‘Playing in Europe has been my dream’ Harps’ Brazilian stopper Piaia

Finn Harps’ new goalkeeper Lorenzo Piaia has had an interesting career to date which has now brought him to Finn Park.

The Brazilian had spent his playing time in his native homeland until last year, when a chance to move continent came and he jumped at the opportunity

“I kicked things off playing futsal when I was 5 years old in my hometown, Cascavel, down in Paraná, in the south of Brazil. By 10, I was all in, diving headfirst into football. So, of my 25 years on this earth, 15 have been a relentless grind, building my career with passion and fight.

“My career started at Grêmio FBPA in Porto Alegre. My mum and I even moved states to chase that dream, and that was my first football school.”

The 25-year-old then moved into the professional game, beginning with Esporte Clube São José at 16.

Short spells at Garibaldi and Novo Hamburgo followed before moving to San Roque de Lepe in the fifth tier of Spanish football.

“Moving countries was a massive challenge, but I’m built for this - I always aim higher, and I knew I’d make it happen.

“Playing in Europe has been my dream since I was a kid. The game-changer was getting my Italian passport sorted in early 2024. That opened the door, and I went for it—flew solo to Spain for a trial with San Roque de Lepe. 

“I gave it everything, had a cracking season, then during the transfer window Finn Harps called me and I came.

“I’m enjoying every second here with my wife! It is a small town, but it’s got the friendliest, most welcoming people we’ve ever met. The culture and scenery is totally different from what I’m used to back home, but I’m absolutely buzzing about it. I know there’s still a lot more for me to discover, and I’m all in for it.

Landing at a club like this was one of the best feelings ever, especially with all the challenges of rocking up in a new country, knowing no one. 

“The team here is unreal, the staff is always ready to have your back, on and off the pitch. 

“The fans are pure passion, proper friendly, and remind me of the supporters back in Brazil - they make me feel at home! It’s a tight-knit community, always showing up to cheer us on. I love how the stands are full of kids and families at every match, creating such a great atmosphere.”

Piaia made his debut at the beginning of the month in a 2-2 draw against Bray Wanderers and while it was dented by a 98th minute equaliser for the Wicklow men, it was still a moment to remember for the shot stopper, who then kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Kerry on Friday.

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“My debut was very special. I’d been grinding and waiting for that moment, and even though the draw left me hungry for more, I was happy with my performance - especially giving that assist, something I’d been chasing since last season! The win against Kerry, though, that hit different. My first clean sheet in a hard match. I owe it all to my teammates, who’ve always got my back.”

Bray are the visitors to Finn Park once again this Friday, this time in the last 16 of the FAI Cup (kick off 7.45pm).

And with competition for places for the number one spot, with Corey Sheridan putting in a number of good displays through June and July, Piaia knows he has to train hard to keep his spot.

“I’m absolutely excited and training my heart out for Friday, and I’m ready to play in the Cup. I live for challenges, and I know this one’s gonna be one. It’s a massive game at home, and we’re going all-out to grab that win, no matter what it takes.

“I’ve got full faith in my squad and the work we’re putting in! To keep pushing forward in the Cup, I’m ready to leave every drop of sweat and blood on that pitch to secure the win. That’s what the Finn Harps fans can always expect from me - pure heart and all-out fight.”