Gregore
Gregore de Magalhães da Silva, commonly known as Gregore, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Al-Rayyan SC in the Qatar Stars League.[1] Born on 2 March 1994 in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, he stands at 181 cm (5 ft 11 in) tall and is right-footed.[1][2] Gregore began his professional career with Brazilian club Atlético Joseense in 2013 before joining Bahia in 2018, where he made over 100 appearances in Série A and helped the team secure promotion and mid-table stability.[3] In February 2021, he transferred to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer for a reported €3.6 million fee, becoming a key anchor in midfield and serving as club captain during his tenure, contributing to defensive solidity in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.[4][3] He extended his contract with Miami through 2025 in October 2023, but in February 2024, Botafogo acquired him for €2.5 million, reuniting him with Brazilian football where he featured prominently in Série A and continental competitions.[4][5] On 19 July 2025, Gregore moved to Al-Rayyan for €6 million, marking his first stint in Asian football and bolstering the Qatari club's midfield with his experience in high-pressure environments.[4][2] He has also represented Brazil at youth and senior international levels. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his tactical discipline, ball-winning ability, and leadership, amassing over 350 professional appearances across multiple leagues.[1]Early life and youth career
Early life
Gregore de Magalhães Silva Favero was born on 2 March 1994 in Juiz de Fora, a city in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.[1] Juiz de Fora, located near the border with Rio de Janeiro, is situated in a region renowned for its coffee production, which forms a significant part of Minas Gerais' economy and cultural heritage, contributing nearly 50% of Brazil's arabica coffee output.[6] The city also fosters a vibrant sports culture, particularly football, with strong fan bases for major Rio clubs and local facilities like the Estádio Municipal Radialista Mário Helênio supporting community engagement in the sport.[7][8] Little public information is available regarding Gregore's family socioeconomic background, though he was raised in Juiz de Fora alongside his two older brothers, Felipe Magalhães (born 1985) and Higor Magalhães (born 1987), with their mother, Rosi Magalhães, playing a central role in family life.[9] As the youngest of the three siblings, Gregore maintained close relationships with his family, who shared an early affinity for football, often following matches of Rio-based teams like Botafogo during his childhood.[10][11] From a young age, Gregore developed an interest in football, a passion shared by many children in Brazil, where the dream of becoming a professional player is commonplace.[12] His initial exposure to the sport occurred through local community activities and school environments in Juiz de Fora, reflecting the city's embedded football culture.[13] Physically, Gregore stands at 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) tall and is right-footed, attributes that would later complement his development as a defensive midfielder.[1][14]Youth career
Gregore began his youth football journey in the futsal program of Sport Club Juiz de Fora in Minas Gerais around 2002, at the age of 7 or 8, after being spotted by coach Gerson William during a casual game at a local shopping mall. He initially played as a fixo (defensive specialist), honing his strength, speed, and technical skills in the fast-paced environment of futsal, which emphasized quick decision-making and ball control. Under William's guidance over seven seasons, Gregore developed a strong foundation in game reading and positioning, traits that would define his later career as a midfielder.[13] During his time at Sport Club Juiz de Fora, Gregore contributed to several youth successes, including the Campeonato Mineiro sub-11 title in 2005. He briefly moved to Tupynambás Futebol Clube before returning to Sport Club for field football categories around 2010–2011, where he transitioned to playing as a camisa 10 (attacking midfielder) and helped secure the Campeonato Mineiro de Futebol Infantil and Juvenil titles in 2010 and 2011, along with earlier futsal wins like the Interior/Estadual Championship in 2004 and 2005, and the Liga and Copa Bahamas from 2005 to 2007. These regional and state-level triumphs in Minas Gerais youth tournaments showcased his emerging leadership and intensity on the pitch, earning him recognition as a standout talent.[13][12] Seeking greater opportunities, Gregore relocated to the interior of São Paulo in 2011 at age 17, joining the Atleta Cidadão project affiliated with São José dos Campos FC. There, under coach Rafael Guanaes, he continued to refine his physical conditioning and midfield versatility within the Brazilian youth system, focusing on tactical awareness and endurance to adapt from offensive roles to a more defensive orientation. His progression through clubs like Joseense and São José dos Campos in 2012–2013 featured strong performances in local youth competitions, including trials that highlighted his tackling and vision, ultimately leading to his preparation for a senior debut later that year. This period from approximately 2002 to 2013 marked his maturation from a futsal prospect to a promising professional midfielder.[15][13][16]Professional club career
Early professional career
Gregore made his senior professional debut with São José Esporte Clube on March 14, 2013, starting in a 1–0 home victory over Batatais in the Campeonato Paulista Série A3.[15] He remained with the club through the 2015 season, gaining initial experience in lower-tier Brazilian football competitions while transitioning from youth ranks to senior-level play.[3] In May 2015, Gregore transferred to São Carlos Futebol Clube, where he quickly established himself as a key defensive midfielder.[17] As an undisputed starter, he contributed to the team's successful campaign, helping secure promotion as champions of the Campeonato Paulista Segunda Divisão that year.[18] His consistent performances in these regional leagues highlighted his promise as a robust defensive presence, drawing attention from higher-profile clubs and paving the way for a loan move to Santos in late 2015.[3]Santos
Gregore joined Santos on loan from the smaller club São Carlos on 17 December 2015, initially assigned to the B-team, with the loan lasting until February 2017.[17] This move marked his entry into top-tier Brazilian football at one of the country's historic clubs. On 11 May 2016, he made his professional debut, coming on as a second-half substitute for Fernando Medeiros in a 3–0 away win against Galvez in the Copa do Brasil.[1] During the loan spell, Gregore featured primarily for the Santos B-team, accumulating approximately 20 appearances across all competitions, mostly as a starter, totaling around 1,740 minutes played without scoring goals.[19] His first-team exposure included 6 appearances in the main squad, providing initial insight into Série A-level play, though much of his time was spent integrating with the reserves. Performance highlights included consistent defensive contributions, where he averaged strong tackling rates and helped bolster the team's backline during youth development phases.[20] Upon the conclusion of the loan in early 2017, Gregore returned to São Carlos, having built a solid reputation for reliability as a defensive midfielder ready for higher competition.[21]Bahia
Gregore joined Esporte Clube Bahia on loan from São Carlos Futebol Clube on January 11, 2018, for a one-year term. He made his Série A debut on April 15, 2018, in a 2–0 away loss to Sport Recife.[17] The move was made permanent in May 2018, with Bahia acquiring 50% of his economic rights and extending his contract until the end of 2021.[17] During his three-and-a-half-year stint with Bahia from 2018 to 2021, Gregore established himself as a key defensive midfielder, making 120 appearances across all competitions and contributing 2 goals and 9 assists.[3] In Série A, he featured in over 100 matches, providing stability in the midfield and helping the team secure mid-table finishes, including 11th place in 2019 and 10th in 2020, thereby avoiding relegation.[22] His defensive prowess was evident in leading the team in tackles during the 2018 campaign, where he started 35 matches as an undisputed starter.[23] Gregore's tenure also included notable contributions in cup competitions, such as the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Baiano, where Bahia won the state title in 2018, 2019, and 2020 with him in the lineup.[24] He occasionally wore the captain's armband during matches, underscoring his leadership in the squad. In February 2021, following negotiations amid his contract's impending expiry at the end of the year, Gregore transferred to Inter Miami CF for a reported fee of €3.6 million.[4]Inter Miami
Gregore joined Inter Miami CF on February 24, 2021, signing a four-year contract from Brazilian club Bahia, where his consistent performances as a defensive midfielder had established him as a reliable anchor in Serie A.[17] This move marked his transition to Major League Soccer, bringing his physicality and tactical discipline to the expansion franchise aiming to bolster its midfield. Adapting quickly to the league's pace and physical demands, Gregore debuted in the season opener against LA Galaxy, starting and contributing to a more structured defensive setup.[3] Over his tenure with Inter Miami through 2024, Gregore made 65 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and recording eight assists while primarily operating as a holding midfielder.[25] His debut 2021 season stood out, as he started all 29 MLS matches, logged over 2,500 minutes, and led the team in tackles with 55, earning him the Inter Miami Most Valuable Player award in November.[26] This recognition highlighted his immediate impact in stabilizing the midfield and enabling attacking transitions, a role that defined his adaptation to MLS. In 2023, following Sergio Busquets' arrival, Gregore formed a pivotal partnership with the former Barcelona star, complementing Busquets' distribution with his own tenacious ball-winning abilities to fortify Inter Miami's central engine.[27] That year, he also assumed the captain's armband, leading the team through key matches despite ongoing challenges.[28] Gregore's time in Miami was not without hurdles, particularly a severe Lisfranc foot injury sustained in March 2023 during a match against Houston Dynamo, which necessitated surgery and sidelined him for approximately six months.[28] The injury disrupted his rhythm and forced the team to adjust its midfield dynamics mid-season, testing Inter Miami's depth. Despite this setback, the club demonstrated faith in his recovery and leadership by extending his contract on October 16, 2023, through the 2025 season.[29] His resilience post-injury underscored his value, as he returned to contribute in limited appearances toward the end of 2023. Gregore's departure from Inter Miami came on February 19, 2024, when the club transferred him to Botafogo in Brazil's Serie A, a move that freed up roughly $1 million in salary budget row to facilitate roster adjustments under MLS designation player rules.[30] This transfer concluded a chapter where Gregore had evolved from a key import to a club leader, leaving a legacy of defensive reliability amid the team's growing ambitions.Botafogo
Gregore returned to Brazilian football by signing with Botafogo on February 19, 2024, transferring from Inter Miami CF in a deal that marked his re-entry into Série A after a stint in Major League Soccer.[31] During his 18-month tenure with the club, he featured in 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals by mid-2025, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder in a high-pressing system under coach Artur Jorge.[32] A pivotal moment in Gregore's Botafogo spell came during the 2024 Copa Libertadores, where he started in the final against Atlético Mineiro on November 30, 2024, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Just 30 seconds into the match, Gregore received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Fausto Vera, reducing Botafogo to 10 men early and drawing widespread controversy for its brutality, though the team remarkably rallied to win 3-1 and secure their first-ever Libertadores title.[33] This incident, the fastest red card in a Libertadores final history, highlighted Gregore's aggressive defensive style but also its disciplinary risks, as he later described the play as a "very quick" accidental contact.[34] Gregore's contributions extended to Botafogo's domestic campaign, where he played a key role in their successful defense of the Série A title in 2024, achieving a historic double with the Libertadores win—the first such feat for the club since 1968.[35] His experience as a captain at Inter Miami proved valuable in leadership moments during Botafogo's title push.[36] Following a strong individual season marked by consistent starts in major competitions, Gregore departed for Al-Rayyan in July 2025, concluding his impactful return to Brazil.[2]Al-Rayyan
Gregore joined Al-Rayyan SC on 19 July 2025, transferring from Botafogo on a two-year contract running until 30 June 2027, with an option for the club to extend.[2][37] Bringing experience from Botafogo's successful campaigns in Brazilian and continental competitions, he quickly integrated into the squad as a defensive midfielder.[38] He made his debut in the Qatar Stars League on 14 August 2025, starting in Al-Rayyan's 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya.[39] As of November 2025, Gregore had featured in 8 matches across all competitions, accumulating 589 minutes and providing 1 assist while focusing on bolstering midfield stability through his defensive positioning and recoveries.[19][20][32] As a key starter for Al-Rayyan SC, wearing jersey number 40, Gregore has adapted to the demands of the Qatar Stars League, contributing to the team's defensive transitions in high-intensity fixtures.[40][41] His role emphasizes tactical discipline, helping maintain balance in a league characterized by rapid pressing and structured play.[1]International career
Youth international career
Gregore did not accumulate any official caps for Brazil's youth national teams, including the under-17 and under-20 squads, during his formative years.[1] Comprehensive player databases confirm the absence of competitive appearances or documented involvement in youth international fixtures or tournaments. This limited exposure was largely attributed to prioritizing club commitments at São Carlos and later Bahia, where his development focused on domestic youth competitions rather than international tours.[20]Senior international career
Gregore has yet to earn a senior cap for the Brazil national team as of November 2025. Despite his consistent performances as a defensive midfielder in domestic and international club competitions, he has not been selected for any matches under coach Carlo Ancelotti or previous managers.[42] During his tenure at Botafogo in 2025, Gregore attracted attention from Brazil's national team selectors, who monitored him as a potential option to bolster defensive midfield depth amid ongoing transitions in the squad. In a July 2025 interview on the Charla Podcast, CBF national teams director Rodrigo Caetano confirmed that Gregore had been observed for his tactical discipline and recovery abilities, though no call-up materialized due to intense competition from established players like Casemiro.[43][44] Several factors have contributed to Gregore's absence from the senior setup, including the depth in Brazil's midfield and his prioritization of club commitments abroad, first with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and later with Al-Rayyan in the Qatar Stars League following his July 2025 transfer from Botafogo. Despite these challenges, Gregore has publicly expressed his ambition to represent Brazil if given the opportunity, stating in an August 2025 interview that he dreams of a national team call-up while adapting to his new environment in Qatar.[45][46]Playing style
Defensive attributes
Gregore has demonstrated exceptional tackling prowess throughout his career, particularly during his debut 2021 season with Inter Miami CF, where he averaged 1.95 tackles per 90 minutes and tied for the most tackles won in Major League Soccer with 55.[47][48] His aggressive style extends to interceptions, recording 29 in 2021 at a rate of 1.03 per 90 minutes, contributing significantly to his recognition as Inter Miami's MVP that year.[47][26] Across his MLS tenure, Gregore maintained a career average of 2-3 tackles per 90 minutes, underscoring his reliability in breaking up opposition plays.[47] In terms of positional discipline, Gregore excels at reading the game and shielding the backline, often positioning himself to intercept passes and disrupt attacking rhythms.[49] His approach, while effective, leads to frequent fouls—69 committed in 2021 alone—reflecting a tenacious commitment to halting transitions without hesitation.[47] This disciplined yet combative presence has been described as a cornerstone of Inter Miami's defensive structure during his time there.[48] Gregore's physicality, bolstered by his 78 kg frame and 181 cm height, enhances his effectiveness in duels, where he achieved a 65.1% aerial win rate in 2021 and consistently ranked in the top percentiles for defensive duels won among MLS midfielders.[47][50] His endurance allows for full 90-minute performances, logging 2,535 minutes in 29 appearances during his standout 2021 campaign.[47]Technical and positional skills
Gregore is renowned for his preference for short passing, demonstrating high accuracy in short-range distribution that effectively links defense to attack. During his time with Inter Miami, he maintained a pass completion rate of approximately 86% across 64 appearances in Major League Soccer, enabling smooth progression of play from the back.[47] This style is characterized by quick, precise touches that maintain possession under pressure, as noted in performance analyses highlighting his strength in short passes.[49] His positional versatility allows him to operate as either a central midfielder or a deep-lying playmaker, adapting seamlessly to formations such as the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. At Botafogo in 2024, he featured in 33 matches primarily as a defensive midfielder but also in central midfield roles, contributing to the team's tactical flexibility in Série A.[47] Following his transfer to Al-Rayyan in July 2025, Gregore has continued to feature primarily as a defensive midfielder in the Qatar Stars League, with 7 appearances in the 2025–26 season as of November 2025.[51] This adaptability stems from his understanding of midfield dynamics, where he balances holding duties with forward distribution. Although primarily right-footed, with limited proficiency using his left foot, Gregore mitigates this by relying on strong vision and positioning rather than long switches. He seldom employs skill moves, focusing instead on intelligent decision-making to create opportunities.[52] Throughout his career, Gregore has exemplified these skills in transitional plays, recording eight assists during two seasons at Bahia (2019-2020) and two at Botafogo in 2024, often initiating attacks from deep positions.[47] These contributions underscore his role in bridging defensive recoveries—where his tackling integrates effectively—with offensive build-up, without over-relying on flair.[49]Career statistics and records
Club career statistics
Gregore's club career has been marked by consistent appearances in various domestic and continental competitions, primarily as a defensive midfielder contributing to team stability rather than prolific scoring. As of November 19, 2025, he has accumulated 399 appearances, 13 goals, and 19 assists across all club levels and competitions.[21][24] The following table summarizes his statistics by club, encompassing leagues, cups, and continental tournaments:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| São José dos Campos | 2013–2015 | 49 | 1 | 0 |
| São Carlos | 2015 | 23 | 5 | 0 |
| Santos | 2016–2017 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Bahia | 2018–2020 | 167 | 2 | 10 |
| Inter Miami | 2021–2023 | 67 | 2 | 6 |
| Botafogo | 2024–2025 | 84 | 3 | 2 |
| Al-Rayyan | 2025– | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 399 | 13 | 19 |
| Season | Club | League | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2020 | Bahia | Série A | 67 | 0 | 8 | 18 | 2 |
| 2021–2022 | Inter Miami | MLS | 59 | 0 | 5 | 27 | 2 |
| 2024 | Botafogo | Série A | 33 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
| 2025 | Botafogo | Série A | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Al-Rayyan | Stars League | 7 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
International career statistics
Gregore has not earned any senior international caps for the Brazil national team as of November 19, 2025, with zero appearances and zero goals across all competitions, including no involvement in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or Copa América.[42][47] His youth international career has been similarly limited, featuring zero official matches for Brazil's U-20 team or other age-group squads, with only unquantified participation in training games noted in early development phases.[42][47] The following table summarizes Gregore's international career statistics:| Level | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior (Brazil) | 0 | 0 | 0 | None |
| Youth (U-20) | 0 | 0 | 0 | None |