A day to remember.
20 January 2025 – Brasília, Brazil
The morning sun hadn't fully risen when the soft buzz of Gabriel Silver's alarm nudged him from sleep.
He stirred, blinked, and for a moment, the lines between dream and reality blurred. Then it hit him.
Today was the day.
The day he had dreamt of since he was a barefoot kid on the cracked streets of Curitiba.
The day he would finally wear the green and white jersey of Palmeiras since he joined from FC Coritiba.
He lay still for a moment longer, staring at the hotel ceiling, his heart thudding—not from nerves, but from anticipation.
Gabriel had always been confident. Not arrogant, but quietly certain.
He believed in hard work. He believed in destiny.
And today, he believed that the world would watch him take the first step into his future.
He got up, stretched, and peeked through the curtains.
The streets of Brasília were waking up, just like him.
A golden hue kissed the skyline as joggers passed below, and the morning breeze rustled the trees.
It was calm. Peaceful. A perfect beginning.
Coach Abel Ferreira called the boys down early for light training.
It wasn't meant to tire them—just to stretch the limbs, feel the ball, and get the mind sharp.
As they jogged around the nearby pitch, Gabriel's mind wasn't there.
He was already on the field.
In his head, he saw the Estadio Mane Garrincha under the lights.
He visualized himself chasing the ball down the wing cutting past a defender, and delivering a perfect assist.
Then, he imagined receiving the ball, just outside the box, and curling it into the far corner.
The crowd roared. The commentators shouted his name.
"Gabriel Silver – what a debut!"
He chuckled as he jogged, lost in the dream. But it didn't feel like a fantasy anymore—it felt like a memory waiting to happen.
After the morning session, the team freshened up for a mid-morning press conference ahead of the game.
Coach Abel Ferreira and Gabriel were the two selected to represent Palmeiras.
For Gabriel, it was the first time sitting in front of a row of flashing cameras and seasoned reporters.
The media room inside the Estádio Nacional mix of local and national sports journalists gathered early, adjusting camera lenses, checking microphones, flipping through notepads filled with scribbled questions.
Palmeiras had just finished their morning warm-up, and now it was time to address the press ahead of their pre-season match against Brasília FC.
Coach Abel Ferreira, dressed in Palmeiras green, sat confidently behind the table.
Beside him was the youngest player on the roster — Gabriel Silver, making his first appearance in front of the media.
His posture was upright, hands folded, but his fingers fidgeted slightly. A small sign that, for all his talent and poise, he was still only 15 years old.
The press officer gave the nod, and the first question was thrown to the coach.
Journalist 1 (ESPN Brazil):
"Coach Ferreira, let's start with the basics. How's the squad health-wise ahead of tonight's game?"
Ferreira
"All players are fit, thank God. No injury concerns, which is always a blessing during pre-season.
Everyone is available for selection tonight, and that gives us the flexibility to rotate, test different options, and keep the energy balanced."
Journalist 2 (Globo Esporte):
"You've mentioned rotating the squad. Does that mean you're not sticking to the team that impressed in training yesterday?"
Ferreira (smiling slightly)
"Look, yesterday's session was intense. Both sides in our in-house match played with a lot of heart, and that's a good headache for any coach.
But no, I won't stick to one lineup. Pre-season is about minutes, rhythm, and chemistry.
Everyone who trained well deserves a look tonight. So yes, you'll see a mix."
Journalist 3 (Lance!)
"Last season you finished just six points behind Botafogo. With the additions you've made, do you believe this Palmeiras side can take the title this year?"
Ferreira
"I believe in this team every season. That doesn't change. Last year was painful, yes — coming so close.
But football is a game of details. This year, we've added not just skill but personality.
Players who are hungry, young, and want to grow. The league will be competitive again, no doubt.
But we're not chasing revenge — we're chasing evolution. If we keep growing, the trophies will follow."
Journalist 4 (UOL):
"You brought a 15-year-old with you today. Gabriel Silver. A lot of attention is on him. What made you choose him for this matchday squad?"
Ferreira (looking toward Gabriel, then back to the media)
"Talent is one thing — and Gabriel has plenty of it — but it's his attitude that stands out. He listens. He learns.
He works. I've seen young players get lost in hype.
But this boy? He stays grounded. He's here because he earned it."
The journalists then turned their attention to Gabriel, whose calm expression masked the flurry of thoughts in his young mind.
Journalist 5 (Fox Sports Brasil):
"Gabriel, you're only 15. Most kids your age are still in school or at home.
How has it been adjusting to this professional environment and being away from your family?"
Gabriel (after a small pause):
"It's been… different. At first, it felt strange, not waking up to my mom's cooking or hearing my dad shout at the TV during games," (some chuckles in the room)"— but over time, this team has become home too.
I miss them, yes. But I know I won't live with my parents forever. I made a choice, and I'm happy with it.
I want to grow, and this is where I need to be to do that."
Journalist 6 (Record TV):
"Do you call your parents often?"
Gabriel (nodding)
"Almost every day. My mom makes sure I eat enough vegetables, and my dad just tells me to 'shoot more'." (laughs in the room)
Journalist 7 (The Guardian - Brazilian Correspondent):
"Who inspired you to play football, Gabriel? Who was your idol growing up?"
Gabriel
"Neymar. Without question. I think I was three when I saw one of his games on TV, and from that moment, I just… fell in love with the ball. He played with a lot of skills.
I used to copy his step-overs on my street. But now… I want to create my own story.
I respect him, of course, but I'm not here to be 'the next Neymar.' I want people to remember me as Gabriel Silver."
Journalist 8 (Band TV):
"That's a big dream. Do you feel pressure with all this attention?"
Gabriel (shrugging slightly)
"A little. But pressure is part of football. I try to think of it like this — it means people believe in me. I don't want to hide from that.
I want to use it. But I also know I'm still learning. I make mistakes. I'll probably make a few tonight too. But I'll always give everything."
Journalist 9 (Palmeiras TV):
"Who's your best friend on the team so far?"
Gabriel
"Honestly? We're all close. The older players have been amazing.
But if I had to pick one, it's Gómez. As captain, he's more than just a leader. He talks to me like a big brother.
He tells me about the history of the club, the fans, the pressure, and the pride.
With him, I feel like I'm part of something bigger."
Journalist 10 (O Tempo):
Coach Ferreira, speaking of Gabriel again, do you see him starting tonight? Or will he come off the bench?
Ferreira (raising an eyebrow)
"You all want to know, don't you?" (chuckles in the room)
"Well, let me put it this way — he's in the squad. And he'll play minutes.
Starting or not, you'll see him. I won't put him on the pitch for the cameras. He'll play because he's ready."
Journalist 11 (Yahoo Brasil):
"Gabriel, what goes through your mind knowing fans already chant your name and carry banners for you — before you've even made your debut?
Gabriel (looking down for a moment)
"It's… surreal. I saw a photo yesterday of a kid holding a sign that said, 'Silver: Our Future'. And I just froze.
I remember being that kid. Wishing someone would see me.
Now, people are looking. It's not just a game tonight—it's a thank you. To them. To my family. To God. I just want to make them proud."
The press officer looked at the clock and signaled the final question.
Final Journalist (CNN Brazil):
"Ferreira, if Gabriel delivers tonight — an assist, a goal, or just a strong showing — what next? Do you fast-track him into the first team for the season?"
Ferreira
"We don't build careers in one night. But we do build confidence.
If he plays well, we'll celebrate it, and then we'll go back to work. He's 15 — we'll protect him, guide him.
But talent like his doesn't stay hidden for long. If he continues like this, he'll write his own future."
Press Officer
"That's all for today. Thank you, everyone. See you tonight."
Gabriel and Ferreira stood, shook hands with a few journalists, and stepped off the stage.
As they walked back down the hallway, Gabriel exhaled deeply.
"You did well," Ferreira said, patting his back.
"Was it too much?" Gabriel asked.
"No," the coach smiled. "It was just enough. Now go make your words mean something."