Brazilian · Betim, Brazil · Born 19 December 1997Arsenal's commanding centre-back — the defensive foundation of his Premier League title challenges.
Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães was born on 19 December 1997 in the Pirituba district of São Paulo, Brazil, the son of Marcelo Magalhães, a former footballer who played for Corinthians and Portuguesa. At 13, Gabriel undertook a 12-hour bus journey to join Avaí's academy in Florianópolis, nearly 700 kilometres from home, but returned after just a week due to homesickness before eventually settling into the club's youth system. Gabriel moved to France's Lille in 2017, with loan spells at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb helping his development, before Arsenal signed him for a reported £27 million in September 2020. He quickly established himself as a first-team regular, renowned for his physical strength, aerial ability, and combative defending, becoming one of the Premier League's most improved centre-backs. Gabriel has become one of the most reliable defenders in Arsenal's squad, contributing significant goals from set pieces alongside his defensive duties, and helped the club win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season, adding to earlier domestic cup successes including the Community Shield. Gabriel made his senior debut for Brazil in 2023, scoring his first international goal during 2026 World Cup qualification, and has continued to be included in the national squad for major tournaments, adding to a career built on steady defensive improvement since his arrival in English football.
Being Arsenal's defensive leader and penalty box threat
How They Played
Commanding centre-back with excellent aerial ability and ball-playing skills
Lasting Impact
Gabriel has established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable centre-backs and represents the modern defender who can contribute both defensively and in possession.
Career Honours
- FA Cup (2020 squad)
- Premier League runner-up 2x
- FA Cup 2020
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avaí | 2016–2017 | — | 34 | 2 |
| Lille II | 2017–2018 | — | 7 | 0 |
| Lille | 2017–2020 | £27m | 39 | 2 |
| Troyes | 2017–2018 | loan | 1 | 0 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | 2018–2018 | loan | 1 | 0 |
| Arsenal | 2020–Present | £27m | 192 | 20 |
 Brazil | — | — | 20 | 3 |
Brazilian Athletes