It's the middle of January in Brazil, and while much of the world is still waking up from the holiday haze, in the footballing universe, this is a crucial time.
The festive lights are down, the new year has settled in, and now, the hard work begins.
For clubs across Brazil, this marks the beginning of their pre-season — the start of another long, grueling, hopeful journey.
In São Paulo, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras is no exception.
The giants of Brazilian football, fresh from their off-season acquisitions, have finalized their squad for the 2025/2026 campaign.
The club's management made it clear: this year, they are aiming high — not just to defend domestic glory, but to once again conquer South America and make a dent internationally.
With Abel Ferreira still at the helm, his experience and no-nonsense approach are seen as crucial for guiding a squad that blends experience, youth, and fresh faces.
The squad list, now officially confirmed, reveals a mix of stars, academy graduates, and several intriguing signings.
The Squad for 2025/2026
Goalkeepers
* Carlos Miguel (1)
* Marcelo Lomba (14)
* Aranha (24)
* Weverton (21)
Defenders
* Murilo (26)
* Micael (13)
* Gustavo (15)
* Bruno Puchs (3)
* Benedetti (43)
* Agustin Giay (4)
* Joaquín Piquerez (22)
* Jefte (6)
* Khellven (12)
Midfielders
* Aníbal Moreno (5)
* Emiliano M. (32)
* Lucas E. (30)
* Figueiredo (38)
Gabriel. S(46)
* Pereira A. (8)
* Mauricio (18)
* Raphael Veiga (23)
* Allan (40)
Forwards
* Facundo T. (17)
* Paulinho (10)
* Ramon S. (19)
* Bruno R. (11)
* Felipe A. (7)
* Vitor Roque (9)
* Jose Manuel L. (42)
* Luighi (31)
This is the squad Coach Abel Ferreira will rely on.
Some names are already legends in Palmeiras green — players who've lifted titles and fought in hostile Libertadores atmospheres.
But others, like Gabriel Silver, are just beginning their journey.
And in the heart of Barra Funda, as the final training session before their pre-season tour wrapped up, one thing became increasingly clear: this is going to be Gabriel's season to break through.
At 15 Gabriel Silver is already turning heads.
At first, he was quiet — known more for his discipline than flair.
But over time, coaches began noticing something different about him.
Not just his work rate or tactical awareness, but the way he moved with the ball, the confidence he had in one-on-one situations, and the unpredictability of his play.
That final session in Barra Funda? That's when it happened.
As the players were going through an 11v11 drill, Gabriel received a looping ball at the edge of the box.
Three defenders quickly closed him down. Instead of passing back or trying to muscle his way through, he executed a move straight out of the Neymar highlight reels — a lightning-fast flick that lifted the ball over all three defenders, landing it softly in front of him as he volleyed it into the top corner.
The pitch froze for a second. Then erupted.
Coaches, assistants, teammates, and even some watching fans applauded in disbelief.
A few shouted. Others just laughed in admiration.
On the sidelines, Abel Ferreira turned to his assistant. "Did you see that? He's not just flair — he knows what he's doing. He's got something special."
The fans watching from the stands agreed. One supporter, wearing a faded Dudu jersey, turned to the others beside him.
"If that was in the league? Goal of the season. Champions League? Puskás award!"
Even the older players clapped. Vitor Roque gave him a nod. Raphael Veiga clapped and shouted "Bravo, garoto!"
The camaraderie was real — and so was the competition.
Everyone knew no starting spot was guaranteed this year.
Abel had made it clear: "I pick my team based on what I see. Show me why you deserve to play."
As training wrapped up, the players slowly gathered near the halfway line.
Abel Ferreira, ever the disciplinarian but a coach who deeply cares for his players, pulled Gabriel aside briefly.
"You're a good player," he said softly, his Portuguese accented with his native Lisbon tone. "Keep going. Stay focused.
You have the chance to do something real here. Don't waste it."
Then, clapping him on the back, he turned to address the squad.
"From Barra Funda to Allianz Parque… now to Brasília. Pack up. We begin tomorrow."
The players nodded. The pre-season tour was about to begin — and so was the journey of a thousand challenges.
Palmeiras will spend the next three days in Brazil's capital, training in high-altitude conditions and playing a friendly match against Real Brasília FC a local side known for their energetic and youthful style of play.
While it may seem like a low-stakes game, for Abel and his staff, this is where the real assessments begin.
The squad will be evaluated not just on fitness, but chemistry, execution, and attitude.
After the Brasília leg, the team will fly abroad for the rest of their pre-season tour.
Rumors suggest stops in US and Japan, where they'll face clubs like Inter Miami and Kawasaki Frontale— testing their tactical shape and depth against diverse footballing cultures.
And for Gabriel Silver? Every minute on the pitch is a chance to stake his claim.
He knows the spotlight is now on him. But he's not letting it get to his head.
He said earlier when the media interview him, he told Palmeiras TV:
"It's a dream to be here. I grew up watching this team win titles… now I want to help win more.
I'm learning from the best, and I'll give everything."
With the likes of Paulinho, Bruno Rodriguez, and Vitor Roque all fighting for forward spots, and a midfield stacked with technical brilliance from players like Raphael Veiga and Aníbal Moreno, the internal competition is fierce.
But that's exactly what Abel Ferreira wants.
He believes that the best teams are built through internal fire — when players push each other to be better every single day.
"We don't fear competition — we embrace it," Abel told reporters earlier in the week.
"Every player here has the chance to become a starter. But they must show they deserve it.
Not in one game — every training, every drill, every minute."
That's why moments like Gabriel's training goal matter.
They're not just flashes of brilliance, they're statements of intent.
The 2025/2026 season will not be easy.
Palmeiras is expected to challenge for:
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Copa do Brasil
CONMEBOL Libertadores
And possibly the FIFA Club World Cup, depending on their qualification status.
It's a loaded schedule, one that requires not just skill but rotation, resilience, and mentality.
Abel knows it. The squad knows it. And now, so does Gabriel Silver.
The fans are already dreaming. Social media is buzzing with clips of that goal.
Comparisons to Neymar, even early whispers of a possible future Seleção call-up, are beginning to circulate.
It's early — very early — but Gabriel seems ground.
And for Gabriel Silver, this pre-season might just be the beginning of something unforgettable.
From the academy fields to training with legends, from watching Neymar on YouTube to turning heads in Barra Funda, the journey has only just begun.
Palmeiras is ready.
Brazil is watching. And the world might be next.
After training, Gabriel headed to his apartment, hoping to get some rest.
But his mind was still spinning — not from exhaustion, but from the performance he had just delivered.
The energy, the touches, the masterclass goal he scored…it all played on repeat in his head. He couldn't help but smile.
He felt it deep inside — he was finally on the path to his dream.
Just as he was settling down, his phone buzzed.
It was a call from Gomez, the team captain and one of the best center-backs in the league.
"Hey Gabriel," Gomez said, his tone warm and upbeat.
"I just wanted to call and say — great job today, man. That was some performance out there."
Gabriel sat up a little straighter, caught slightly off guard but grateful.
"Thanks, captain. That means a lot coming from you," he said.
Gomez chuckled. "Nah, you earned it. That goal? Pure class.
Honestly, I wish the season were starting tomorrow. Can't wait to play alongside you."
Gabriel smiled, the pride swelling in his chest.
I think we've got a real team this year — a good squad, good energy. It's gonna be a fun season."
They chatted a little longer before wrapping up the call.
Gabriel sat there for a moment, phone in hand, letting it all sink in.
Then he opened a video call with his family.
The screen lit up with familiar faces — his parents, and his younger brother Lucas.
"Gabriel!" his mother beamed. "We were just talking about you!"
Lucas jumped in right away. "Bro! That goal is all over social media! I was literally showing it to Dad when you called."
Gabriel laughed. "Yeah? It felt good. Training went really well."
"You looked sharp," his dad added proudly. "Focused. Hungry."
He nodded. "I just wanted to let you all know — we're heading to Brasília soon for pre-season. It's going to be intense, but I'm ready."
His mom smiled. "We're so proud of you. Just keep your head down and keep working."
Lucas grinned. "Don't forget us when you're famous."
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, man. I'll call you all again soon — I need to rest a bit and stay sharp."
"Alright," his dad said. "We love you."
"Love you too," Gabriel replied, ending the call with a full heart.
As the call ended and silence filled the room again, Gabriel looked out the window.
The sun was setting, and for the first time in a long while, the future felt bright — and close.