Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva

Gabriel Martinelli began his footballing journey in the Corinthians futsal team at age nine before joining the Ituano youth academy in 2015.

He spent four years developing at Ituano, where his exceptional performance in youth tournaments earned him trials with Manchester United and Barcelona before his move to Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli made his professional debut for Ituano in March 2018, becoming the youngest player to debut for the club in the 21st century. His standout performances in the Campeonato Paulista attracted massive interest, and in July 2019, Arsenal secured his signature for a fee of approximately £6 million. He made an immediate impact in England, scoring ten goals in his debut season and becoming the first teenager since Nicolas Anelka to reach double figures for the club. His famous solo goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge remains a career highlight.

His career faced a major setback in June 2020 when a severe knee injury sidelined him for several months. However, he returned with renewed focus, gradually reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup under Mikel Arteta. During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, Martinelli became a regular fixture on the left wing, forming a lethal partnership with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. His 15 league goals in 2023 were instrumental in Arsenal's sustained title charge and their return to the Champions League.

During the 2024-25 season, Martinelli's tactical discipline and defensive work rate were highly praised by analysts. He played a central role in Arsenal winning the FA Cup and finishing at the summit of the Premier League table, securing his first major domestic trophy in England. His consistency in high-stakes matches earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. He has become one of the first names on the team sheet at the Emirates Stadium, known for his ability to exhaust opposition full-backs with his relentless movement.

On the international stage, Martinelli earned his first senior cap for Brazil in early 2022 and was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has since become a frequent starter during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, providing the Seleção with necessary width and energy. In early 2026, he reached over 30 international caps and is considered a key offensive asset for the upcoming tournament in North America.

By May 2026, Martinelli has surpassed 200 appearances for Arsenal and has reached over 70 career goals for the club. He remains under contract until 2028, reflecting his importance to the club's long-term ambitions. His journey from Ituano to the Premier League is widely cited as one of the best scouting successes in recent years. He continues to be a benchmark for modern, high-work-rate wingers in European football.

Gabriel Martinelli was born and raised in Guarulhos, São Paulo, and maintains a very close relationship with his parents. His father, João Martinelli, has been a significant influence on his professional discipline, often accompanying him to trials during his youth. Despite his massive success in London, Gabriel remains incredibly humble and frequently returns to Brazil to visit his family and childhood friends.

He is in a long-term relationship with Isabella Rousso, a medical student who has been a constant support throughout his time in England. The couple resides in North London and is known for their quiet and stable lifestyle away from the tabloids. Isabella is frequently seen at the Emirates Stadium supporting him during home matches. Gabriel is also known for his proficiency in English, which he learned quickly to facilitate his integration into the Arsenal squad.

Off the pitch, Martinelli is an avid fan of gaming and frequently plays with his fellow Brazilian teammates in Europe. He is also a brand ambassador for several major sportswear and lifestyle companies, including Adidas. He is involved in charitable work that supports youth football development in Guarulhos, providing equipment and coaching resources for local children. His humble nature and professional approach have made him one of the most respected players in the Arsenal dressing room.

His dedication to his craft is exemplary, often arriving early for training and participating in extra finishing sessions. He credits his mental toughness to his early experiences in the lower divisions of Brazil, which prepared him for the physical challenges of the Premier League. He remains a deeply religious individual and frequently expresses his gratitude for his professional opportunities. His transition to life in Europe has been seamless, as he has fully embraced the local culture while maintaining his Brazilian roots.