New York, N.Y., November 5, 2021 – New York City FC (NYCFC) today announced Esports Athlete Gustavo “GN10” Nascimento will represent NYCFC as the Club’s official eMLS FIFA Player. Gustavo will partner with returning player, Josh “Squirrel” Banh, in global competitions.
Banh has re-signed with NYCFC and the Club is delighted to welcome him back for the 2022 season. Banh, in addition to Gustavo, will represent the Club in international and regional events, creating a formidable partnership to compete in FIFA’s Global Series 1v1 and 2v2 play.
The two will represent NYCFC together for the first time during the FIFA Global Series Washington Open in December 2021. Nascimento and Banh will need to navigate the North America East region to secure qualification to one of the world’s biggest FIFA competitions. NYCFC will be one of three City Football Group (CFG) teams to enter the event with both Manchester City FC and Melbourne City FC trying to qualify through the Europe and Oceania regions, respectively.
Gustavo said: “I was the number one player in the North America Xbox rankings last year and NYCFC, in my opinion, is the number one team in North America so I feel like it fits perfectly. It’s where I am supposed to be, and I want to do well here.
“I used to live here in the City, I love New York so much and I’m planning on coming back here. I have a lot of love for the City and for the Club now too, so I want to do well not only for the Club but also for the City.”
A Brazilian native, currently based in Springfield, MO, Gustavo is widely considered as one of the top FIFA talents in North America and around the world. His proven track record includes back-to-back first place finishes at the FIFA Interactive World Cup South American Qualifiers in 2011 and 2012, which led to him finishing Top-24 in the FIFA Interactive World Cup Dubai 2012.
Gustavo added: “When I first got contacted by NYCFC, I already knew it would be a bigger and better opportunity for me, so I was really excited. Also, to be teaming up with Josh, a really good friend of mine, was also a good thing about it. It was just an offer I couldn’t say no to.
“I’m really excited, Josh I met two years ago, when I made it back to a live event in Romania for FUT Champions Cup 2, and he qualified for that tournament as well. We ended up getting to know each other there and I know for sure we are going to do well together. When he asked me if I wanted to play together, I knew that would work out and would be a good fit for me.”
Banh returns for a second year after finishing second in the FIFAe Club World Cup – North America earlier this year.
Banh said of re-signing for 2022 and the partnership with Gustavo: “In my second year, I’ve made a lot of changes in my life. Just trying to live a healthier lifestyle, stay more focused on the tasks that are important to me and I’m looking to put that into practice in this new FIFA. I’m excited for the new opportunity and FIFA 22, being back in New York, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“One thing that I can definitely guarantee from myself and from Gustavo is that we’re going to play the game hard and we’re going to grind. All you can do as a competitor is to prepare as best as possible and that’s what me and Gustavo can definitely guarantee.”
Everyone at the Club is delighted to introduce Gustavo to NYCFC and welcome back Josh for 2022.
