On Saturday, August 30, inside the Bronx’s Yankee Stadium, Gabriel Pirani delivered the type of performance that reminded everyone why D.C. United fought to make his stay permanent. Facing New York City FC in a venue that had long haunted the Black-and-Red, the Brazilian winger scored twice to secure the club’s first-ever win at Yankee Stadium.
"It was a great day," said Gabriel Pirani, D.C. United midfielder. "We played in a strategic way that helped each player do their job on the field. We managed to execute the gameplan in the best possible way, which was to play on the opponents mistakes. Knowing when and how to attack is crucial. We did that perfectly, which made us very lethal."
After falling behind 1-0, Pirani equalized in the 43rd minute with a piece of individual brilliance, a quick shimmy onto his right foot before curling the ball into the far corner. Then, in the 77th minute, he capped off the night after Matti Peltola’s timely interception sprung a sequence that found Christian Benteke. The striker slid a perfectly weighted ball through to Pirani, who calmly slotted past the keeper for his brace.
The two-goal showing earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday and marked his first brace of the 2025 season, but not his first in Black-and-Red. Fans will remember October 2, 2024 in Nashville, when Pirani stunned GEODIS Park with two stoppage-time goals to seal a 4-3 comeback win, also D.C. United’s first-ever victory at the venue.
A Player Coming Into His Own
The last few matches have felt different. Under new head coach René Weiler, Pirani has looked revitalized and consistent. At just 23 years old, he has already set personal bests in Major League Soccer with six goals and four assists, the first time in his career he’s reached double figures in combined goal contributions.
"We have had good performances and the stats are finally showing up," said Pirani. "Obviously, it's been a difficult season where we haven't had good results, or wins, but I think René [Weiler] has given me the confidence to be aggressive in the opponent's half."
For a player who arrived in Washington in 2023 on loan from Santos FC, the trajectory has been steady but deliberate. There were flashes of his flair and creativity in those early months, but it wasn’t until D.C. United signed him permanently in January 2024, on a U-22 Initiative deal, that fans began to see a glimpse of what might come. Now, with Weiler encouraging attacking freedom and structure behind him, Pirani is showcasing the complete player he can become.
"For me, it’s very enjoyable to play with him," said Hosei Kijima, D.C. United midfielder. "He’s always looking for runs in behind, and I try to stay close to him instead of staying too wide or too far away. That way we can combine and make things happen. He’s a joy to play with, and he’s also a very good communicator. When you talk to him on the field, it’s clear and effective. It’s been really fun.”
Just as important, Pirani has developed a strong on-and-off-field relationship with fellow Brazilian winger João Peglow. The two have quickly built chemistry, linking up in attack and complementing one another’s styles. Now that Peglow is fully fit, fans can look forward to seeing that partnership blossom further as a dynamic part of United’s attack.
“Soccer is a universal language, and players from any culture can come in and feel comfortable," said Alex Martínez, D.C. United Assistant Coach. "But having someone who shares your language and culture definitely helps your mindset and performance.
We have a very diverse group here — players, staff, and fans — and I think that makes the club unique. When players feel comfortable and find others with similar personalities and backgrounds, it helps the whole group. Gabi [Pirani] and Peglow are a great example of that."
The Journey So Far
Before moving to D.C., Pirani had already built an impressive résumé. A product of the famed Santos FC Academy, he made his professional debut in 2021 and later went on loan to Cuiabá and Fluminense, where he won the 2023 Copa Libertadores. He also represented Brazil at the 2023 Pan American Games, starting every match and helping his country capture Gold against Chile.
Since arriving stateside, Pirani’s numbers have steadily improved — from dribbles completed and recoveries to passing accuracy, goals, and assists. Just as importantly, his confidence has grown. That growth is no accident. His passion for the game shows both in matches and in training, where his commitment and drive to always be available have been a catalyst for his success.
“Gabi [Pirani] is an everyday guy. He loves to train, loves to grind, and shows up every day wanting to be available as much as possible," said Martínez. "That consistency helps him overall.
We saw it last year against Chicago when he scored the game-winner, and again against Nashville when he scored two while we were fighting for a playoff spot. So we’re not surprised — we know he has what it takes to be that guy for us. Looking at the numbers, five goals and one assist in the last nine games, I’d say he’s in a really good moment right now. Hopefully he can keep that going through the rest of the season.”
Patience Rewarded
Pirani’s rise underscores a broader theme for D.C. United under Weiler — patience. At times, development requires supporters to wait as young players find consistency and adapt to new systems. At 23, Pirani is beginning to show why the club believed in him. He’s not just an exciting winger capable of moments of magic; he’s becoming a reliable attacking threat who can unlock opposing defenses week after week.
“He’s a very good playmaker," said Kijima. "What I really like is his consistency. It’s not like he tries something—maybe a ball over the top or a through ball—loses it, and then his whole game falls apart. He doesn’t let one mistake define him. He just keeps going, keeps trying, and doesn’t get discouraged. He doesn’t lose to himself, which is what I like to say sometimes."
That patience is also paying off with Homegrown midfielder Jackson Hopkins, who, like Pirani, is showcasing what he’s capable of. Hopkins scored in back-to-back matches and is proving he can leave his mark on the team at just 21 years old. Together, they represent a new wave of talent in Black-and-Red, young players who are not only contributing now but also positioning themselves as key pieces in the club’s long-term ambitions.
For a fan base eager to see results, his growth is a reminder that the best is yet to come.
With crucial games still ahead, Pirani’s continued development could prove vital to D.C. United’s ambitions. If Saturday night in the Bronx was any indication, the Brazilian isn’t just maturing, he’s stepping into the spotlight.