Gustavo Scarpa: The Journey of a Brazilian Star
Gustavo Henrique Furtado Scarpa, better known as Gustavo Scarpa, is one of the most talented and versatile players in Brazilian football. Born on January 5, 1994, in Hortolândia, São Paulo, Scarpa has won the hearts of fans with his skill as an attacking midfielder and winger, as well as his unique personality off the pitch. With a career marked by brilliant moments, major titles, and international stints, Scarpa exemplifies dedication and passion for the sport. This article explores his journey, from his early steps in football to his consolidation as a key player for Atlético Mineiro, while also highlighting his personal life and distinctive interests.
Early Life and First Steps in Football
Roots in Hortolândia
Gustavo Scarpa was born in Hortolândia, a city in the interior of São Paulo known for its strong connection to football. Coming from a humble family, he showed an early interest in the sport, playing with a ball on the streets and local pitches. His parents encouraged his passion, supporting his journey to become a professional footballer.
Early Clubs and Development
Scarpa’s football journey began in the youth systems of traditional São Paulo clubs. He passed through Guarani, Santos, Paulínia, and Desportivo Brasil before finding his place at Fluminense in 2012. During these years, Scarpa developed his technical ability, game vision, and precise passing, qualities that would make him a standout player. At Desportivo Brasil, he began to attract attention from scouts, which led to his move to Fluminense’s youth academy, one of Brazil’s major clubs.
Professional Debut and Rise at Fluminense
First Matches at Fluminense
Scarpa made his debut for Fluminense’s senior team on June 1, 2014, coming on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw against Internacional in the Brazilian Série A. That season, he had limited opportunities but showed promise in his appearances. To gain more experience, he was loaned to Red Bull Brasil in December 2014, where he played in the 2015 Campeonato Paulista.
Loan to Red Bull Brasil
At Red Bull Brasil, Scarpa had the chance to showcase his talent in a less pressured environment. He scored his first professional goal on February 11, 2015, in a 3-2 victory over Bragantino in the Campeonato Paulista. Ten days later, he scored again in a 2-2 draw against São Bento. His consistency during the loan was crucial for his development, and he returned to Fluminense in May 2015 with greater confidence and experience.
Breakthrough at Fluminense
Back at Fluminense, Scarpa began to shine as a starter. In 2015, he renewed his contract until 2019 and ended the year as a regular starter. During the 2016 season, he became one of the team’s key players, scoring eight goals in the Brasileirão, including two in a 2-2 draw against Internacional. His skill in free kicks and long-range shots drew attention, and he was recognized as the top assist provider in the 2016 Campeonato Brasileiro, with 10 assists.
In 2017, Scarpa continued to impress, scoring four goals in just six matches early in the season. One of his most memorable moments was a long-range goal against Globo in the Campeonato Carioca, showcasing his precision and boldness. However, an ankle injury in February 2017 sidelined him for two months, halting his momentum. Despite this, he renewed his contract until 2020, demonstrating his commitment to the club. That same year, Scarpa faced contractual issues with Fluminense due to unpaid wages, leading him to seek legal termination of his contract.
Success at Palmeiras
Arrival at Verdão
On January 15, 2018, four days after terminating his contract with Fluminense, Scarpa signed a five-year deal with Palmeiras. His arrival at Verdão marked the start of a golden phase in his career. At Palmeiras, he became a cornerstone, playing over 200 matches and winning eight titles, including two Brazilian Championships (2018 and 2022), the Copa do Brasil (2020), and two Copa Libertadores titles (2020 and 2021).
Highlights and Titles
At Palmeiras, Scarpa cemented his reputation as one of Brazil’s best midfielders. His game vision, precise passing, and decisive goals were key to the club’s successes. In 2021 and 2022, he led the Brasileirão in assists, with 13 and 12, respectively, and was named to the league’s team of the season in 2022. His ability to create plays and versatility to play as a central midfielder or winger made him a fan favorite.
International Adventure
Nottingham Forest and the Premier League
In July 2022, Scarpa signed a pre-contract with Nottingham Forest in England and joined the club in January 2023 after his Palmeiras contract ended. He made his Premier League debut on January 4, 2023, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Southampton. Despite initial excitement, Scarpa struggled to adapt to English football, with limited opportunities as a starter.
Loan to Olympiacos
In the 2023-24 season, Scarpa was loaned to Olympiacos in Greece to gain more playing time. However, his stint at the Greek club was cut short, and he returned to Brazil in January 2024. Despite the challenges, his international experience helped him mature as a player and person.
Return to Brazil with Atlético Mineiro
New Home in Belo Horizonte
After leaving Nottingham Forest, Scarpa signed a four-year contract with Atlético Mineiro in January 2024 for a transfer fee of approximately €5 million. His arrival at Galo was met with enthusiasm from fans, who saw him as a player capable of bringing creativity to the midfield. Since then, Scarpa has excelled in the Brasileirão, contributing goals and assists and establishing himself as a key technical leader.
Impact at Atlético Mineiro
At Atlético Mineiro, Scarpa continues to showcase his quality, with precise passes and game-changing plays that unsettle opposing defenses. His experience at top clubs and in international competitions makes him essential to Galo’s tactical setup, and he is seen as a key figure for the club’s ambitions in 2025.
Brazilian National Team
National Team Debut
Scarpa earned his first call-up to the Brazilian national team on January 19, 2017, under coach Tite for a friendly against Colombia. He debuted six days later, coming on in the second half of a 1-0 victory at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Though his time with the national team was brief, the call-up was a recognition of his talent and consistency at Fluminense.
Personal Life and Unique Interests
Hobbies and Personality
Off the pitch, Gustavo Scarpa is known for his charismatic personality and diverse interests. He is passionate about skateboarding, rock music, Rubik’s cubes, wakeboarding, and reading novels. His social media often showcases these hobbies, making him relatable to fans. Among his favorite songs are “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits and “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, which he listens to before matches for motivation.
Passion for Literature
Scarpa is an avid reader with a preference for classic literature. His favorite books include The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This love for reading sets him apart from many athletes and reflects his intellectual curiosity.
Personal Challenges
In March 2023, Scarpa faced a significant setback when he lost around £1 million in a cryptocurrency scam. He returned to Brazil to attempt to recover the funds, with support from Nottingham Forest during the process. This episode demonstrated his resilience, as he overcame the incident and refocused on his career.
Legacy and Future
Impact on Brazilian Football
Gustavo Scarpa is more than a talented player; he is a symbol of versatility and dedication. His ability to adapt to different positions, precision in passing and free kicks, and leadership in assists in the Brasileirão place him among Brazil’s top midfielders. His titles with Palmeiras and his European experience show he can shine in any setting.
Outlook for 2025
At just 31 years old in 2025, Scarpa still has much to offer Atlético Mineiro and Brazilian football. His international experience and on-field maturity make him a candidate to lead Galo in competitions like the Brasileirão and Libertadores. His passion for the sport and connection with fans ensure he will remain a beloved figure in Brazil.
Conclusion
Gustavo Scarpa is a testament to how talent, hard work, and personality can combine to create an exceptional player. From his early days in Hortolândia to his crowning achievements as a Libertadores champion, he has built a career full of accomplishments and memorable moments. Off the field, his authenticity and unique interests make him an athlete admired not only for his play but also for his humanity. As Scarpa continues to shine at Atlético Mineiro, fans can expect more goals, assists, and celebrations that reflect his love for football and life.
