ORLANDO, Fla. (March 14, 2025) – Orlando City SC has signed Academy and Orlando City B product Gustavo Caraballo to a First Team contract as a Homegrown player through 2027, with a Club option in 2028, it was announced today. With the contract, Caraballo becomes the latest player to complete the Club’s professional development pathway, as well as the youngest player in Club history to sign a First Team contract at 16 years, 198 days old.
“This is a great day for Orlando City as Gustavo becomes the latest and youngest player to take the next step along the Club’s professional development pathway,” said Orlando City SC EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “He’s done a great job with us so far this year and has truly shown us that he’s taken advantage of his development opportunities to level up his game and technical abilities. We provided him with the resources, but it was up to Gustavo to take advantage of those resources and further his development through hard work and opportunity. He’s done that and is ready to take that next step with us and we’re very excited about the bright future that he has ahead of him.”
Caraballo, 16, made his First Team debut earlier this season in Orlando City’s 4-2 win over Toronto FC, officially becoming the youngest player in Club history to appear for the Club at 16 years, 184 days old, on the day of his debut match.
The Valencia, Venezuela native has been around the professional and international game through much of his life as the son of esteemed Venezuelan National Team midfielder Gustavo Caraballo Sr. Gustavo Sr.’s professional career saw him play in the Toyota Libertadores Cup and the CONMEBOL Cup, as well as internationally with Venezuela beginning in 1990.
The Lions return to action this Saturday, March 15, as they travel north to take on the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium. That match is set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to a First Team contract as a Homegrown player through 2027, with a Club option in 2028.
Gustavo Caraballo [goo-STAH-vo cah-rah-BYE-oh]
Number: 65
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Born: Aug. 29, 2008, in Valencia, Venezuela
