Full Name: Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães
Date of Birth: 19 December 1997
Place of Birth: São Paulo, Brazil
Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s): Centre-back
Current team: Arsenal
Jersey Number: 6
As we all know, the tales of rising stars and prodigious talents are as interesting and captivating as football. One such story that resonates with the echoes of determination and the symphony of triumph is that of Brazil ace Gabriel Magalhães.Â
From his modest beginnings in the youth ranks of Avaà to the grand stages of the Premier League with Arsenal, Gabriel's journey unfolds like an epic Shakespearean drama, filled with twists, triumphs, and timeless moments of greatness.
Beyond the football pitch, Gabriel's narrative transcends mere athletic prowess, intertwining personal milestones with unwavering dedication to his craft and family. His saga is one of conquering language barriers to reach new heights and proudly representing his native Brazil on the global stage. Now, let's embark on a voyage through the captivating journey of Gabriel Magalhães.
11 Quality Facts About Gabriel Magalhães From Childhood In Brazil
1. His Early Football Beginnings Started at Age 13Â
Gabriel's journey into football commenced at the age of 13 when he began his career with AvaÃ, a Brazilian football club based in Florianópolis. Despite initially grappling with homesickness upon joining AvaÃ's youth setup, his passion for the game and his undeniable talent quickly became evident. After returning to São Paulo to address his homesickness, Gabriel ultimately decided to pursue his football dreams with AvaÃ, returning to the club with renewed determination at a young age.
2. He Earned His First Professional Contract At AvaÃ
At just 16 years old, Gabriel achieved a significant milestone by securing his first professional contract with Avaà in 2014. It marked the beginning of his professional football career and highlighted his precocious talent. His rapid progression through the ranks of Brazilian football underscored his potential as a future star in the sport.
3. His Stellar Displays At Avai Led Him to Ligue 1 side Lille
Gabriel's exceptional performances at Avaà attracted the attention of Ligue 1 side Lille, a club renowned for its ability to nurture young talent. In January 2017, Gabriel decided to move to France, signing a lucrative four-and-a-half-year contract with Lille. His transition to European football was seamless, with Gabriel making an immediate impact on the pitch and quickly establishing himself as one of Lille's standout players.
4. He Began Learning French Upon Arriving in Lille
Upon his arrival at Lille, Gabriel faced the daunting challenge of adapting to a new language and culture. Determined to integrate seamlessly into his new surroundings, he immersed himself in learning French, on and off the pitch. Gabriel's commitment to mastering the language facilitated communication with his teammates and coaches and endeared him to the club's supporters, who appreciated his dedication and humility.
5. He Has Had Several Loan Moves
Gabriel's journey included loan spells with Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb, where he gained invaluable experience playing in different leagues and adapting to varying styles of football. Despite being away from Lille, Gabriel continued to develop as a player, honing his skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the game. His successful loan spells further enhanced his reputation as a promising young talent and laid the foundation for his eventual return to Lille.
6. He Became A Gunner On September 1, 2020
Gabriel's impressive performances at Lille caught the eye of top European clubs, with several vying for his signature. In September 2020, Gabriel agreed to join Arsenal, signing a long-term contract with the Premier League giants. His move to Arsenal represented a significant step in his career, as he embraced the challenge of competing in one of the most demanding and competitive leagues. He showcased his defensive prowess and contributed to Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
7. He Has A Knack For Scoring Goals
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Gabriel has showcased his goal-scoring prowess at Arsenal, tallying 14 goals in the Premier League. From decisive strikes against top-flight opponents like Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers to crucial goals in pivotal matches against Chelsea and Fulham, Gabriel has consistently delivered when it mattered most.Â
His knack for scoring pivotal goals continued into the 2022-23 season, where he clinched a vital victory with a winning goal against Fulham. Notably, Gabriel's milestone 150th Arsenal appearance was marked with yet another goal, underscoring his impact on the team. Additionally, he has kept 45 clean sheets as part of his defensive contributions so far, boasting a tackle success rate of 60%.
8. He Has Only Received 2 Red Cards on English Soil
While Gabriel's performances on the pitch are commendable, he encountered occasional disciplinary issues on English soil. Notably, he has received two red cards while playing for Arsenal. The first occurred in a match against Man City on January 1, 2022. The second incident happened on December 16 in a home game against Southampton, where he received two yellow cards within five minutes.Â
Additionally, there was a controversial incident where Chris Kavanagh initially sent Gabriel off in injury time during Arsenal's game against Leeds United; however, it was immediately overturned and downgraded from a red to a yellow card for unsporting behaviour. It's worth mentioning that when receiving the red card, The Gunners became the first side to reach 100 red cards since the formation of the Premier League back in 1992.
9. He Has A Strong International Reputation
Gabriel's talents were not limited to club football as he earned call-ups to various Brazilian national teams. His contributions on the international stage showcased his skill and versatility as a defender, earning him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Representing his country on the global stage was a source of immense pride for Gabriel, who viewed each international cap as an opportunity to further establish himself as one of Brazil's brightest talents.
10. He is A Family Man
Beyond the football pitch, Gabriel's commitment to family life is unmistakable, evidenced by his engagement, marriage, and the joyous arrival of his child. This personal dimension adds depth to his public persona, depicting him as a skilled footballer and a devoted family man. Gabriel became engaged to his girlfriend, Gabrielle Figueiredo, in September 2021 and exchanged vows with her in June 2023. Their family expanded with the birth of their daughter, Maya, in April 2022. Gabriel has remained grounded and prioritises his family, demonstrating a maturity and perspective that belies his age.
11. Lille president Gerard Lopez Labelled him "Real Fighter"Â
Gabriel's tenacity and determination on the pitch did not go unnoticed. Recognising Gabriel's devotion and astute utilisation of his physical presence, Lopez lauded him as a 'real fighter.' Affectionately known as 'Big Gabi,' Gabriel epitomises resilience and grit on the field.
A left-footed centre-back with versatility to thrive in various defensive setups, Gabriel possesses a unique blend of attributes that set him apart. His lightning-fast speed, pinpoint distribution, and commanding aerial prowess make him a formidable presence on the field. With such a well-rounded skill set, Gabriel's transition to the rigours of the Premier League has been swifter than expected, showcasing his natural aptitude for English football.
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