It was match day in São Paulo, and the city buzzed with its usual excitement.
The opening weeks of the season always carried a different feeling.
Supporters had waited for months, and now they finally had football back.
Earlier before the match, thousands of people made their way toward the stadium, filling the streets with the green and white of Palmeiras.
This season, however, felt slightly different from the last. A new star had arrived in São Paulo.
His name was Gabriel Silver.
After his impressive move from Coritiba, excitement around the young attacking midfielder had grown with every preseason match.
Fans wanted to see him in action with their own eyes, and many believed he could become the club's next great idol.
Everywhere around the stadium, people talked about him.
Some debated how many goals he would score this season, while others simply hoped they would witness something special.
Street vendors did brisk business as supporters streamed toward the stadium.
Flags fluttered above the crowds, scarves hung from makeshift stalls, and jerseys of every size were on display.
Drums echoed through the streets as groups of fans sang Palmeiras songs, creating an atmosphere that could only belong to Brazilian football.
One jersey stood out above the rest.
The number 41 shirt with Gabriel Silver's name across the back.
Parents bought it for themselves, while many bought smaller versions for their children, who proudly slipped them on before heading into the stadium.
Some youngsters even kicked footballs along the sidewalks while pretending to be Gabriel, celebrating imaginary goals as their parents smiled.
Across the country, the match dominated sports coverage.
Television stations, radio programs, podcasts, and social media channels spent hours breaking down the fixture.
Analysts discussed both teams in detail, examining their strengths, weaknesses, tactical approaches, and the key battles that could decide the match.
Most agreed that it would be a difficult contest for both sides.
Still, one topic overshadowed everything else.
Gabriel Silver.
On one of Brazil's biggest sports television networks, the discussion centered on Gabriel Silver.
His image filled the large studio screen, while his statistics from last season with Coritiba appeared beside it.
As highlights of his goals played in the background, the panel prepared to analyze why Palmeiras had invested so heavily in the young forward.
He leaned forward before speaking.
"When you look at these numbers, it's easy to understand why Palmeiras signed him," he said.
"Gabriel scored nearly 80 percent of Coritiba's league goals last season.
Even more impressive, around ten of his thirty goals came purely from his own individual quality.
They weren't simple tap-ins or gifts from teammates. They were goals created through his technique, movement, and intelligence."
He continued.
"Remember, Coritiba struggled throughout the season and were eventually relegated. For a player to produce those numbers in a team that created so few chances says everything about his talent. Imagine what he could do surrounded by better players."
The studio nodded in agreement as highlights of Gabriel's goals rolled across the screen.
"We've already seen flashes of that ability during preseason," another analyst added. "He's looked confident every time he's stepped onto the pitch.
He isn't afraid to take defenders on one-on-one.
In fact, he almost invites them to challenge him because he believes he can beat them. That's a quality you can't teach."
Another presenter joined the discussion.
"What impresses me most is his composure. For such a young player, he never looks rushed.
When the ball reaches his feet, he stays calm, lifts his head, and makes the right decision.
Whether it's a dribble, a pass, or a shot, he plays with confidence beyond his years."
As kickoff drew closer, attention shifted to the team news.
Everyone wanted to know one thing.
Would Gabriel Silver make his first league start for Palmeiras?
Supporters refreshed their phones repeatedly while television presenters waited for confirmation.
Finally, the official lineup appeared on the screen.
A murmur spread through the studio.
Gabriel Silver would begin the match on the bench.
Instead, Andreas Pereira was named in the starting eleven.
The presenters weren't surprised.
"I think that's the right decision," one analyst said. "Andreas Pereira has earned his place.
He worked incredibly hard throughout last season and was one of Palmeiras' most consistent performers.
You don't bench a player like that simply because a talented youngster has arrived."
Another analyst agreed.
"This is the opening match of a long season. Experience matters in games like these.
Andreas understands the pressure, the rhythm, and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
Abel Ferreira trusts him, and he's earned that trust."
He smiled before adding,
"But don't think this means Gabriel won't have a big role today."
Everyone in the studio laughed.
"I have a feeling we'll see him in the second half.
If the game opens up, his pace, creativity, and confidence could change everything.
This is only the beginning of the season, and there will be plenty of opportunities for him."
The cameras returned to live pictures outside the stadium, where thousands of Palmeiras supporters continued pouring through the gates.
Some wore the familiar shirts of club legends.
Others proudly wore the brand-new number 41.
Whether Gabriel Silver played five minutes or fifty, one thing was already clear.
São Paulo had fallen in love with its newest football star before he had even kicked a ball in a competitive match.
Now, everyone waited to see if he could justify the excitement and begin writing the first chapter of what many hoped would be a remarkable Palmeiras career.