da brdice： The prototype of a modern defensive midfielder, the studious 18-year-old seems like a smart investment from the Ligue 1 champions
da fezbet： A fallen giant of Brazilian football, Corinthians were forced to look inward for inspiration as they looked to arrest an alarming slide towards the lower reaches of the Brasileirao league table last season. In doing so, they unearthed a gem: Gabriel Moscardo.
The defensive midfielder enjoyed a meteoric rise with his hometown club, going from signing with the academy to the first team in the space of just five years. The impressive youngster forms part of an exciting new generation of Brazilian talent alongside the likes of future Real Madrid star Endrick, Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Barcelona hitman Vitor Roque.
Just like his compatriots, Moscardo inevitably drew the attention of some of European football's leading clubs, with Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea all credited with an interest in signing him as soon as possible.
However, in the end, it is Paris Saint-Germain who have ended up securing his services for an initial fee of €20 million (£17m/$22m). But what exactly can we expect to see from Moscardo in the French capital?
Where it all began
Moscardo is Sao Paulo through and through. Born in the Taubate district, he joined Corinthians' academy aged 12 in 2017 and rose rapidly through the ranks. He signed his first professional contract in 2021 – one that he renewed last summer.
Despite being predominantly a defensive midfielder, he ended 2022 as the Under-17 side's top scorer with 10 goals, earning himself a regular place in the U20 side from January 2023 onwards.
At 17, he captained the Timao to the final of the FIFA Youth Cup in May – a tournament for U21 sides. Agonisingly, though, he missed the deciding penalty in the final against hosts FC Zurich, but there was a silver lining as he was recognised as Player of the Tournament.
AdvertisementThe big break
After a meteoric rise in the first half of 2023, Moscardo was rewarded with his first-team debut in July by now-former manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo – a coach with a reputation for entrusting young players with prominent roles.
Still 17 at the time, he came off the bench in a 3-0 Copa Libertadores victory over Uruguay's Liverpool, even playing a part in the third goal.
Speaking to about his debut, Moscardo said: "I say that the first ball of the game is very important. So on one of the first balls I charged, handed it to Pedro and that resulted in a goal. I exploded with joy, this only gives me more confidence. I hope to have more opportunities, I think I left a good impression."
GettyHow it's going
A sound full debut against Red Bull Bragantino followed in Brazil's Serie A, with Luxemburgo telling reporters after the game: "You have to play, I played Vitor Roque when he was 16 years old. [Gabriel Moscardo] is big, has good output, good combat, and Bragantino's midfield is intense. I thought he could help and he did."
Despite Corinthians' overall struggles, Moscardo shone as a regular fixture in the first team in the weeks that followed, contributing to an eight-game unbeaten run from defensive midfield (although that included multiple draws). That led to a significant stride forward in his international career, as he earned a call-up to the Selecao's star-studded U23 squad in September as they prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
He finished the campaign strongly too, scoring in his side's 4-2 victory over Vasco da Gama before notching an assist in a losing effort to Internacional. That would end up being his final appearance for Corinthians as a glut of yellow cards resulted in him being suspended for the last game of the season.
Remarkably, he also balanced his football career with a business administration course at a private Sao Paulo college. Speaking about his studies, the teenager said: "Training is usually in the morning. In the afternoon, I take the opportunity to rest and in the evening I go to college. It ends up becoming easier because I live very close to the college. It doesn't get that tiring."
GettyBiggest strengths
Studious off the pitch, Moscardo seems to have a high footballing IQ on it, too. As a defensive midfielder, he is predictably astute at reading the game, he passes precisely and he presses and battles tirelessly – a result of his youth but also testament to his stamina.
The fact he as already captained his country above his own age group reflects his leadership credentials, and he has been seen marshalling the Timao's midfield despite his youth.
His ball-carrying ability is particularly eye-catching, as he is able to progress play with the ball at his feet without discarding his defensive duties. That is undoubtedly an attribute that has led to him catching the eye of Europe's elite.
The 18-year-old reckons he also has the versatility to operate anywhere in the midfield, which he has demonstrated in his days in the youth teams.
"Since arriving at Corinthians, I have always been the deepest midfielder," Moscardo told . "I like the position, marking, a position that demands a lot, especially at Corinthians, being a pure player, who runs a lot, who gives himself. But I also have technical quality. I can play as a No.8, I think I have the strength to arrive in the area to finish the plays."