end of the season.
On 3 October 2020, Da Cruz moved to Dutch Eredivisie club Groningen on a one-season loan deal with an option to buy.
On 3 August 2021, Da Cruz joined Liga MX club Santos Laguna on loan for a season.
On 10 January 2022, he returned to Italy and joined Vicenza on loan.
On 12 July 2022, Da Cruz signed with Mechelen in Belgium for two years with an option to extend.
International career
Born in the Netherlands, Da Cruz is of Cape Verdean descent. He is a youth international for the Netherlands.
In March 2022 he was called up by Cape Verde national football team for 3 friendlies to be held at the end of that month.