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Gustavo Caraballo

Gustavo Andrés Caraballo Delgado (born 29 August 2008) is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club Orlando City.

Youth career

Caraballo joined the Orlando City Academy and played for the academy's under-15 side. With the under-15 side Caraballo won the golden boot award of the 2023 U-15 Generation Adidas Cup.[2]

On 20 April 2025, Caraballo scored a brace for the under-18 team in a 2–1 overtime triumph over Colorado Rapids' under-18 squad to help secure the 2025 U-18 Generation Adidas Cup. Caraballo's goals helped Orlando City's under-18 squad win the championship for the first time.[3] Caraballo's efforts throughout the tournament saw him named the most valuable player.[4]

Club career

Orlando City B

On 14 August 2023, Caraballo signed with Orlando City B in MLS Next Pro, the reserve affiliate of Orlando City. At 14 years, 11 months, and 16 days, Caraballo became the youngest player to sign a professional contract with the club.[2]

On 28 August 2024, Caraballo made his professional debut when he came on as a 91st-minute substitute for Jorge Almaguer in a 5–2 loss to New York City FC II.[5] In Caraballo's first season, he only made two brief appearances at the end of matches.[1]

Orlando City

On 25 January 2025, Caraballo made his unofficial debut with the first team when he started a Florida Cup pre-season friendly match against Atlético Mineiro.[6][7] On 22 February, Caraballo signed a short-term agreement with Orlando City ahead of the opening match of the season against Philadelphia Union.[8] Caraballo was an unused substitute as the Lions lost 2–4.[9] In the following match on 1 March, Caraballo made his debut as a 97th-minute substitute for Ramiro Enrique in a 4–2 win over Toronto FC.[10] Caraballo's debut made him the youngest player, at 16 years and 184 days old, to make an appearance for the club, beating Alejandro Granados' record set in 2023.[11] On 14 March, Caraballo signed a first-team contract with the club through 2027 with a club option for 2028, making him the 18th homegrown player and the youngest homegrown player to sign a first team contract.[12]

Personal life

Caraballo is the son of Venezuelan international Gustavo Caraballo Sr. who played professionally in Venezuela.[7][12]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 27 April 2025[1]
Appearances and goals by club, season, and competition
Club Season League National cup Playoffs Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Orlando City B 2023 MLS Next Pro 0 0 — 0 0 — — 0 0
2024 2 0 — 0 0 — — 2 0
2025 4 0 — — — — 4 0
Total 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Orlando City 2025 Major League Soccer 4 0 0 0 — — 0 0 4 0
Career total 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0

References

  1. ^ a b c "USA – G. Caraballo". Soccerway. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Orlando City B signs Academy product Gustavo Caraballo to MLS NEXT Pro contract". Orlando City B. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  3. ^ Olorunfemi, Victor (20 April 2025). "Orlando City Wins U18 GA Cup in Overtime". TopDrawerSoccer. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  4. ^ Clark, Travis (April 21, 2025). "Generation adidas Cup: Orlando City's Caraballo, RSL's Hashimoto highlight awards". MLS Next. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
  5. ^ "New York City II vs. Orlando City". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  6. ^ "Orlando City SC takes 0 (6) - 0 (5) draw against Atlético Mineiro in preseason friendly". Orlando City. 25 January 2025. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  7. ^ a b David, Austin (23 February 2025). "Orlando City Academy products continue to grow with first-team experience". Orlando City. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  8. ^ "Orlando City SC Signs Gustavo Caraballo & Colin Guske to Short-Term Agreements". Orlando City. February 22, 2025. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  9. ^ "ORLvsPHI 02-22-2025". Orlando City. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
  10. ^ "ORLvsTOR 03-01-2025". Orlando City. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  11. ^ David, Austin (1 March 2025). "Rapid Reactions: Winning ways, eh?". Orlando City. Retrieved 2 March 2025.
  12. ^ a b "Orlando City SC Signs Homegrown Midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to First Team Contract". Orlando City. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.