Gabriel Magalhães

Early Life

Gabriel Magalhães was born in the Pirituba District of São Paulo. He began his football journey at the age of 13 when he joined Avaí's youth academy. After a brief period of homesickness, he returned to Avaí and secured his first professional contract at 16 years old. In 2017, Gabriel was part of the team that achieved promotion to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, marking a significant milestone in his early career. His determination and resilience during his formative years set the stage for his future successes in professional football.

Career

Gabriel's professional career commenced at Avaí, where he made his mark before transferring to Lille in France on January 31, 2017, with a four-and-a-half-year contract. Initially, he was loaned to Troyes and later to Dinamo Zagreb, where he had limited appearances. Upon returning to Lille in 2018, he quickly became a key player, making his first start on February 10, 2019, against Guingamp. During the 2019-20 season, Gabriel solidified his position in the starting lineup, forming a formidable partnership with José Fonte. He was instrumental in Lille's Champions League campaign, starting all six group stage matches. On September 1, 2020, Gabriel signed with Arsenal for a fee reported to be around £27 million, making an immediate impact in the Premier League and showcasing his defensive prowess. In 2023, he made his international debut for Brazil, scoring his first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Achievements

Gabriel Magalhães has achieved notable successes throughout his career. He played a crucial role in Avaí's promotion to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2017. At Lille, he scored his first goal in a 5-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, 2019, highlighting his capability as a defender who can contribute offensively. With Arsenal, he has been a consistent performer in the Premier League, helping the team secure vital points. His international career began in 2023, and he scored during the World Cup qualifiers, marking a significant achievement in his burgeoning international career.

Legacy

Gabriel Magalhães is recognized for his strong defensive skills, aggression, and aerial threat, making him one of the top centre-backs in contemporary football. His playing style is characterized by effective tackling and the ability to read the game, which has earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike. He has set records for defensive contributions in both Ligue 1 and the Premier League, showcasing his adaptability and growth as a player. Gabriel's influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch, serving as an inspiration for young defenders in Brazil and abroad, demonstrating that determination and hard work can lead to success at the highest levels of football.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• Gabriel taught himself French upon joining Lille, conducting interviews in the language.
• He was part of the Brazilian squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• He was born on the same day as Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário.

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