Paraguay Goalkeeper Sold His Kit Due to Son's Illness, Now Knocks Germany and His Idol Out of the World Cup

Meanwhile, this is a man who never intended to become a goalkeeper. The first important point in Gil's career was the district club "June 13" in San Lorenzo, writes sports.ru.

“I always dreamed of playing football,” Orlando recounted. “At first I was a forward, but then I was given a choice: either become a goalkeeper or go to the bench.”

13-year-old Gil chose the goal. He conceded a lot. So he worked hard on himself: constantly watched video clips of Valdés and Casillas, and also skipped school to train.

“So many memories…” he said. “For example, how my mom scolded me for skipping school. How I wish she could see what I’ve been through and where I ended up. But life is like that: now she watches over me from heaven and brings me luck. I will always be grateful to her for everything she did for me.”

Gradually, Gil got in shape. Then he got a big chance – a call-up to the Paraguay U17 national team. This was a unique case: national team representatives came to watch a player from an ordinary district team.

Later, Paraguayan "San Lorenzo" noticed him and signed a contract. From the age of 16, he played for the reserve team. At 18, he was called up to the Paraguay U20 national team, with whom he played in the 2019 South American Youth Championship. In 2020, he debuted for the main "San Lorenzo" team, which soon dropped out of the top division.

He was given the playful nickname "Courtois" in honor of the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

And who does Gil himself name as his idols?

“From childhood, I really liked Manuel Neuer [Germany's goalkeeper, who played in today's match against Paraguay — NN]. Then Marc-André ter Stegen [also a goalkeeper for the German national team — NN] and Thibaut Courtois captivated me. Their playing style is very similar to mine. And also — José Luis Chilavert [legendary Paraguayan goalkeeper in the 1990s — HH]. For his shots and leadership qualities.”

Gil's Son Born Prematurely. He Had to Sell His Belongings for Treatment

Gradually, Gil became the main goalkeeper for "San Lorenzo," although he had to fight for his spot in the squad.

Павялічыць

It's important to understand the realities of Paraguayan football: in mid-level clubs like "San Lorenzo," salaries are small and often paid with delays.

At the same time, serious problems arose in Gil's family.

His son, Lautaro Daniel, was born prematurely, so he needed expensive medical care in the first days of his life.

“When Lautaro was born, we had absolutely nothing,” recalled the footballer's wife, Melissa Avalos.

In 2022, Gil sold almost everything he owned.

“He sold his boots, sneakers – literally everything,” Melissa recounted.

Among the items sold were club equipment and the Paraguay U20 national team jersey in which he played in the 2019 Copa América. For him, it was a special relic — a symbol of a childhood dream come true.

Gil doesn't like to remember that period.

“I am grateful to God for everything He has given us, and for everything we have gone through together as a family,” he said in a recent interview.

Debuted for the National Team After Qualifying for the World Cup

At the beginning of 2024, after a change in management at the Argentinian "San Lorenzo," Gil's career received new impetus.

The president of the Paraguayan club, Tito Peralta, contacted the new president of the Argentinian "San Lorenzo," Marcelo Moretti, and told him about the talented goalkeeper.

“At Paraguayan "San Lorenzo," they didn't give him enough trust. Almost every year they bought a new goalkeeper. Mario understood me and did everything for his transfer. It was a decisive moment. Otherwise, he would still be in Paraguay today without a chance,” Peralta said.

Initially, Gil joined the club on loan, played for the reserves, and was later bought out, gradually becoming the main goalkeeper.

At the beginning of 2025, he performed excellently for "San Lorenzo" and attracted the attention of the Paraguay national team coach, Gustavo Alfaro.

“He is still young, but already demonstrates skill, reliability, and maturity. It is very difficult to play for "San Lorenzo," but he handles it excellently. Six clean sheets speak for themselves,” Alfaro noted.

Gil debuted for the national team only in September 2025 – at the age of 25.

Immediately successful: Paraguay defeated Peru 1-0, and Gil himself played the match without conceding any goals.

Interestingly, he made his debut only after Paraguay had already secured qualification for the World Cup.

Before this, the head coach did not have a permanent first-choice goalkeeper, and Gil was simply called up as an alternative. But his confident play and work in training quickly made him the main goalkeeper.

The match against Germany was only his tenth for the national team.

Penalties — Gil's Main Weapon

In 2025, Peralta was asked about the goalkeeper's main qualities.

“He plays excellently with his feet and is superb at saving penalties. He's a true specialist. He performs very well against close-range and moving shots, and recently has significantly improved his game on clearances and in the air.”

A month ago, Gil already demonstrated these abilities in a match between "San Lorenzo" and "River Plate." Back then, he also saved two penalties, but his teammates failed to convert the fourth and fifth shots, and the team lost.

After that match, journalists even asked if he wanted to take a penalty himself.

“I thought about it, but the coach had already designated the takers, and I decided to respect his decision. Unfortunately, we lost,” he replied.

His love for taking penalties remained from the time he played as a forward. Even now, in training, Gil sometimes asks for permission to take a shot himself.

This time, the story unfolded differently.

A few weeks ago, he was criticized by legendary Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert.

“He is silent. A goalkeeper must speak. When the opponent enters the final third of the field, he is obliged to direct the defense and shout at his teammates to push higher,” Chilavert said.

“Believe in This Team”

On the eve of the World Cup, Gil was asked to address the fans of Paraguay.

He said: “Believe in this team, which after so many years has finally returned to the World Cup. This squad is capable of great things. The support of each of you will be invaluable. Believe us, we will give our all. I think Paraguay will perform very well.”

It can already be said: these words proved to be prophetic.

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