Orlando Hill emerged as Paraguay’s hero during the penalty shootout against Germany in the round of 16 World football championship.
The 198-centimeter-tall goalkeeper saved two penalties and secured Paraguay’s second knockout stage win in World Cup history.
The 26-year-old has been one of the most notable goalkeepers in the World Cup so far, but by January 2025 he had only made three senior club appearances.
Less than four years ago, after his son was born prematurely, he had to sell his own jersey to support the family because, he said, “they had nothing.”
Hill played for the youth teams of Paraguayan clubs 13 Jun and San Lorenzo, and in 2019 he was called up to the Paraguayan U20 national team for the South American Championship.
He made his senior debut for San Lorenzo in September 2020, but made just two appearances.
His wife, Melissa Avalos, whom he married in January 2021, became pregnant a year later.
Their son was due on December 31st, but due to health issues, Melissa was admitted to the hospital on November 30th and the labor was induced on December 7th.
However, the baby, named Lautaro, was not born until December 8 due to serious complications.
Melissa had to undergo emergency surgery, and her son to intensive care.
The family managed to get home in time for Christmas, but “had nothing and Orlando was selling club gear to cover the cost,” Melissa posted on Instagram in 2025.
“Our son was fighting for his life, and his dad was always there.
“He gave everything, he sold everything: clothes, sneakers, even the under-20 national team jersey, which he couldn’t keep as a souvenir.”
Transfer to Argentine football – full hit
A year after the birth of his son, and having recorded only two games for the first team of Paraguay’s San Lorenzo, Hill received an opportunity that changed his life.
The Argentinian first division club of the same name – San Lorenzo – took a risk and brought Hill on loan.
He finished 2024 playing in the reserve team, and a year later became a regular in the first team, attracting the attention of Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro.
He was called up to the national team in March and June, and with Paraguay already securing a place at the World Cup, Hill made his debut for the senior national team in the final qualifying match against Peru in September 2025.
He then played five friendly games, fighting for the position of first goalkeeper before the World Cup.
The Paraguayans started the World Cup with a convincing defeat (1:4) against the United States of America.
However, Hill has conceded just one goal in three games since then, including overtime against Germany, saving 16 of 17 shots on goal.
Hill made two great saves in the penalty shootout and earned the FIFA man of the match award.
He dedicated the award to his family, especially his godson Alejandro, whom he discovered was in a hospital in Paraguay.
Having seen his son survive a traumatic birth, Hill is now trying to cheer on his godson as he looks forward to new trials with Paraguay at the World Cup, with France next up as the hardest possible.
“Alejandro, this trophy is for you.”
“I hope you recover soon, your godfather is supporting you from afar,” he said.
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