Adam Bareiro arrived in Brazilian football as a bold gamble for Fortaleza, but he quickly turned into a cornerstone of the Ceará-based club. Born on July 26, 1996, in Asunción, Paraguay, the 1.84 m right-footed center-forward is now 29 and carries a career defined by overcoming setbacks and constant adaptation. Wearing the number 27 shirt for the Leão do Pici, he has not only found a home but also a stage to shine in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. In 2025, Bareiro has been the standout performer in a campaign that pulled Fortaleza out of the relegation zone, delivering decisive goals and assists that echo through packed stadiums in Fortaleza.

His football story began on the dusty streets of Itauguá, where he grew up idolizing Paraguayan legends like Roque Santa Cruz. As the younger brother of Freddy Bareiro—a former striker who played for clubs like San Lorenzo and Universidad Católica—Adam inherited the goal-scoring gene early. The road, however, was far from easy: injuries, loans, and moments of doubt tested his resilience. Today, under Argentine coach Martín Palermo, he is living his best moment, contributing to victories that keep the dream of survival alive. Let’s dive into the journey of this Paraguayan who is steadily winning over Brazilian fans.

First Steps in Paraguayan Football: From Olimpia to Nacional

Adam Bareiro’s professional career took off in 2015 when he signed with Olimpia, one of Paraguay’s giants. At 19, the young striker barely saw the pitch—just one goalless appearance—but the club saw promise in him. To gain experience, he was loaned to River Plate Asunción in 2016, where he played four matches and began to feel the weight of competitive pressure.

His real breakthrough came at Nacional Asunción between 2017 and 2018. There, Bareiro exploded: 26 goals in 69 appearances. His speed, sharp positioning, and pure striker’s instinct caught everyone’s eye. He was the player who decided matches with precise long-range shots or clever hold-ups on the edge of the six-yard box. During that period, Nacional fought for top spots in the Paraguayan Primera División, and Bareiro became a local idol, with fans chanting his name at the Arsenio Erico stadium.

Those numbers didn’t go unnoticed. In 2018, Mexican club Monterrey paid around US$2 million for him. It looked like the big leap forward, but his time with the Rayados was a harsh lesson. With only seven appearances and one goal for the first team, Bareiro was sent out on a series of loans: San Lorenzo (Argentina), 11 matches and two goals in 2019–2020; Alanyaspor (Turkey), 37 matches and five goals in 2020–2021; and Atlético San Luis (Mexico), another 11 matches and two goals in 2021. Each spell taught him something: in Turkey he learned to handle physical defenders; in Argentina he felt the heat of La Bombonera in a clásico.

Loans and Consolidation: San Lorenzo and River Plate

His return to San Lorenzo on loan in 2022 marked a turning point. Under Rubén Darío Insúa, Bareiro enjoyed his best South American spell: 26 matches and 10 goals. He became the focal point of the attack, linking brilliantly with veterans. Goals against rivals like Boca Juniors and River Plate put him on the Argentine media radar. In 2023–2024, after being signed permanently, he kept the momentum with 26 appearances and five goals, helping the Ciclón compete for silverware in the Copa Sudamericana.

But 2024 brought turbulence. Transferred to River Plate for US$3.5 million, Bareiro expected to shine. Instead, in 11 games he scored zero goals. The pressure of the Monumental, minor injuries, and competition from Miguel Borja kept him on the bench. It was a frustrating year, with River’s demanding fans calling for more intensity. To reignite his career, he was loaned to Al-Rayyan in Qatar in early 2025: 10 matches and three goals in the Stars League proved the talent was still there.

These ups and downs forged Bareiro’s character. “That’s football—one day you’re king, the next you’re learning again,” he told Argentine newspaper Olé, reflecting on the loan spells. His work ethic—extra training sessions and a strict diet—kept him relevant and set the stage for Brazil.

Arrival at Fortaleza: Adaptation and Palermo’s Miracle

In July 2025, Fortaleza paid €1.5 million to bring Bareiro from River Plate, signing him until December 2027. Fans, desperate for a lethal number 9, greeted the Paraguayan with skepticism. Under Renato Paiva, he played seven games without scoring. The team was sinking in the relegation zone, leaking goals and lacking ideas up front.

The turnaround came with Martín Palermo’s arrival in August. The Boca legend saw exactly what he needed in Bareiro: aerial dominance, excellent hold-up play, and lethal finishing inside the box. “Adam has the instinct we were missing,” Palermo said after a training session. Since then, the Paraguayan has been an undisputed starter. In 20 appearances for the Leão up to November, he scored six goals—top scorer in the Palermo era—and provided crucial assists.

Standout moments? A hat-trick against Bahia in November, turning a 0-2 deficit into a 3-2 win; a last-gasp penalty winner against Red Bull Bragantino; and a pinpoint assist for Pochettino against Atlético Mineiro that secured a heroic draw. He contributed to a goal in six straight matches, alternating finishes with key passes. His chance-conversion rate sits at 18%—above the Série A average.

Fortaleza, once racking up defeats, now dreams big. Under Palermo, they are unbeaten at home since September and have won eight of their last 15 games. Bareiro doesn’t just score—he leads: 3.76 fouls won per match show his fight, and six yellow cards reflect total commitment.

Paraguay National Team: Caps and the World Cup Dream

Bareiro debuted for the Albirroja in 2023 under Gustavo Alfaro. In eight caps through 2024 he is yet to score, but his performances have been solid—appearances in the Copa América and 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He came off the bench against Brazil and Argentina, holding up balls and creating space. “I want to be the guy who scores the goal that gets us to the World Cup,” he told ABC Color.

In 2025, with the national team rebuilding under Eduardo Berizzo, Bareiro was called up for September friendlies but missed October’s matches due to a muscle injury. Still, his versatility—able to play as a lone striker or second forward—keeps him in contention. Paraguay, currently second in CONMEBOL qualifying, see him as the ideal partner for Julián Álvarez or Julio Enciso.

Current Moment: Victory Over Corinthians and a Decisive Year-End

Update to December 2025: on the night of December 3, Fortaleza beat Corinthians 2-1 at a packed Castelão in front of 40,000 fans. Bareiro started, pressing the Corinthians defense relentlessly and was substituted early in the second half as a precaution due to a slight ankle twist—nothing serious. The win lifted Fortaleza out of the relegation zone to 16th place with 43 points, meaning survival is now in their own hands heading into the final round against Botafogo.

“This victory is for the fans who never gave up on us,” Bareiro posted on Instagram alongside a photo hugging Palermo. His Brasileirão stats so far: 18 appearances, 6 goals, 0 direct assists but undeniable impact. In 711 minutes played, he completes 1.2 successful dribbles per game and has picked up 4 yellow cards. His current market value is estimated at €3.6 million, and rumors already link him with European clubs for 2026.

Off the pitch, Bareiro is settling into Brazil: he lives in an apartment in the Meireles neighborhood with the beach nearby and is learning Portuguese through online classes. “Cuscuz is better than chipá,” he jokes, blending cultures.

Personal Life: Family, Faith, and a Brother’s Legacy

Adam keeps a low profile: married to a Paraguayan woman, father to a three-year-old daughter, he balances family and football. His Catholic faith guides him—he wears a cross necklace during matches. His retired brother Freddy, who hung up his boots in 2022, remains his mentor: “He taught me never to give up.” Together they dream of Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

Conclusion: Bareiro’s Bright Future in Brazil

Adam Bareiro is not just a signing—he has become the symbol of Fortaleza’s resilience. From an Asunción kid to a hero at the Castelão, his journey inspires. With Palermo, he could finish 2025 as the club’s top scorer and the key to survival. The Brasileirão, with all its intensity, has found a warrior in this Paraguayan. And the fans? They already sing: “Adam, king of the box!” His chapter in Brazil is just beginning—and it promises many more pages of glory.

Gabriel Taliari has been one of the most consistent figures in Brazilian football in 2025. Freshly turned 28, the Juventude striker scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Santos on the night of December 3—a strike that kept the Gaúcho club’s faint hopes of avoiding relegation alive in Série A. That goal, a precise long-range shot, not only reignited the fans’ faith inside the Alfredo Jaconi stadium but also underlined just how indispensable Taliari has become for the Papo. Born in Arceburgo in southern Minas Gerais and raised in Mococa in São Paulo’s interior, he embodies the dream of countless kids who kick barefoot balls on dusty streets deep in Brazil’s heartland. His story is one of persistence, clutch goals, and a passion that overflows in every match.

In a season full of ups and downs for Juventude—who ultimately finished 19th and were relegated to Série B—Taliari shone with 8 goals and 4 assists in 32 league appearances. His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet: he was the team’s top scorer and the player who attempted the most shots (2.3 per game). Off the field, rumors of interest from clubs like Vasco, Fluminense, and even teams abroad have intensified thanks to his recent form. But to understand the present-day Gabriel, we have to go back to his roots.

Childhood and First Kicks

Gabriel Pereira Taliari was born on April 13, 1997, into a humble family in Arceburgo, a small town of just over 35,000 people surrounded by coffee farms and green pastures. Shortly after his birth, the family moved 40 km away to Mococa in search of better opportunities. It was on the tree-lined streets and makeshift fields of that São Paulo town that young Gabriel discovered football. “I played all day, non-stop,” he recalled in an interview on Juventude’s official website. The nickname “Bill”—a nod to the legendary Pelé—came naturally from friends who saw in him a natural dribbler and born finisher.

At age 15, in 2012, Taliari joined the youth academy of local club Radium Futebol Clube in Mococa. That same year he finished as top scorer in the São Paulo state Under-15 championship, posting numbers that caught the eye of bigger scouts. “That’s when I realized this could become my profession,” he said. Radium, known for feeding talent to São Paulo’s bigger clubs, served as his launchpad. In 2015, at just 18, he stepped up to the senior team of EC São Bernardo in the Paulista second division. His debut was quiet, but his first professional goal soon arrived—a calmly taken penalty in a 1-1 draw against Mauaense.

Those early years shaped Taliari’s character. Far from the spotlight, he learned to cherish every chance. At São Bernardo he played 25 matches and scored 5 goals—numbers that took him to Capivariano in 2016. There he split his days between training and informal jobs to help support the family. “Football wasn’t guaranteed, so I worked as a mechanic’s assistant,” he revealed to O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper. It was at Capivariano that he exploded in youth competitions: top scorer of the 2017 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior with 4 goals and a standout in the Paulista Under-20 championship.

The Challenges of Going Pro and First Titles

The leap to full professional football came hard and fast in 2017, still with Capivariano in Paulista Série A2. Despite the team’s relegation, Taliari scored 5 times in 12 games, displaying a goal-scoring instinct that blended speed and tactical intelligence. His versatility—able to play as an attacking midfielder or center-forward—set him apart. On loan to Água Santa for that year’s Copa Paulista, he added another 2 goals in 11 appearances, cementing his reputation in São Paulo’s interior.

2018 was the turning point. Playing in Paulista Série A3 with Capivariano, he became the division’s top scorer with 16 goals in 21 matches (21 goals across all competitions)—a record that put him on the radar of elite clubs. In April, Athletico Paranaense signed him on loan. His Série A debut against Fluminense was nerve-wracking, but he showed grit in three goalless appearances. In the reserve team he scored once in 12 games. The highlight came in 2019: in the Campeonato Paranaense, Taliari was a key piece in Athletico’s state-title triumph. His stunning bicycle-kick goal in the 3-0 semifinal win over Rio Branco became iconic—an acrobatic finish that went viral and won Paranaense hearts.

Still in 2019, on loan to Mirassol for the Copa Paulista, he led the club in scoring with 10 goals in 23 matches, including a memorable hat-trick. “Mirassol gave me the confidence to play without fear,” he said. At the end of the year he moved to Ituano, where the pandemic extended his contract. Between 2020 and 2021 he played 45 games and scored 10 goals, including one in Série C against Água Santa and a decisive strike against Ponte Preta. His adaptation to professional life was clear: intense training, strict diet, and mental focus.

Overcoming Injury and a Triumphant Return

Not everything was smooth. In 2021, on loan to Brusque in Série B, Taliari opened his account with a penalty against Avaí, but a serious knee injury—torn ACL and meniscus—kept him out for months. “It was the hardest moment. I thought about quitting,” he admitted on a ge.globo podcast. Recovery was grueling: daily physiotherapy, nights of pain, and the fear of being forgotten. Brusque extended his contract, and he returned in July 2022, playing 16 matches and scoring once. The lesson? Resilience.

2023 was a year of moving around: 3 goals for Santo André in the Copa Paulista; 5 in Série C and 3 in other competitions for CSA. The high point came at year-end on loan to Juventude in Série B—6 goals in 11 games, including a hat-trick that helped secure promotion to the top flight. “Juventude welcomed me like family,” he said. In January 2024 the deal was made permanent until December 2026 for around €170,000.

Shining at Juventude and the 2025 Breakthrough

At Juventude, Taliari found a home. In the 2024 Série A he scored 4 goals in 21 appearances, helping the club stay up. But 2025 was his coming-out party. With 8 goals and 4 assists, he became the offensive engine of a team that fought relegation until the final whistle. Highlights included a brace in a 2-0 March win over Vitória and crucial assists against Fortaleza and Atlético-MG. His chance-conversion rate reached 34%, and he led the squad in successful dribbles (1.9 per game).

The December 3 match against Santos encapsulated his season. With Juventude needing an unlikely win to keep survival hopes alive, Taliari curled a magnificent free-kick into the top corner in the 26th minute. The stadium erupted, and social media lit up with praise. “Taliari is the guy who makes things happen,” tweeted journalist Fernando Campos of CazéTV. After the game he dedicated the goal to the fans: “They deserve this. We’ll fight until the final whistle.”

Off the pitch, Taliari stays involved in social projects in Mococa—visiting youth academies and donating equipment. Married and father to a 3-year-old daughter, he balances family life with the pressures of the sport. His agent at Elite Sports Management downplays immediate exit rumors, but the market is buzzing: Vasco and Fluminense are monitoring, attracted by his excellent value (market value around €900,000).

A Legacy in the Making and a Bright Future Ahead

Gabriel Taliari is more than statistics—he is inspiration. From a small-town kid to the 2018 Paulista Série A3 top scorer, from an injured unknown to Juventude’s hero, his journey mirrors Brazilian football itself: unpredictable yet full of fight. With 208 appearances and 65 career goals so far, he dreams of the Seleção—a call-up he came close to in youth national teams. “I want to leave a legacy of overcoming obstacles,” he says.

In 2026, with Juventude in Série B, Taliari could be the cornerstone of a rebuild or move on to new challenges. Wherever he goes, his story continues to motivate. On the pitch or on the streets of Mococa, the “Bill” from Arceburgo proves that talent plus persistence breaks down barriers. And Brazilian football is grateful for yet another chapter in this saga.

André Henrique da Silva Martins, better known simply as André Henrique, is one of the names generating the most excitement in Rio Grande do Sul football in recent years. Born on December 17, 2001, in Guanambi, deep in the interior of Bahia, the 23-year-old embodies the classic Brazilian talent that emerges from youth academies and fights for a spot at the very top. Standing 1.89 m tall with an imposing physical presence, he plays primarily as a centre-forward but is also comfortable as a second striker or even on the right wing. Naturally right-footed, André combines power, pace, and a clinical finishing instinct—qualities that have made him an important piece in the Grêmio squad since arriving in 2023 and continuing to build a story of resilience and growth.

In an increasingly competitive football landscape where pressure for instant results is relentless, André Henrique stands as an example of patience and determination. His journey—from the dusty pitches of Brazil’s Northeast, through smaller clubs in São Paulo and Santa Catarina, to landing in Porto Alegre—mirrors the dream of thousands of young Brazilian players. At Grêmio, he has already lifted state titles (the 2024 Campeonato Gaúcho and the 2025 Recopa Gaúcha) while facing challenges that have tested his character. Now, with the 2025 Brasileirão entering its final stretch, the striker finds himself at a crossroads: surrounded by transfer rumors abroad and the possibility of staying under new club management.

The Early Steps: From Bahian Roots to Professional Breakthrough André Henrique’s story began far from the spotlight in Guanambi, a town of around 90,000 inhabitants in southwest Bahia. Coming from a humble family of modest means, he grew up playing street football and in local academies, where his height and natural ability with the ball turned heads from an early age. At 14 he moved to Salvador to join Bahia’s youth system, but his real path to professionalism opened in São Paulo with Capivariano, a club renowned for developing talent.

In 2020, at just 18, André made his professional debut for Capivariano in the Paulista Série A3. He played only a handful of games but scored his first professional goals and caught scouts’ attention. In 2021 he moved to América-MG, where he continued in the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in Copa do Brasil matches. At the Coelho he learned what it takes to compete at a higher level, facing more organized defenses and handling the pressure of a rising club.

The real turning point came in 2022 when he signed with Marcílio Dias of Itajaí (Santa Catarina) for the Campeonato Catarinense Série B. There André exploded: in 15 matches he scored nine goals, finished as the competition’s top scorer, and helped the club earn promotion to the state’s top division. His performances attracted Hercílio Luz, another Santa Catarina side, who signed him for the 2022 Série C. With the Tubarão he played 22 games, scored five goals and provided key assists, cementing his status as one of Brazilian football’s brightest prospects. Those years at smaller clubs were crucial—he learned to manage minutes, deal with minor injuries, and adapt to different styles, all while keeping the dream of reaching a big club alive.

Arrival at Grêmio: From Bench Player to Key Piece 2023 marked the major turning point in André Henrique’s career. In April, freshly promoted Grêmio—still rebuilding after the traumatic 2021 relegation—signed him on loan from Hercílio Luz. The idea was to bolster the attack with a young, inexpensive player while the club restructured under Renato Gaúcho. André arrived quietly but soon showed his versatility. To date he has played 61 matches for the Tricolor, scoring nine goals and providing five assists—modest numbers, but valuable in a squad full of big names.

Initially he was the third-choice striker behind players like Diego Costa and later Luis Suárez. In 55 of those appearances he started on the bench, coming on to change the tempo or protect leads. In the 2023 Gauchão, for example, he started only two matches. His patience paid off in December 2023 when Grêmio triggered the purchase option for R$ 6.4 million, acquiring 70% of his economic rights. He signed a contract until the end of 2026, a clear vote of confidence in the Bahian’s potential.

His finest moment came in the 2024 Gauchão. With Suárez recovering from injury, André earned more minutes and played a key role in the state-title triumph, scoring in decisive games against Juventude. He also left his mark on the 2025 Recopa Gaúcha, heading the goal that sealed victory over Brasil de Pelotas. Those collective successes won over the fans, who affectionately nicknamed him the “Bahian Giant” for his physical presence and fighting spirit.

2025 Season: Surprise Rise and Brasileirão Challenges The 2025 Brasileirão has been a season of ups and downs for André Henrique. By late November he had played 34 matches and scored three goals—one a header in the August Gre-Nal that set the Arena do Grêmio alight. His five assists, however, have arguably been more impressive, showing vision beyond just finishing. In September, local media reported a surprise surge: in just 12 days he went from third-choice to undisputed starter after injuries and departures of teammates like Martin Braithwaite and Cristian Pavón.

Under Mano Menezes, André thrived in a system that favors long balls and aerial play, perfectly suiting his 1.89 m frame. He was decisive against Fortaleza and Cruzeiro with shots from distance and hold-up play for the midfielders. Yet Grêmio’s inconsistency—still fighting for a Libertadores spot—pushed him back to the bench in November. Recent games, such as the 3–2 defeat to Botafogo on November 22, saw him start but manage only one shot on target. Against Vasco he came off the bench with little impact.

ESPN stats show a player on the rise: 31 shots in the league, 13 on target, and a 72% pass-completion rate. Off the pitch he remains low-key; in interviews he speaks little but always praises veterans like Kannemann and Edenílson, who mentor him. His Instagram (@andrehenrique_11), with over 50,000 followers, is filled with training photos and family moments—he keeps the focus on football.

Latest Updates: Transfer Rumors and the Fluminense Match As the 2025 Brasileirão reaches its climax in December, André Henrique is at the center of a whirlwind of news. On the night of December 2, in the 37th-round clash against Fluminense, he had a goal disallowed by VAR in the 50th minute of the first half—a first-time finish from a Renê cross ruled out by the tightest of offside calls, leaving the fans frustrated. Grêmio lost 1–0 after conceding early, and André left the pitch visibly downcast but determined ahead of the final match against Corinthians.

The real buzz, however, is happening behind the scenes. Turkish club Göztepe, currently fourth in the Süper Lig, have made a lucrative offer, first reported by journalist Diogo Rossi. The bid is large enough to clear a Grêmio debt with Girona (Spain) that triggered a FIFA transfer ban, and it would quadruple André’s salary from roughly R$ 150,000 to nearly €100,000 per month (around R$ 600,000). Sources say the player is open to the move, seeing it as a chance to develop in a more competitive league.

However, the incoming Grêmio administration, led by newly elected president Odorico Roman for 2026, has put the brakes on the deal. In recent meetings, both the interim board and the future council decided to keep the striker, viewing him as a favorite of Mano Menezes and a cornerstone for next season. “André is our future,” a club official reportedly said, prioritizing stability after a financially turbulent year. With 80% of his rights now owned by Grêmio, the club is weighing counter-offers, but André has privately expressed frustration at being a frequent substitute and has even considered sitting out the final match if the sale progresses.

André’s Future: Europe or Loyalty to the Tricolor Looking to 2026, the coming year will be decisive for André Henrique. If he stays at Grêmio, he could become the undisputed starter as veterans depart and targeted reinforcements arrive. A Libertadores spot would be the perfect stage to showcase the goal-scoring instinct he displayed in 2024. If the Turkish offer—or rumored interest from Brazilian giants like São Paulo—materializes, he could take a major career leap and gain visibility for Brazil’s youth teams or even the senior national side.

Whatever path he takes, his journey is inspiring. From Guanambi to Porto Alegre via Itajaí and Belo Horizonte, André Henrique proves that talent combined with perseverance opens doors. In Brazilian football, where young players face fierce competition, he is a reminder that success comes in measured doses: one goal, one assist, one starting spot at a time. At 23, the Bahian has everything to become a reference—whether wearing the immortal Tricolor jersey or across the Atlantic.

As Grêmio fans pack the Arena in the coming days, chanting for him to stay, André keeps training. That disallowed goal against Fluminense? Just one chapter. The real test lies ahead: proving, goal by goal and match by match, that he belongs at the very top.