Elisandro Pinheiro
Full name: Elisandro Kožina Aranha Pinheiro
Country: Croatia/Brazil
Date of birth: 09/02/2009 (16 years old)
Place of birth: Zagreb (Croatia)
Height: 186cm
Youth career: NK Inker Zaprešić, NK Ponikve, Dinamo Zagreb, HNK Gorica (since 2023)
Current club: HNK Gorica
Squad number: —
Current national team: —
Position: central defender, left-back, left wing-back
Preferred foot: left
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): —
Tournaments participated in: —
Contract until: 30/06/2026
Player’s agent: unknown
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Piero Hincapié
Strengths:
– pace 
– tackling
– technique
– bravery
– physicality
– passing 
– anticipation
– aerial duels
To improve:
– possesses excellent anticipation, but his positioning, timing, and occasional lapses in concentration need refinement, especially given his high-risk, high-reward style of play
– crossing and final ball in general remain areas for improvement when fielded as a left-back
Style of play:
– complete, dominant, and elegant centre-back
– tall with an excellent body mass ratio, possessing the physical foundation to develop into an elite athlete in the coming years
– versatile player capable of performing in multiple positions, including centre-back, left-back, and left wing-back, offering tactical flexibility and depth across the defensive line
– displays elegance and comfort on the ball, paired with excellent technical capacity that allows him to handle pressure and distribute with confidence
– possesses fantastic footwork even in tight spaces, which is especially impressive for a player of his size
– for his body type, he shows superb top speed and impressive overall agility
– good ball carrier who enjoys marauding forward with high on-the-ball bravery, often making dangerous runs through the center or down the wing
– excellent passing range and composure during the build-up phase, showing calmness under pressure and the ability to pick out progressive options from deep
– demonstrates impressive ball control at pace and a refined touch, particularly effective when executing quick one-twos and combining with teammates
– front-foot defender who prefers an active defensive style, often stepping out to press opponents and engage in challenges
– accurate and tenacious tackler, who approaches every defensive duel with maximum intensity and commitment, demonstrating both technical sharpness and mental resilience
– knows how to use his upper-body strength in challenges/wins most of the physical duels
– dominant in the air and fearless in aerial contests, showcasing excellent timing, and strong leap mechanics
Talent score:
Complete, dominant, and/or elegant centre-back: a defender who blends physical authority with elegance on the ball. A true stopper who thrives in duels but also stands out for his composure and ball-playing skills. (William Saliba, Alessandro Bastoni, Virgil van Dijk)
13–15: World-class talent level.
10–12: Top talent level.
7–9: High-potential talent level.
4–6: Solid youth level.
1–3: Limited talent level.
| Technical | Tactical | Physical | Mental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Passing 13 | Press-resistance 14 | Top Speed 13 | Concentration 13 |
| Long Passing 10 | Positioning 11 | Acceleration 12 | Confidence 14 |
| Progressive passing 13 | Anticipation 12 | Agility 11 | Leadership 11 |
| Technical Capacity 14 | Risk Awareness 10 | Coordination 11 | Commitment 13 |
| Ball manipulation 14 | Deep Line Fit 8 | Reactions 12 | Tenacity 14 |
| Front-foot Defending 13 | High Line Fit 14 | Physical Strength 14 | Work Rate 12 |
| Defensive 1vs1 12 | Bravery 13 | Aerial Ability 12 | Maturity 12 |
| Defensive Footwork 12 | Timing 13 | Stamina 12 | Winning mindset 13 |
| Average: 12.6 | Average: 11.9 | Average: 12.1 | Average: 12.8 |
Elisandro maintains the tempo of play and halts a dangerous wing attack with a perfectly timed, decisive tackle.
Elisandro remains composed under intense pressure and delivers a superbly weighted chipped pass out to the wing.
Elisandro wins back possession and immediately sparks a dangerous counter-attack with a brilliant, dynamic run through midfield.
Heatmap by Wyscout:
He is best suited to playing as:
Central defender in 3-5-2.
Video:
Achievements:
—
League summary (as of 26 May 2025):
No senior team appearances yet.
Description:
Elisandro joined the HNK Gorica youth academy from Dinamo Zagreb in 2023. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting U-17 prospects in Croatia, he has quickly established himself as a standout talent. He is also considered a key figure in Gorica’s golden generation of 2009-born players, alongside Juraj Frigan, Francis Chinedu Echue, and Mihael Kelava.
Quotes:
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Football Talent Scout potential rating:
9/10 
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
Links: