Once - Characters & Cast

Gabo's primary motivation is his pure passion for soccer and his dream of becoming a professional player. This is coupled with a deep desire to honor his grandmother and the values she taught him. As the series progresses, an additional motivation becomes the search for his father's identity, which fuels his personal journey alongside his professional aspirations.

Gabo begins as a gifted but naive teenager from a small town. His journey at the IAD forces him to mature rapidly. Initially, he struggles with the intense rivalry, especially from Lorenzo, and the pressure of a high-stakes environment. Over the seasons, Gabo develops into a confident and inspiring leader. He learns to assert himself, navigate complex team politics, and handle the emotional weight of discovering his family's past. By the end of the series, he transforms from a talented boy with a dream into a professional player who understands that leadership is about empowering others, culminating in his signing with Atlético de Madrid.

Initially, Lorenzo is motivated by a desperate need to live up to the legacy of his father, Diego Guevara, and be the undisputed best player. He craves individual recognition. Over time, his motivation shifts towards achieving collective success with the team and earning genuine respect for his own merits, not just as his father's son. He also finds motivation in his complicated but ultimately strong bond with Gabo.

Lorenzo is introduced as the arrogant, individualistic star striker and captain of the Hawks. He views Gabo as a threat to his position and popularity. His arc is one of the most significant, as he undergoes a profound transformation from an antagonist to a respected teammate and brother to Gabo. This change is driven by learning to respect Gabo's talent, understanding the value of teamwork, and confronting the immense pressure from his father, a former soccer star. Lorenzo's journey is about shedding his ego to become a true leader, culminating in him becoming a key player for Juventus and a supportive brother.

Ricky is motivated by his love for soccer tactics and his unwavering loyalty to his friends and the team. He finds satisfaction in helping the team succeed through smart play and by supporting his friends through their personal struggles. His goal is to be a dependable and integral part of the Hawks' success.

Ricky is one of the first friends Gabo makes at the IAD. He is a steadfast, logical, and observant player who always puts the team's needs first. His arc is less about a dramatic personality shift and more about growing in confidence and finding his own voice within the team. He often acts as the strategist and moral compass for his friends, particularly Gabo and Dedé. He develops from a reliable supporting player into an essential tactical mind for the Hawks, whose intelligence on the field is as important as his loyalty off it.

Dedé is motivated by his passion for the game and his deep-seated desire to protect his team, both as a defender and as a friend. He is driven by his emotions and superstitions, which he learns to manage over time. His ultimate motivation is to prove to himself and others that he is a capable and strong player worthy of being a Golden Hawk.

Dedé is the humorous, superstitious, and big-hearted defender of the team and Gabo's other roommate. His arc focuses on learning to control his anxieties and channel his emotional nature into becoming a more consistent and reliable player. While often providing comic relief, Dedé's journey also involves overcoming his insecurities and self-doubt. He matures from a funny but often panicked player into a solid and dependable defender who the team relies on in crucial moments, learning to balance his personality with the focus required on the field.