Brazil won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games, in Chile, on Saturday night. The team started out losing to the home team, but got a draw at the end and the decision went to penalties, where Brazil were champions after winning 4-2. One of the team’s highlights was Gabriel Pirani, a DC United player, which belongs to Santos. The player was called up after Gabriel Veron’s injury.
“We know that when we represent Brazil, we always have to fight to be the best. It’s the heaviest shirt in world football, and it’s an honor to be able to look back and know that I was part of this history. It’s a very special achievement for me!”, said the midfielder, who scored a goal during the campaign.
READ MORE
++ Samba Gold nominees are revealed and voting is open now
++ Samba Gold 2023 voting process: how it works
++ Champion: What Fluminense’s first Copa Libertadores trophy means
Brazil won gold undefeated and had not conceded goals until the very final. There were five games, with four wins and only one draw. The achievement ended a fast that had lasted since 1987, which was the last time the team won gold at the Pan American games.
“It was an excellent campaign, our daily effort was rewarded with gold. It was our objective when we came to Chile and it only came about because of a lot of work. Now it’s time to think about the future and the next challenges that will come”, replied Pirani.
But it wasn’t just the gold at the Pan-American Games that was guaranteed by Gabriel. The player also became champion of the Copa Libertadores, after Fluminense’s title. At the Rio club, the young player played in 24 matches and scored two goals in total during his time at Tricolor.
“My time at Fluminense was very special, I was very happy to know that we achieved our goal of winning the Libertadores. It’s a giant team and deserved a title that matched its history. Today was certainly a very indescribable day in my career, a great moment!”, concluded the player.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!