Gabriel Martinelli is one of the most exciting names in contemporary football. Born in Guarulhos, in the state of São Paulo, this 24-year-old player embodies the finest Brazilian talent exported to Europe. With remarkable speed, exceptional dribbling ability, and a keen goal-scoring instinct, he has become an indispensable player for Arsenal in the Premier League and the Brazilian national team. His journey, marked by overcoming challenges and moments of brilliance, inspires an entire generation of fans. This article explores Martinelli’s path, from his early days in youth academies to his recent prominence in the 2025-26 season.
Early Steps in Brazilian Football
The story of Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva began on June 18, 2001, in a modest family in Guarulhos. The son of a metalworker and a cook, he grew up playing football in the streets and local youth programs. At the age of nine, in 2010, he joined Corinthians’ futsal program, where he developed agility and technical skill in confined spaces. “Futsal taught me to think quickly and improvise,” Martinelli later explained in an interview.
In 2014, he moved to the youth setup of Ituano, a club from the interior of São Paulo known for producing talents. He quickly stood out, signing his first professional contract at the age of 16 in November 2017. His senior debut came in March 2018 during the Campeonato Paulista against São Bento—a 2-1 victory that made him the youngest player to feature for the club in the 21st century. Martinelli soon demonstrated his attacking potential, scoring his first senior goal in September of that year in the Copa Paulista against Taboão da Serra.
The year 2019 marked a turning point in Brazil. As Ituano’s top scorer in the Paulista with six goals, he caught the attention of European scouts. His explosive pace and ability to finish from difficult angles drew comparisons to a young Neymar during his Santos days. It was in this context that Arsenal, then managed by Unai Emery, signed him for approximately £6 million in July 2019. The transfer was facilitated by Martinelli’s Italian passport, inherited from his immigrant grandparents.
Adaptation and Breakthrough at Arsenal
Arriving in England at 18 presented significant challenges. Martinelli had to contend with the cold London weather, the intensity of the Premier League, and the pressure of playing for a historic club. His debut came early in the 2019-20 season, as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle. However, it was in September that he truly announced his arrival: a brace in a 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.
That season, Martinelli scored 10 goals across all competitions. He shone in the Europa League with braces against Standard Liège and Vitória de Guimarães, as well as against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. His long-range strike against Chelsea in January 2020 was voted Arsenal’s Goal of the Season. Despite a six-month knee injury that sidelined him, he returned in time to contribute to the club’s FA Cup triumph in August 2020—the team’s first major trophy in years.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Martinelli secured an even more prominent role. In the 2020-21 season, he adapted to the left-wing position, contributing with assists and occasional goals, such as against Sheffield United. In 2021-22, he scored his first Premier League brace against Leeds and a stunning strike against Newcastle. The peak of his career came in 2022-23, when he netted 15 league goals, tying with Martin Ødegaard as the team’s top scorer and equaling Roberto Firmino’s record for the most goals by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season.
Consolidation and Challenges
Subsequent seasons further established him as a star. In 2023-24, he scored crucial goals in victories over Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Liverpool, and made his Champions League debut with a goal against Sevilla. The 2024-25 season brought further standout moments, including goals in draws against Chelsea and Liverpool, and a decisive penalty in the Champions League quarter-final shootout against Real Madrid.
However, challenges arose, particularly recurring muscular injuries, including one in 2024 that kept him out for several weeks. Despite this, Martinelli demonstrated resilience, returning stronger each time. As of October 2025, he has made 169 Premier League appearances and scored 41 goals for Arsenal, with his contract running until June 2027 and an estimated market value of €45 million.
International Career
His club success paved the way for the Brazil national team. Martinelli won Olympic gold with the under-23 side at the Tokyo 2020 Games, scoring in the semi-final against Mexico. He made his senior debut in March 2022, in a 4-0 qualifying win over Chile for the 2022 World Cup. During the tournament in Qatar, he came off the bench in matches against Serbia, Cameroon, and South Korea, helping secure progression.
His first senior international goal came in November 2023 against Colombia in World Cup qualifying. More recently, he scored against Mexico in a June 2024 friendly and against Japan in the October 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup. With 20 caps and three goals to date, he is regarded as a successor to forwards such as Richarlison and Raphinha.
Recent Developments: A Strong 2025-26 Season
The 2025-26 season has been electrifying for Martinelli. With Arsenal bolstered by signings such as Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, the team has been in contention at the top of the Premier League. In November, he scored in a draw against Manchester City, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in high-stakes matches. In the Champions League, goals against Atlético Madrid and a decisive strike in a victory over Bayern Munich garnered global attention.
Against Bayern at the Emirates, Martinelli capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who later admitted to being “hypnotized” by the Brazilian’s anticipation. This moment went viral, serving as a warning to rival fans that Martinelli remains a significant threat. However, a muscular injury sidelined him for several weeks, with a return expected after the November international break. Despite this, he ranks among the ten fastest players in the Premier League this season, with an average sprint speed of 34 km/h. Contract renewal discussions are ongoing, with Arsenal intent on retaining him as a cornerstone of the squad alongside players like Declan Rice.
Playing Style and Key Achievements
What sets Martinelli apart is his versatility. Whether operating on the left wing or as a centre-forward, he combines raw speed with tactical intelligence. His close control and precise finishing evoke memories of Thierry Henry at his peak. He also contributes defensively through high pressing, aligning with Mikel Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
His major achievements include the 2020 FA Cup, Olympic gold, and participation in World Cups and Copa América tournaments. Individually, he was named Premier League Player of the Season in 2019 and received nominations for the PFA Team of the Year in 2023.
Personal Life: Roots and Balance
Off the pitch, Martinelli remains grounded. He has been engaged to Isabella Rousso since March 2025, and the couple splits their time between London and visits to his family in Brazil. A lover of barbecues and samba, he uses social media to support social causes, including donations to underprivileged communities in Guarulhos. “Football took me out of the periphery, but I never forget where I came from,” he stated in a recent live stream.
Martinelli also invests in education, encouraging young people from favelas to pursue their studies. His routine emphasizes recovery and family time to mitigate recurring injuries.
The Future of a Rising Talent
At 24 years of age, Gabriel Martinelli is at the peak of his career, with a world of possibilities ahead. Arsenal aims to end its long wait for the Premier League title, and he is central to that ambition. With the national team, he is a key option for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, particularly alongside Vinícius Jr.
Challenges such as injuries and increasing competition will test his maturity, but his determination remains unwavering. From the streets of Guarulhos to the Emirates Stadium, Martinelli proves that the Brazilian dream can be realized in Europe. Fans around the world eagerly await the next chapters in this story of perseverance and triumph.
