Twitter reacts to… Pedro Gallese’s Orlando City SC exit

/ Taylor Williams

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A CLUB LEGEND DEPARTS! 🐙😢 After six unforgettable seasons between the sticks, Pedro Gallese’s time with Orlando City SC has officially come to an end. The club confirmed the news yesterday, with the Peruvian international departing following the expiration of his contract.

Having flexed his tentacles for the last time in purple, the man affectionately known as “El Pulpo” departs Orlando just nine days after our gutting 3-1 defeat to Chicago Fire in the 2025 MLS Wild Card match (East).

Since joining the Lions ahead of the 2020 season, Pedro Gallese has been nothing short of sensational. From stunning penalty saves to match-defining performances, the 35-year-old departs as the most capped goalkeeper in club history – 201 appearances, 18,188 minutes, 568 saves, 89 wins, and 57 clean sheets.

A two-time MLS All-Star, 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner, and cult hero, Gallese helped guide the Lions to six (five, really!) straight MLS Cup Playoff appearances, as well as the 2022 U.S. Open Cup triumph and 2024 Eastern Conference Final run.

His penalty shootout heroics against Toluca in this year’s Leagues Cup quarter-finals perfectly sum up his unshakable confidence and passion for the badge. In a cagey quarter-final that ended 0-0, it was Pedro Gallese who made two huge saves in sudden death before stepping up himself to bury the winning spot kick as City triumphed 5-6.

A beloved figure across Central Florida, it’s no surprise that Orlando City SC fans took to Twitter (X) in their droves to share their gratitude, sadness, and admiration for a player who embodied everything the club stands for.

Words from the Front Office

Speaking after Pedro Gallese’s exit, Orlando City SC Vice President of Soccer Operations & Technical Director, Ricardo Moreira said: “Pedro has been an incredible ambassador for our club both on and off the field. His professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment helped shape the culture that we have today.

“As a player, he delivered countless unforgettable moments, setting club records for appearances, minutes played, saves, wins and clean sheets.

“He played a vital role in our first MLS-era trophy win, six straight playoff appearances and historic runs in international competition. Pedro leaves a legacy that will be felt for years to come, and we thank him for everything he’s given to Orlando City.”

Pedro Gallese’s final Orlando City SC stats (MLS)

2020 MLS regular season

  • 19 games played
  • 19 games started
  • 20 goals against
  • 1,710 minutes played
  • 3 clean sheets
  • 52 goalkeeper saves
  • 72.2% save percentage
  • 1 penalty kick saved

2020 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 1 goal against
  • 128 minutes played
  • 0 clean sheets
  • 6 goalkeeper saves
  • 85.7% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2021 MLS regular season

  • 22 games played
  • 22 games started
  • 30 goals against
  • 1,980 minutes played
  • 7 clean sheets
  • 68 goalkeeper saves
  • 69.4% save percentage
  • 1 penalty kick saved

2021 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 3 goals against
  • 90 minutes played
  • 0 clean sheets
  • 3 goalkeeper saves
  • 50% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2022 MLS regular season

  • 32 games played
  • 32 games started
  • 47 goals against
  • 2,880 minutes played
  • 9 clean sheets
  • 79 goalkeeper saves
  • 62.7% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2022 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 2 goals against
  • 90 minutes played
  • 0 clean sheets
  • 0 goalkeeper saves
  • 0% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2023 MLS regular season

  • 30 games played
  • 30 games started
  • 33 goals against
  • 2,700 minutes played
  • 11 clean sheets
  • 83 goalkeeper saves
  • 71.5% save percentage
  • 1 penalty kick saved

2023 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 3 games played
  • 3 games started
  • 2 goals against
  • 300 minutes played
  • 2 clean sheets
  • 13 goalkeeper saves
  • 86.7% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2024 MLS regular season

  • 29 games played
  • 29 games started
  • 39 goals against
  • 2,610 minutes played
  • 8 clean sheets
  • 72 goalkeeper saves
  • 64.9% save percentage
  • 2 penalty kicks saved

2024 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 5 games played
  • 5 games started
  • 2 goals against
  • 450 minutes played
  • 3 clean sheets
  • 7 goalkeeper saves
  • 77.8% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2025 MLS regular season

  • 32 games played
  • 32 games started
  • 49 goals against
  • 2,880 minutes played
  • 8 clean sheets
  • 105 goalkeeper saves
  • 68.2% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

2025 MLS Cup Playoffs

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 3 goals against
  • 90 minutes played
  • 0 clean sheets
  • 6 goalkeeper saves
  • 66.7% save percentage
  • 0 penalty kicks saved

Thank you, El Pulpo!

Pedro Gallese has been one of the most iconic figures in Orlando City SC’s MLS history, representing the club with immense pride, professionalism, and passion since arriving in The City Beautiful ahead of the 2020 season.

A true fan favourite and world-class shot-stopper, El Pulpo gave everything for the badge, producing countless unforgettable saves and moments that will live long in the memory.

Across six incredible seasons, Pedro made 201 appearances in all competitions, setting club records for minutes played, saves, wins, and clean sheets – numbers that speak volumes about his consistency and commitment.

Orlando City UK would like to take this moment to say thank you to Pedro Gallese for his outstanding service to the Lions since 2020.

From Open Cup glory in 2022 to heroics in Major League Soccer, Pedro’s leadership, humility and passion helped shape the winning mentality and culture Orlando City SC is now known for.

We wish Pedro and his family nothing but the best for the future.

Once a Lion, always a Lion. 🐙🧤🥅

Who could forget this iconic wave at CF Montréal in November 2021? 👋🏽

And when he put his body on the line at LA Galaxy in March 2022? 🤣

The fans’ view

Following news of Pedro Gallese’s exit, Orlando City UK gathered the best of what Lions supporters are saying on Twitter (X).

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What is YOUR favourite Pedro Gallese memory from his time at Orlando City SC?

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