Gabriel de Freitas Bio
Gabriel Cabral Leal de Freitas, known professionally as Gabriel de Freitas, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder. Born on 29 April 1997 in Petrópolis, Brazil, he has built his career across American college soccer and the United Soccer League system. He is widely recognized for winning the 2022 USL League One Championship with South Georgia Tormenta.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall, de Freitas combines technical skill with a strong work rate in the middle of the park. His path from Brazilian youth football to professional ranks in the United States reflects steady development, competitive consistency, and a steady climb through multiple divisions.
Early Life and Background
Gabriel Cabral Leal de Freitas was born on 29 April 1997 in Petrópolis, a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up in a country with a deep footballing tradition, he developed an early love for the sport and joined the youth ranks of Fluminense, one of Brazil’s historic clubs. This formative experience helped him build a strong technical foundation and introduced him to the tactical discipline required at higher levels of the game.
His time with Fluminense exposed him to a competitive environment and helped shape his identity as an attacking midfielder. In 2015, at the age of 18, de Freitas made the life-changing decision to move to the United States to pursue a college soccer career. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, blending academics with competitive athletics on an international stage.
Path to Soccer
De Freitas began his American journey at the University of Charleston, where he redshirted the 2015 season before making his mark on the pitch. Over the next three seasons with the Charleston Golden Eagles, he appeared in 68 matches, scored 12 goals, and recorded seven assists, demonstrating his ability as both a creator and a finisher. In 2016, he helped the team capture the Mountain East Conference regular season title, the conference tournament championship, and an Atlantic Region title, while also earning a spot on the MEC All-Freshmen Team.
In 2017, de Freitas played a central role as the Golden Eagles won the NCAA Division II National Championship, the first in University of Charleston history. He was recognized with First Team All-MEC, All-Region First Team, and D2CCA All-American honors for his performances. For his senior season in 2019, he transferred to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he made 19 appearances, scored three goals, and added three assists, earning First Team All-Colonial Athletic Association and NCCSIA All-State recognition.
Gabriel de Freitas Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
During his college years, de Freitas gained valuable senior experience by playing in the USL League Two with The Villages SC. Across two seasons, he made 27 appearances, gaining exposure to a higher level of competition while continuing his studies. This dual-track path allowed him to sharpen his skills against professional-caliber opponents while maturing as a player.
After graduating from college, de Freitas returned to the University of Charleston, where he served as an assistant coach for the men’s soccer program. This brief coaching stint reflected his commitment to the sport beyond playing, and it also allowed him to remain sharp before resuming his competitive career.
USL League One Breakthrough (2021–2022)
In 2021, de Freitas rejoined competitive play with South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 in USL League Two, where his performances were strong enough to earn him a place on the League Two Team of the Year. On 14 December 2021, it was announced that he had signed a two-year professional contract with Tormenta’s senior USL League One team ahead of the 2022 season.
He made his professional debut on 2 April 2022, starting in a 1–0 loss to North Carolina FC. On 11 July 2022, de Freitas was named USL League One Player of the Week for Week 15 after contributing a goal and an assist in a 2–1 victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. The 2022 campaign concluded on a high note, as Tormenta defeated Chattanooga Red Wolves 2–1 in the final to claim the USL League One Championship.
Miami FC Era (2023–2024)
In December 2022, de Freitas agreed to a move to USL Championship club Miami FC ahead of the 2023 season, stepping up to a higher division. The transition to the Championship level provided a new challenge, and he continued to develop his game against stronger opposition. His time in Miami allowed him to refine his professional craft while competing in one of the most demanding leagues outside Major League Soccer.
Return to Tormenta and Move to Union Omaha (2025)
Following his stint with Miami FC, de Freitas returned to South Georgia Tormenta for the 2025 season, reuniting with the club where he had won his first professional trophy. He later joined Union Omaha in USL League One, where he wears the number 8 shirt and continues to play as an attacking midfielder. His recent form suggests a player determined to add to his growing list of accomplishments.
Driving Style and Strengths
De Freitas is recognized for his vision, technical passing, and ability to link midfield with attack. His background at Fluminense and his college development in the United States have given him a balanced profile that combines South American creativity with tactical awareness suited to the American game. He thrives in possession-based systems where his passing range and composure under pressure can influence the final third.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of de Freitas’s career came on 11 July 2022, when he was named USL League One Player of the Week after a strong performance against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. That same season, he helped Tormenta lift the USL League One trophy, capping a remarkable rise from college standout to league champion in just a few years.
Gabriel de Freitas Career Wins
Gabriel de Freitas has compiled a competitive resume that includes success at the collegiate and professional levels. His achievements reflect a steady climb through American soccer, beginning with a national championship at the University of Charleston and culminating in a professional league title with South Georgia Tormenta.
USL League One Highlights
De Freitas made his professional debut in 2022 with South Georgia Tormenta and wasted no time making an impact. He was named USL League One Player of the Week in July 2022, and he finished that season as a USL League One Champion after Tormenta’s victory over Chattanooga Red Wolves in the final. His first professional goal and assist came during the 2022 regular season, marking a memorable start to his senior career.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his professional achievements, de Freitas earned individual recognition during his time with South Georgia Tormenta FC 2 in 2021, when he was selected to the USL League Two Team of the Year. His performances in USL League Two with The Villages SC also helped him gain the experience needed to transition into the professional ranks.
Gabriel de Freitas Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Gabriel de Freitas’s family background remain limited. He was raised in Petrópolis, Brazil, and developed his footballing roots with Fluminense before moving to the United States to continue his education and playing career.
Personal Life
De Freitas keeps his personal life largely private. He is known to have spent significant time in the United States, balancing his academic and athletic commitments at the University of Charleston and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. His career has been built on discipline, focus, and a clear dedication to his craft.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a notable chapter in Gabriel de Freitas’s career, as he returned to familiar surroundings with South Georgia Tormenta before linking up with Union Omaha. Wearing the number 8 shirt for his new club, he has continued to feature as an attacking midfielder in USL League One. His familiarity with the league, built from his 2022 championship-winning campaign, provides a strong foundation for the year ahead.
At Union Omaha, de Freitas is expected to play a central role in the team’s creative play. His experience in the USL Championship with Miami FC between 2023 and 2024 adds another layer to his profile, having faced stronger opposition and adapted to a faster, more physical style of play. That growth should benefit his contributions in 2025.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season offers de Freitas a chance to add to his trophy collection and continue his steady rise through American soccer. With a mix of professional experience, a championship pedigree, and a renewed role in a competitive League One side, he remains a player to watch in the months ahead.