Twitter reacts to… Gustavo Caraballo signing a first team contract with Orlando City SC

/ Taylor Williams

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After progressing through our development pathway, Academy and Orlando City B product Gustavo Caraballo has today signed a first team contract with Orlando City SC.

The 16-year-old Venezuelan forward has put pen to paper on a deal through 2027, with a club option for 2028. In doing so, he becomes the youngest player in Orlando City SC history to sign a first team contract at just 16 years and 198 days old.

Not only our latest Homegrown Player, Gustavo Caraballo becomes our seventh winter arrival after Colin Guske, Nicolás Rodríguez, Carlos Mercado, Marco Pašalić, Eduard Atuesta, and Joran Gerbet.

Caraballo made his first team debut earlier this season, coming off the bench in City’s 4-2 victory over Toronto FC.

At just 16 years, 6 months, and 3 days old, he also became the youngest player to ever appear for the Lions, surpassing Alejandro Granados, who debuted at 17 years and 11 days back in June 2023.

Before that, Gustavo Caraballo started in Orlando City SC’s FC Series 2025 friendly against Atlético Mineiro on January 25, holding his own against top-quality opposition.

With Oscar Pareja typically cautious with blooding young players, it was clear from this moment that Papi had big plans for our very own ‘starboy.’

Now, the talented forward will be looking to cement his place in Orlando City SC’s squad as the club continues its 2025 campaign.

Caraballo is also the second Venezuelan on City’s current roster after goalkeeper Javier Otero.

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW GUSTAVO CARABALLO’S PLAYER PROFILE <<

Who is Gustavo Caraballo?

Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Gustavo Caraballo has been part of Orlando City SC’s youth system for years, steadily rising through the ranks before earning his first team opportunity.

His journey follows in the footsteps of his father, Gustavo Caraballo Sr. – a former Venezuelan national team midfielder.

Caraballo Sr. enjoyed a distinguished playing career, featuring in both the Toyota Libertadores Cup and the CONMEBOL Cup.

He also represented Venezuela on the international stage from 1990 onwards.

Gustavo Jr. has now carved out his own place in the game, standing as a testament to the club’s development pathway and the opportunities available for young talents within Orlando City SC’s system.

Wearing squad number 65 – the same number he donned with Orlando City B – Caraballo now embarks on the next chapter of his journey with the first team.

Having already made his MLS debut, the midfielder will be aiming to earn more minutes under Oscar Pareja while continuing his development at the highest level.

Introductory words

Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said: “This is a great day for Orlando City as Gustavo becomes the latest and youngest player to take the next step along the club’s professional development pathway.

“He’s done a great job with us so far this year and has truly shown us that he’s taken advantage of his development opportunities to level up his game and technical abilities.

“We provided him with the resources, but it was up to Gustavo to take advantage of those resources and further his development through hard work and opportunity.

“He’s done that and is ready to take that next step with us, and we’re very excited about the bright future that he has ahead of him.”

On his own move, Gustavo Caraballo said:

“This club has been my home for years, and I’m incredibly proud to take this next step in my career with Orlando City.

“I’ve learned so much from my coaches, teammates, and the entire club, and I’m ready to keep working hard to help the team in any way I can.

“Playing in front of our fans at Inter&Co Stadium is an honour, and I can’t wait to give my all for the badge.”

With Caraballo now added to our first team roster, here’s how Orlando City SC’s 2025 squad is shaping up.

Orlando City SC supporters’ view

Orlando City UK gathered the best tweets after Gustavo Caraballo officially joined Orlando City SC’s first team roster.

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