Paraguayan hero spent years without playing and sold uniforms when his son was born

After a good performance in the 1-1 draw in normal time and extra time, Gill was decisive in the penalty shootout, saved Havertz and Woltemade’s penalties and gained the global spotlight, after arriving at this year’s World Cup as an unknown figure to the general international public.

The 26-year-old player was already being identified as one of the main archers in the competition. Few know, however, how meteoric Gill’s trajectory has been, after a difficult start to his career. Revealed at the modest San Lorenzo, in Paraguay, he made just six appearances for the team from his native country in six seasons.

In 2023, he ended up signed by the traditional San Lorenzo, from Argentina, and also faced difficulties. Initially, he defended the reserve team. In 2024, he only got a single chance in the first team. Last season, in 2025, he finally established himself as a starter, making 36 appearances. In 2026, there were 22 more games and the call-up for the World Cup.

However, just four years ago, after his son was born prematurely, he had to sell even his own playing uniforms to support his family, who are in extreme financial difficulty. Gill played for the modest Paraguayan San Lorenzo and was already part of the country’s under-20 team, but was still looking for a chance in professional football.

Meanwhile, in December 2022, Gill’s wife, Melissa, had complications giving birth to baby Lautaro: the woman needed emergency surgery, while the newborn required intensive care. “We had nothing and Orlando was selling his club uniforms to pay the bills,” Melissa said on Instagram last year.

“Our son fought for his life and his father was always there. He gave everything, sold everything: his clothes, boots, even the U20 team uniform, which he kept as a memory”, he continued.

Transfer to Argentina boosted Orlando Gill’s career

A year after the birth of his son and with still few professional games in Paraguay, Gill had an opportunity that transformed his life. The traditional San Lorenzo, from Argentina, bet on signing the Paraguayan.

Initially, on loan. In 2024, he played for the reserve team. In 2025, he became a starter for the main team, thus attracting the attention of the national team coach, Gustavo Alfaro. He was called up in March and June this year, with Paraguay already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

He debuted for the national team in the final round of the Qualifiers, against Peru, in September last year. Afterwards, he played in five friendly preparations, earning his place in the starting line-up for the World Cup. The 4-1 defeat suffered by the United States in the debut raised doubts. But after that, Gill conceded just one goal in three games.

Against Germany in extra time, he saved 16 of 17 shots on goal. After the game, the goalkeeper dedicated the classification to his family, especially his nephew Alexander, who is facing health problems. “Alexander, this trophy is for you”, he declared. “I hope you get better soon. Your godfather is supporting you from a distance,” he added.