A Verdão Farewell: Gabriel Menino Honored as He Embarks on New Chapter
The Palmeiras midfielder,Gabriel Menino,received a heartfelt farewell ceremony at the Academia de Futebol this past Saturday.Surrounded by the trophies he helped the club secure since his promotion to the professional squad in 2020, the 24-year-old was presented with a commemorative plaque, a jersey bearing the number 245 (representing his appearances for the club), and a stylized artwork showcasing the titles he won with the ”Maior Campeão do Brasil.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Menino expressed his profound gratitude to Palmeiras, acknowledging the club’s pivotal role in shaping his professional journey and fulfilling his early aspirations.”Wearing this magnificent jersey was an honor and a source of immense joy,” he shared. “Palmeiras will forever hold a special place in my heart,especially the fans and the dedicated individuals who contribute daily to the club’s success. This isn’t goodbye, but rather a ‘see you later.'”
The ceremony was attended by Menino’s family, including his parents, Paulo and Silvana, and his girlfriend, Brenda, who witnessed the outpouring of appreciation for the young athlete.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira lauded Menino’s triumphant career with the club, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to numerous victories. “Gabriel Menino played a crucial role in Palmeiras’ achievements, and I felt it was essential to be present for this special occasion,” she stated. “This isn’t a farewell, but rather a ‘see you soon.’ I wish you all the best, Gabriel! Your success is our success, as you will always be a product of our esteemed Academy. You are leaving Palmeiras with open doors, and those who have open doors often find their way back.”
With his transfer to atlético-MG, Menino departs Palestra Italia as the fourth most decorated player developed by the club’s youth system, trailing only legendary figures Lima and Waldemar Fiume (11 titles each) and Junqueira (12 titles). He also holds the distinction of being the Academy graduate with the most goals scored in finals, boasting an impressive five goals, including a crucial strike in the 2020 Copa do brasil final.
the Rise of Gabriel Menino: A Palmeiras Jewel
Gabriel Menino’s journey with Palmeiras is a testament to the club’s renowned youth academy.Arriving in 2017 at the tender age of 16 from Guarani, Menino quickly made his mark. His debut season saw him contribute to the Sub-17’s historic Copa do Brasil victory.
His talent blossomed in the Sub-20 ranks, earning him numerous call-ups to the Brazilian national team. He led the team to triumph in both the 2018 Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20 and the 2018 and 2019 Campeonato Paulista Sub-20.
Promoted to the senior squad in 2020, Menino’s impact was immediate and undeniable. As the most utilized academy product that year, he topped the team in assists, was a key playmaker, and consistently disrupted opponent attacks.His contributions were crucial in Palmeiras’ historic Tríplice Coroa (Triple Crown) victory.
Menino started in both the Paulista and Libertadores finals, showcasing his maturity and composure on the biggest stage. He even came off the bench in the Copa do Brasil final against Grêmio, sealing the 2-0 victory with a decisive goal.
His exceptional performance in the Copa Libertadores earned him a spot in the tournament’s best XI. He featured in 12 out of 13 matches, starting in 11, and scored three goals. Notably, his first goal against Bolívar made him the seventh youngest Palmeiras player to find the net in the prestigious competition.
Menino’s story is a shining example of Palmeiras’ commitment to nurturing young talent. His rise thru the ranks, culminating in his pivotal role in the Tríplice Coroa, solidifies his place as one of the club’s most promising stars.
A Verdão Farewell: Gabriel Menino’s Legacy at Palmeiras
At just 19 years, 11 months, and 16 days old, Gabriel Menino etched his name in the annals of South American football history. His journey with Palmeiras, a club he joined as a youth player, culminated in a remarkable professional career.
Menino’s contributions were instrumental in Palmeiras’ triumphs. He was a key figure in their 2021 Copa Libertadores campaign,featuring in five matches,including the final. His presence was also felt in their dominant run to three consecutive Paulista championships (2022/23/24) and back-to-back Brazilian league titles (2022/23).
Throughout his tenure, Menino donned the Palmeiras jersey 245 times, sharing the 62nd spot on the club’s all-time appearances list with Evair. His offensive prowess yielded 18 goals,while his playmaking abilities resulted in 13 assists at the Allianz Parque,tying him with willian Bigode for fifth place.
Menino’s impact extended beyond goals and assists. He boasts an impressive record of 70 victories at the Allianz parque, placing him tenth among all players. Furthermore, he stands as the tenth most successful Palmeiras player in libertadores history, with 29 victories to his name.As Menino bids farewell to Palmeiras, his legacy as a homegrown talent who achieved significant success will forever be remembered by the club’s passionate fanbase.
Gabriel Menino’s Departure: A Verdão Farewell Filled with Gratitude and Promise
The recent send-off ceremony for Gabriel Menino at Palmeiras epitomizes more than just a player’s transfer. It represents the culmination of a heartfelt journey, showcasing the bond between a club, its academy, and a player who embodied its spirit.
Menino’s emotional farewell, underscored by the club’s tangible gratitude – the commemorative plaque, the jersey commemorating his appearances, and the artwork symbolizing his triumphs – highlights the respect and affection this young talent earned during his tenure at Palestra Italia.
the presence of both Menino’s family and Palmeiras president Leila Pereira exemplifies the profound impact he had on the club. Pereira’s words, emphasizing Menino’s open-door policy and future possibilities, underscore the lasting connection between the player and the club.
menino’s departure isn’t simply about statistics. His four titles, his status as the academy graduate with the most goals in finals, and his decisive goal in the 2020 Copa do Brasil highlight his contributions to Palmeiras’ recent successes. He is leaving his mark as one of the most decorated academy products in the club’s history.
While Atlético Mineiro awaits his talents, Menino’s emotional address resonates with deeper meaning. It signifies a transition, a new chapter in his professional journey, not a definitive ending to his story with Palmeiras.
This farewell is a reminder of the cyclical nature of football. Talent emerges from academies, thrives on the pitch, and may seek new challenges. Tho, the bonds formed and the contributions made remain etched in the club’s history.
Gabriel Menino’s departure is a testament to Palmeiras’ enduring legacy of developing top-tier talent and a reminder that these farewells often pave the way for new beginnings, both for the player and the club.As Menino embarks on his new chapter, the verdão faithful will undoubtedly remember him with fondness and anticipation of his future triumphs, wherever they might potentially be.
