EMERGING STAR | Strikers Midfielder PC

Emerging Star will be a regular feature on NASL.com highlighting breakout performances over the course of the 2015 season.

The initials “PC” may stand for several different things, but in South Florida, they are becoming synonymous with a young Brazilian midfielder.

Initially joining the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on loan from Brazilian giants Corinthians, Victor Giro, known simply as PC, has already made the move permanent after a few short weeks.

“At first I came as a loanee from Corinthians,” he told NASL.com. “I had adapted so well to the Strikers and Fort Lauderdale that I thought it would make sense for me to sign a permanent deal.”

The 21-year-old Brazilian has already shown flashes of ability associated with the flair of his homeland, and hasn’t skipped a beat playing against more experienced players.

PC has helped create several attacking opportunities for his teammates, and even scored his first NASL goal, which was a cracking first-time effort from distance. The goal was timely as well, standing as the game-winner in the Strikers’ first Coastal Cup clash of the year against Jacksonville Armada FC. It was also memorable for another reason.

“It was a great goal, he said. “It was very important for me and for the team. It was my first goal as a professional soccer player. I hope that this is the first of many goals that I score with the Strikers.” 

The midfielder is also playing alongside several of his countrymen, most notably Léo Moura, which has aided in his development as a player.

“It has been great to play with such a celebrated player,” PC said. “Léo’s experience brings a lot to the table. We want to help him be successful since he looks out for us and pushes us to be better players.”

Growing up in the Corinthians Academy, PC has had plenty of past success. He was also named captain of Brazil’s Under-17 and Under-20 sides.

“I played pretty much my entire youth career at Corinthians and, in most cases, I was chosen to be the captain,” he said. “I have a proven track record within the youth organization, holding many records and winning various trophies. I am sure that a lot of the younger guys look up to me because of that.”

Those successes at the youth level also helped PC earn national team call-ups at every youth level. The next step is to reach the senior side, which is a feat achieved by both Moura and part-owner Ronaldo.  

“It would be phenomenal to be able to one day represent Brazil [on the senior level],” PC noted.

While the midfielder has had an instant impact in his time with the Strikers, he noted the challenges of the league, especially for a player that likes to play with the ball at their feet, such as himself.

“The level of play is very good,” he said. “Teams are very organized and competent. The players are very strong, physical, and have a burning desire to win every ball.”

Should he continue to grow as a player, a national team call-up isn’t outside the realm of possibility for the young Brazilian. But first, pulling the strings in the Strikers’ midfield is the top priority, along with getting wins.

If he does that, he may just change minds everywhere about what “PC” stands for.