Like father, like son: PortuGOAL Figure of the Week Pablo Felipe making waves in northern Portugal | OneFootball

Gil Vicente currently sit fourth in Liga Portugal, cementing themselves as this season’s surprise revelations with another convincing performance against Estoril.

The Gilistas took the lead through Pablo Felipe’s confidently dispatched early penalty and they never looked back.

Former Atlético Madrid, Everton, Real Betis and Leeds goalkeeper Joel Robles had no chance.

Only Porto and Famalicão have taken points thus far from César Peixoto’s side, with Brazilian forward Pablo Felipe Pereira de Jesus leading the attack as Gil’s propitious amulet.

Gil have never lost when their 21-year-old striker has hit the back of the net, and it was no different against the Estorilistas as former Sporting CP wonderkid Joelson Fernandes confirmed all three points and a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Pablo in action in a pre-season friendly against Brentford in Barcelos. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

In 79 minutes and in addition to his empathic penalty, Pablo contributed with:

The stats and heatmap (courtesy of SofaScore) underlining his zone of influence and overwhelming contribution to Gil’s offensive dynamic and potency.

PortuGOAL’s latest Figure of the Week is leading Gil Vicente’s charge for European football with distinction as Liga Portugal’s 3rd top goalscorer, only behind the likes of Sporting’s Pedro Gonçalves and Rio Ave’s Clayton. Kevin Fernandes reports.

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Following in the footsteps of his father

Born in Braga, Pablo has football running through his veins, born to former FC Porto, SC Braga and CS Marítimo forward Pena. The Brazilian striker was tasked with the dreaded responsibility of replacing his legendary compatriot Mário Jardel in 2000, and responded by becoming the league’s top goalscorer.

Ironically, Pablo’s first goal for Gil Vicente came against Porto in a shock 3-1 victory for the side from Barcelos, a result that cost coach Vítor Bruno his job.

Pablo later told Sport TV: “It’s ‘funny’ to score my first goal against a club where my father played. He made history at FC Porto, in that great season where he scored lots of goals [29 in total]. He was here [in the stadium] watching, he’s a die-hard Porto fan, never misses a game, but today he was cheering for Gil Vicente and for me.”

Pablo started his footballing career in his father’s homeland with Brazilian giants Fluminense before six developmental years at Famalicão in the Braga district of northern Portugal.

While his impact at senior level was minimal (four goals in 38 matches), Pablo was recognised as one of Famalicão’s most promising talents for thanks to sporadic moments of magic, such as this incredible finish serving as Famalicão’s first ever goal in the UEFA Youth League.

Pablo made his professional debut at just 17 years of age, underlining his potential despite the initial lack of consistency and productivity.

Famalicão loaned their diamond in the rough to Paços de Ferreira before Gil Vicente also picked him up on loan, subsequently making the move permanent.

Five goals in 23 appearances didn’t set the world on fire last season, but his hat-trick against fallen giants Boavista certainly convinced the Gil Vicente hierarchy.

Aged 21, Pablo is only one goal from equalling his tally from last season heading into Gameweek 7, while playing his best football at senior level.

“A hard-working kid with a lot quality”

Those were the words of head coach César Peixoto when questioned about the Portugal U21 international. Pablo has a knack for beautiful, technically demanding goals.

Capable of a ferocious finish and demonstrating excellent close control in preparation for the finish.

Pablo can occupy entire defensive lines with his mobility and physique, becoming Liga Portugal’s third best forward and the Young Player of the Month for August due to his self-sufficient potential and selfless play as an indefatigable presser.

Gil Vicente face José Mourinho’s Benfica tomorrow (26 September). Will the latest PortuGOAL Figure of the Week be able to pile on the misery at the Estádio da Luz?