Angola Player Profile: Gilberto

It is hard to believe that Angola midfielder Gilberto is still only 24 years old. Born and raised with a football on his foot, Gilberto broke onto the international scene early in Angola and his prodigal talent earned him attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including the legendary Dutch side Ajax when he was a mere lad of 18.

For the past five years, Gilberto has earned his paycheck with Al Ahly in Egypt, not one of the premier teams in the world but certainly one of the best in the region and one that is more than able to help Gilberto put food on the table. Playing for Al Ahly also means he gets to play on the same team as fellow Angolan Flavio which really helps him to fight homesickness.

How much Gilberto will contribute to the Palancas Negras in Germany depends a lot on his health. During the recent African Cup of Nations, he injured his Achilles tendon and had to undergo surgery. Our sources tell us that he has begun to rehab the leg and he is working hard to get fit in time for the World Cup but his status remains in doubt. When healthy, Gilberto is one of Angola’s best playmakers.

If he is able to play in Germany, Gilberto will fulfill one of his dreams: “Sometimes I imagine playing against Zidane and Ronaldo - now that would be the day!”

Every day my thoughts and prayers are with Gilberto’s Achilles tendon. May it heal quickly!