Gustavo Gómez could break a new record in Palmeiras' Libertadores opener | OneFootball

Palmeiras make their 2026 Copa Libertadores debut this Wednesday (8) against Junior Barranquilla, with an important milestone on the line for center-back Gustavo Gómez.

Captain of the Verdão side, the Paraguayan is set to become the player with the most appearances for the club in the history of the competition. He is currently tied with Weverton, both on 80 matches, and could take sole possession of the record in the opener.

Gómez is one of two remaining players from the squad that won the 2021 Libertadores in Montevideo, alongside Joaquín Piquerez. Five years later, he remains a key figure in Abel Ferreira’s team.

In addition to the appearances mark, the defender is also close to another record: he has 54 Libertadores wins, just two fewer than Weverton.

Historic numbers

The most decorated player in Palmeiras history, with 13 titles, Gómez has also piled up impressive numbers in the continental competition.

In 2025, he became the highest-scoring center-back in Libertadores history, with 14 goals. For the club, he trails only Raphael Veiga (17 goals) and Rony (21) on Palmeiras’ all-time scoring list in the tournament.

Overall, he is the highest-scoring center-back in Palmeiras history, with 45 goals, surpassing names such as Luís Pereira and Cléber.

A two-time Libertadores champion in 2020 and 2021, Gómez is now aiming to win his third continental title with the club. If he does, he will join a select group of players with three titles in the competition.

Palmeiras’ next matches

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.