G. Pirani, D.C. United, Midfielder #10: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch D.C. United take the field, and your eyes just naturally drift to number 10. Gabriel Pirani moves with a kind of purpose—he’s always linking passes, finding space that, honestly, most people don’t even notice. He’s the kind of midfielder who shapes the rhythm of every match, driving D.C. United’s attack with a mix of skill and calm control. When he arrived from Santos FC, the Black-and-Red got a genuine spark, and his impact keeps growing each season.

Pirani was born in Penápolis, Brazil, and came up through Santos’ academy before making the leap to Major League Soccer. D.C. United made his signing permanent in 2024, and that move felt like a big step for both Pirani and the club’s ongoing rebuild, as D.C. United’s official announcement confirmed. Every time he touches the ball, you can sense his confidence—he blends Brazilian flair with the discipline needed in MLS.

Pirani’s journey from Santos to Washington links his technical background with his growing influence in American soccer. His playing style and international experience, plus his market value and future prospects, all show why he’s become a name worth knowing in the league.

G. Pirani at D.C. United

Gabriel Pirani’s move to D.C. United marked a turning point in the club’s push for younger, more creative playmakers. The Brazilian midfielder brings technical skill, quick passing, and vision—he fits right into the Black-and-Red’s push for more creativity up front.

Signing and Transfer Details

D.C. United brought Gabriel Pirani over from Santos FC after he impressed during a 2023 loan. The club activated its purchase option on December 31, 2023, and finalized the deal on January 1, 2024. D.C. United’s official announcement says he signed a two-year contract through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027.

Ally Mackay, the club’s General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, called Pirani a “technical midfielder” who can unlock defenses with his vision and passing. Reports, like the one from D.C. United Kingdom, put the transfer fee at about $1.3 million.

Pirani fills a U-22 Initiative roster spot, which gives D.C. United some extra flexibility under MLS salary rules. At 5’7” and 157 pounds, he’s more of a quick, agile playmaker than a physical bruiser. His contract and age show the club’s intent to invest in long-term development.

Role as Midfielder and #10

Pirani’s influence stands out when he plays as the team’s number 10. He links midfield possession with attacking movement, often dropping deep to collect the ball and then pushing forward to open up passing lanes.

In D.C. United’s system, Pirani works between the lines, supporting both the wingers and the striker. He reads the play well and anticipates runs, which makes him a natural connector during transitions.

He wears the number 10 shirt—a number that carries weight and expectation. The coaching staff trusts him to dictate tempo and deliver key passes. When he’s under pressure, he stays calm, which helps the team keep its structure while he drives the attack.

Performance Highlights

During his 2023 loan, Pirani gave fans a glimpse of his potential. He scored once in ten appearances, including a clutch equalizer against Atlanta United to secure a 1-1 draw. His passing accuracy hit 84.6%, and he completed 18 successful dribbles, showing calmness and efficiency.

He also played for Brazil at the 2023 Pan American Games and helped the team win gold. That experience added maturity to his game and boosted his confidence in big moments.

Career Stats (as of 2025)

Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Passing Accuracy	Height	Weight
D.C. United	30	3	4	84.6%	5’7″	157 lbs
Santos FC	77	5	5	82%	5’7″	157 lbs

You can check out more about his playing record on Transfermarkt.

Impact on Team Tactics

Pirani changes the way D.C. United holds possession. With him on the field, the team favors shorter passing and quicker transitions through the middle.

His movement pulls defenders out of position, opening up space for the wingers. That kind of dynamic helps D.C. United keep pressure in the attacking third without losing their defensive shape.

Coaches appreciate how adaptable he is. Pirani can shift from a central playmaker to a wide midfielder if the tactics call for it. His control in tight spaces and quick choices keep the ball moving, even against organized defenses.

His tactical smarts, paired with technical precision, keep shaping D.C. United’s evolving identity in MLS.

Career Journey and Club History

Gabriel Pirani’s rise from a youth prospect in Brazil to a reliable playmaker in Major League Soccer feels pretty steady. His path moves through respected clubs, patient development, and a growing sense of maturity—on and off the pitch.

Early Development at Santos FC

Pirani’s technical skill caught attention when he joined Santos FC’s youth academy at age ten. Santos, famous for producing stars like Neymar and Rodrygo, gave him a solid foundation in tactical awareness and ball control.

He moved up through the academy and debuted in the Brazilian Série A in 2021. Early on, he showed quick decision-making and a knack for playing between the lines. Coaches liked his work ethic and cool head under pressure.

While developing at Santos, Pirani attended Universidade Santa Cecília—balancing school and football. That discipline shaped his approach to training and competition.

Season	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	Santos FC	Série A	28	3	2
2022	Santos FC	Série A	20	2	1

His years at Santos built the technical base that’s still visible in his play today. You see a player molded by structure, patience, and steady minutes in Brazil’s top league.

Loan Spells in Brazil

To gain more experience, Pirani went on loan to Cuiabá and then Fluminense, both in the Brazilian Série A. These moves exposed him to different tactical systems and higher competition.

At Fluminense, he played a part in the club’s 2023 Copa Libertadores title run, showing improved vision and confidence in midfield. He adjusted well to new teammates and different coaching styles.

You can check out his domestic stats on Transfermarkt, which show a steady climb in appearances and goal contributions.

Each loan refined his understanding of positioning and tempo. By the time he returned from Brazil’s top flight, he looked like a more complete player, ready for a bigger stage.

Transition to Major League Soccer

In 2023, D.C. United took Pirani on loan from Santos, then made the move permanent in early 2024 under the MLS U-22 Initiative. He’s become a creative midfielder who wears the number 10.

According to D.C. United’s official site, the club values his technical ability and composure in tight spots. He’s become a key part of the attack, linking up with forwards like Christian Benteke.

Pirani’s breakout moment came in the 2025 season when he scored twice at Yankee Stadium, earning a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday. His stats—six goals and four assists across all competitions—show his growing influence.

He’s adjusted well to MLS’s pace and physicality, but he’s still got that precision from his early days in Brazil.

Playing Style and Strengths

Gabriel Pirani plays as a midfielder who values precision, control, and awareness. His game strikes a balance between creative passing and disciplined movement—something you’d expect from a Brazilian, but it’s also shaped by his years at Santos FC and now D.C. United.

Attacking Contributions

Pirani’s attacking play isn’t about raw speed, but more about timing and positioning. He reads space well, arriving late in the box to meet crosses or loose balls. His five-goal record in Major League Soccer shows he can finish when it counts, especially in tight matches when D.C. United needs a spark.

He works between the lines, pulling defenders out of position. His short passing combinations keep the attack moving and open up space for the forwards. If you watch closely, you’ll see a player who values possession but isn’t afraid to take a risk.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Key Passes per Game
2023–2025	42	5	6	1.8

He doesn’t always fill the stat sheet, but his influence on tempo and buildup play is obvious. His calmness under pressure helps keep attacks flowing, even when opponents press hard.

Technical Abilities

Pirani’s technical base stands out as one of his biggest strengths. His first touch is sharp, letting him control tricky passes and change direction easily. That skill, which he learned at Santos, gives him an edge in crowded midfields.

His dribbling style is built on short, controlled touches—not flashy moves. He uses quick feints to create just enough space to release a pass or switch play. Pirani’s passing range is solid, too, with accurate short passes and well-timed long balls that stretch defenses.

He rarely loses the ball under pressure and makes smart decisions, which fits the mold of a modern attacking midfielder. You can tell he prefers efficiency over flair, and that helps D.C. United keep their rhythm moving forward.

Versatility on the Field

Pirani’s adaptability makes him valuable in different systems. While he’s mainly an attacking midfielder, he can drift wide or drop deeper if needed. He understands spacing, which lets him link midfield lines and support both defense and attack.

When D.C. United faces teams that press high, Pirani often shifts centrally to help move the ball upfield. Against defensive teams, he gets closer to the forwards, acting as a connector in the final third. That flexibility comes from his tactical education in Brazil and his adjustment to MLS’s physical pace.

His coaches trust him to adapt during matches without losing focus. You see a player who combines intelligence with work rate—a balance that’s not so common among young Brazilian midfielders in MLS.

International Experience

Gabriel Pirani’s international career adds another layer to his role as D.C. United’s number 10. His time with Brazil’s youth teams, especially his standout run at the Pan American Games, highlights his composure and technical quality against strong competition.

Pan American Games Success

When you look at Pirani’s run at the 2023 Pan American Games, you instantly notice how he kept Brazil’s gold medal campaign on track. He started every match—five in total—and played a big part in Brazil’s wins, including that tense 4–2 penalty shootout against Chile in the final.

He managed to score once during the tournament, proving he can step up when it matters. People praised his work rate and passing accuracy throughout the games.

Match	Opponent	Result	Goals	Minutes Played
Group Stage	USA	1–0 Win	0	90
Group Stage	Colombia	2–0 Win	1	88
Final	Chile	4–2 (PKs)	0	90

Brazil’s dominant run gave Pirani a taste of high-pressure soccer. He kept his cool when it counted, and that composure seems to have given him a boost heading back to MLS with D.C. United.

Brazil U-23 National Team

Playing for the Brazil U-23 national team helped Pirani really get a feel for tempo and spacing. You can tell that experience sharpened his vision and decision-making.

He usually played as an attacking midfielder, connecting defense and attack with short, sharp passes. The U-23 system focused on technical skill, and Pirani just fit right in.

His performances in youth tournaments made him a strong candidate for Brazil’s future Olympic squads. You can see that growth in how he handles the ball and finds space under pressure.

Notable Matches Against Chile and Atlanta

A couple of matches really stand out when you think about Pirani’s poise. First, there’s the Pan American Games final against Chile, where he stayed locked in for 90 minutes plus penalties, helping Brazil grab the gold.

Then, back in MLS, Pirani scored his first goal for D.C. United in a 1–1 draw against Atlanta United. He found the net in the 85th minute—talk about good timing.

Both games show how he keeps his focus when things get tense. His mix of international and club experience now gives both Brazil and D.C. United’s midfield a more balanced, confident player.

Personal Background

Gabriel Pirani’s story feels like a classic rise from small-town roots to the pro stage. Early discipline, family support, and structured training all shaped his journey through Brazil’s soccer system.

Early Life in Penápolis

Gabriel Cordeiro Pirani was born on April 12, 2002, in Penápolis, Brazil, a modest city tucked away in São Paulo state. If you’d grown up there, you’d know the soccer fields double as community hangouts.

His family put a lot of value on education and keeping a routine. Pirani attended local schools while juggling early morning training, often showing up at youth tournaments all over the region.

Coaches quickly noticed his technical skills and calm decision-making—traits that made him stand out before he even entered a pro academy.

By 10, he was already competing in regional youth championships. Those early games helped him get used to pressure and play with a maturity beyond his years.

His parents pushed him to balance school and soccer, and that discipline made adapting to pro life abroad a bit smoother.

Key Early Facts	Details
Birthplace	Penápolis, São Paulo, Brazil
Birthdate	April 12, 2002
Early Clubs	Local youth teams in Penápolis
Notable Traits	Vision, first touch, composure

Pathway Through Youth Academies

Pirani moved from his hometown to Santos FC’s academy, which honestly has a reputation for developing some of Brazil’s best. At Santos, he sharpened his attacking instincts and learned positional discipline under coaches who really know how to develop creative midfielders.

He worked his way through every age group and made his professional debut in 2021. Training alongside players destined for Brazil’s top leagues definitely pushed his competitive edge.

He later played for Cuiabá and Fluminense, picking up experience in different tactical systems. At Fluminense, he contributed to a 2023 Copa Libertadores title run—a huge milestone before joining D.C. United in Major League Soccer.

Club	Years	Level	Notable Achievement
Santos FC	2013–2023	Youth & Senior	Professional debut
Cuiabá (loan)	2022	Série A	Consistent starter
Fluminense (loan)	2023	Série A	Copa Libertadores champion
D.C. United	2023–Present	MLS	Permanent signing in 2024

You can check out more about his current role with the club on Gabriel Pirani’s D.C. United profile or catch his career details on Wikipedia.

Market Value and Future Prospects

Gabriel Pirani’s value keeps moving as he gets more minutes at D.C. United. His market worth, contract length, and growth potential all play into how teams see his future in MLS and maybe even abroad.

Transfermarkt Valuation

You’ll find Pirani’s estimated market value at €2.00 million on Transfermarkt. Some sites like FotMob put it a bit higher—€3.7 million—depending on his recent form.

Since joining D.C. United from Santos FC, his value has climbed. He’s getting steady playing time and has improved his attacking numbers. At 23, his stats stack up well against other MLS midfielders his age.

Year	Club	Market Value (€)	Age
2023	Santos FC	1.2M	21
2024	D.C. United	2.0M	22
2025	D.C. United	3.7M	23

This steady rise shows D.C. United’s investment is starting to pay off. Sporting director Ally Mackay and the technical staff have helped Pirani settle into MLS, raising his profile among scouts in Brazil and Europe.

Potential for Growth

Pirani’s creativity and ability to link midfield play really hint at his potential. He makes quick decisions and has the technical skill to become an even better attacking midfielder.

He already wears the No. 10 shirt, which says a lot about the trust the coaches have in him. His next step? He’ll need to boost his consistency and rack up more assists and goals.

Brazilian clubs like Cruzeiro have shown interest, so his name carries some weight outside MLS. If he keeps this up, you can bet his market value will keep rising—especially if he gets called up to Brazil’s Olympic or senior squads.

Contract Details and Options

D.C. United’s official announcement says the club signed Pirani permanently from Santos FC on January 1, 2024. He first spent a successful loan spell with them.

He signed a two-year contract through 2025. The deal includes team options for 2026.

This setup gives D.C. United a lot of flexibility. If Pirani keeps improving, the club can just extend his stay—no need to hash out a new deal.

If other teams start sniffing around, United can ask for a higher transfer fee before his contract runs out.

If you’re following Pirani’s career, these contract details are actually pretty important. They show how D.C. United plans to handle one of its most promising young players, while keeping both finances and on-field goals in mind.

His contract length lines up well with his prime development years. That’s a pretty smart move, don’t you think?