Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill hopes to beat France and reclaim his treasured U-20 jersey, sold years ago to support his family during difficult times.
WHEN Paraguay face France in the World Cup round of 16 tomorrow (5am), goalkeeper Orlando Gill will have more than victory on his mind.
Alongside a place in the quarterfinals, he hopes to be reunited with a cherished jersey from his youth international career, one he was forced to sell years ago as he struggled to make ends meet.
Following Gill’s senior Paraguay debut in September 2025, his partner Melissa Avalos revealed the sacrifices behind his rise, saying he had sold his sports gear to support the family while their newborn son fought serious health issues.
Months later, the goalkeeper would become Paraguay’s hero in a dramatic penalty-shootout win over Germany.
“Our son fought for his life, and his father was always by his side,“ Avalos wrote on Instagram after Gill made his Paraguay debut against Peru in a World Cup qualifier.
“He sold everything, his U-20 national team jersey, which he couldn’t even keep as a souvenir, as well as his clothes and football boots. He literally sold everything.”
It was revealed that his old U-20 jersey had been bought by his friend Pedro Suarez.
Suarez, who purchased the jersey for 200,000 guarani (RM132), said he had messaged Gill to tell him he would return it free of charge.
“I told him, ‘Don’t worry about the shirt, I’ll keep it safe for you,‘” Suarez told NPY. “’But you have to beat France.’”
