​Who is Orlando Gill? Meet Paraguay’s standout goalkeeper who saved La Albirroja’s World Cup chances. The Sporting News highlights that Germany might have deserved the exit, but it was Gill who changed the result on Monday. He kept Paraguay competitive for 120 minutes, conceding just one goal after VAR overturned a potential German go-ahead in extra time. In the penalty shootout, Gill wasn’t flawless, but he made the key saves that propelled Paraguay into the Round of 16 in a stunning upset. Here’s what to know about Gill, who has become a national hero in Paraguay after his performance against Germany.
The 26-year-old from Paraguay currently plays club soccer in Argentina. He made his international debut for the Paraguayan national team less than a year ago, first appearing in a World Cup qualifier in September 2025 and earning a spot on the final World Cup roster. That gamble paid off: Gill’s World Cup debut against the United States was challenging, as he allowed four goals, but he then held Turkey at bay, denying all six shots on target as Paraguay was outshot 27-6. He also faced Australia, turning away five more shots on goal.
Germany dominated the shot count in their match, but Gill’s performance was decisive. He recorded five saves in 120 minutes and stopped two of Germany’s first four penalties in a 4-3 shootout victory after a 1-1 draw. A miss by Germany’s Kai Havertz was saved, and a late miss by Jonathan Tah sealed Paraguay’s advancement. The moment cemented Gill’s place in Paraguay’s World Cup history—adept at turning the tide when it mattered most.
Gill’s World Cup journey began with his debut against the United States just weeks into his national-team tenure. Paraguay hadn’t appeared at the World Cup since 2010, a stark contrast to Gill’s ascent as a rookie on a team chasing a landmark return.
For his club career, Gill is with San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina’s Primera Division. He previously played for CS San Lorenzo, joining on loan in 2023 and then permanently in 2024, where he accumulated 50 appearances. As Paraguay eyes a potential Round of 16 matchup against either Sweden or a strong France, Gill’s tale already promises more chapters in his young, rising career.