Gabriel Paulista: The Journey of a Brazilian Defender
Gabriel Armando de Abreu, better known as Gabriel Paulista, is one of the most recognized names in Brazilian football on the international stage. Born in São Paulo on November 26, 1990, Gabriel has built a solid career as a defender, marked by determination, versatility, and passion for the sport. Currently playing for Beşiktaş in Turkey, his journey is a story of overcoming challenges, achieving success, and maintaining an emotional connection to football. This article explores Gabriel Paulista’s life, career, and defining moments, from his humble beginnings to the grand stages of European football.
Early Life and Roots in São Paulo
A Childhood Tied to Football
Gabriel Paulista was born in the heart of São Paulo, a vibrant city where football is more than a sport—it’s a cultural passion. As the youngest of five siblings, Gabriel grew up in an environment where football was ever-present. His family faced hardships, and the loss of one of his brothers, who passed away at 21 due to involvement with crime, deeply impacted his life. Gabriel often cites this tragedy as a driving force to achieve not only his own dreams but also those of his brother, who aspired to be a footballer.
From a young age, Gabriel showed a natural talent for the game. He began playing on the streets and in local pickup games, like many young Brazilians, dreaming of following in the footsteps of idols like Ronaldo and Cafu. His determination led him to try out for clubs, but the path was not easy. He faced rejections at trials with Grêmio Barueri and Santos before finding his opportunity at Vitória, a club in Bahia that would become the starting point of his professional career.
Early Career at Vitória
In 2009, Gabriel joined Vitória’s youth academy, where he quickly stood out for his physical strength, positioning, and game-reading ability. Promoted to the senior team in 2010, he made his debut in the Bahia State Championship, in a 3-1 victory against Camaçari. Though not an immediate starter, Gabriel was part of the squad that won the state title that year, a significant milestone in his young career.
Rise in Brazilian Football
Copa do Brasil Finalist
In 2010, Gabriel had the chance to showcase his talent on a national stage. Vitória reached the Copa do Brasil final, facing the formidable Santos side featuring Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso. Although Vitória lost 3-2 on aggregate, Gabriel played in both legs of the final, even filling in as a right-back in the second match due to a teammate’s injury. While the outcome was disappointing, the experience was pivotal for his development as a player.
Relegation and Resilience
The second half of 2010 brought challenges. During the Brazilian Championship, Gabriel became a starter only in the final rounds but could not prevent Vitória’s relegation to Série B. Despite the setback, 2011 was a year of rebuilding. Gabriel continued to gain experience, alternating between the bench and starting lineup, as Vitória finished fifth in Série B, just one point shy of promotion.
Establishing Himself as a Starter
In 2012, under coach Toninho Cerezo, Gabriel finally solidified his place as a starter. His consistency as a center-back drew attention, and he scored his first goal for the senior team, albeit in a 3-2 loss to Juazeirense. In 2013, Gabriel was named the best defender in the Bahia State Championship and scored a crucial goal in a 7-3 thrashing of rivals Bahia in the state final. These achievements cemented his reputation and opened doors to European football.
European Career: Villarreal and Arsenal
First Steps in Spain
In August 2013, Gabriel signed a five-year contract with Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga. He made his debut in November, in a 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid. During his first season, Gabriel shared playing time with other defenders but adapted remarkably well to European football. He appeared in 18 La Liga matches, helping Villarreal finish sixth and secure a spot in European competitions.
In the 2014-15 season, Gabriel seized the opportunity created by Mateo Musacchio’s injury to become a regular starter. Forming a solid partnership with Víctor Ruiz, he helped Villarreal boast one of the league’s stingiest defenses, conceding just 17 goals in the 19 matches he played. His consistency attracted interest from bigger clubs, and in January 2015, Gabriel received a life-changing offer: a transfer to Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Challenges and Triumphs at Arsenal
Gabriel joined Arsenal in January 2015 for approximately £11.3 million. He made his debut in the FA Cup, in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. He quickly adapted to the physical demands of the Premier League, showcasing grit and skill in defensive duels. In his first full season, Gabriel won the 2015 FA Cup, though he was a substitute in the final against Aston Villa.
Despite moments of brilliance, such as a crucial tackle on Romelu Lukaku in a match against Everton, Gabriel faced challenges. In 2015, he was sent off in a game against Chelsea after a clash with Diego Costa, sparking controversy. Although his suspension for violent conduct was overturned, he was fined for not leaving the field promptly. Despite these setbacks, Gabriel won two FA Cups and an English Community Shield during his time at Arsenal.
Return to Spain: Valencia and Atlético Madrid
Success at Valencia
In August 2017, Gabriel returned to Spain to join Valencia on a five-year contract. He quickly became a key player, helping the team win the 2018-19 Copa del Rey, Valencia’s first major trophy in 11 years. During his first three seasons, Gabriel was a mainstay, playing at least 37 matches per season. His leadership on the pitch saw him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions.
However, from the 2021-22 season, Gabriel began to lose his place in the squad. Injuries and competition from new defenders reduced his appearances, and in 2023-24, he left Valencia after 220 matches and eight goals. During his time there, Gabriel was involved in controversies, including two incidents with Vinícius Jr. in 2022-23. In one, he received a two-match ban for kicking the Real Madrid forward. In another, he faced criticism for praising Valencia’s fans after a match marred by allegations of racism, though he clarified his intent was to celebrate the victory, not endorse discriminatory acts.
Stint at Atlético Madrid
In January 2024, Gabriel signed with Atlético Madrid until the end of the season to cover for injured defenders. Though brief, his time under Diego Simeone added experience to the squad, with appearances in key La Liga and Champions League matches. His stint reinforced his reputation as a reliable defender.
New Chapter at Beşiktaş
Move to Turkey
In July 2024, Gabriel Paulista signed with Beşiktaş in Turkey’s Süper Lig on a contract until June 2027. At 34, he continues to display his quality as a defender, contributing one goal and one assist in 19 matches during the 2024-25 season. His adaptation to Turkish football has been successful, and he has emerged as a leader within the squad.
Dream of Returning to Brazil
Despite his established career in Europe, Gabriel has never hidden his desire to return to Brazil. In a 2025 interview with journalist André Hernan, he revealed his dream of playing for Corinthians, the club his late brother passionately supported. Gabriel described his connection to Corinthians as deeply emotional, tied to childhood memories and a desire to honor his brother. He stated, “Everyone knows my dream is to return to Brazil and play for Corinthians. That’s my dream, because it ties into family matters.”
While he has left the door open to other Brazilian clubs, such as Palmeiras, which previously approached him, Gabriel emphasized that Corinthians holds a special place in his heart. His comments sparked excitement among Corinthians fans, who dream of seeing the defender don the club’s black-and-white jersey.
Legacy and Impact on Football
Playing Style
Gabriel Paulista is known for his physical robustness, excellent positioning, and anticipation. Standing at 1.87 meters and weighing 79 kg, he combines strength and agility, excelling in aerial duels and tackles. His versatility, shown early in his career when he played as a right-back, has made him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.
Off-the-Pitch Contributions
Off the field, Gabriel is admired for his story of perseverance. He often speaks about the importance of family and faith in his journey. Married and father to a son named Miguel, born in 2013, Gabriel leads a private personal life but uses his platform to inspire young players. His rise from rejections at trials to starring for top European clubs is a testament to his resilience.
Brazilian National Team
Although called up in 2015 for friendlies against France and Chile, replacing the injured Marquinhos, Gabriel has never played an official match for Brazil. He has expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunities, especially after acquiring Spanish citizenship, which sparked speculation about a potential call-up for Spain. Nevertheless, Gabriel remains proud of his Brazilian identity.
Conclusion
Gabriel Paulista’s career is a testament to how talent, hard work, and resilience can take a player from the streets of São Paulo to the biggest stages in world football. From his roots at Vitória to titles with Arsenal and Valencia, he has built a respectable legacy. Now at Beşiktaş, Gabriel continues to showcase his quality while dreaming of returning to Brazil to fulfill his wish of playing for Corinthians. His story is more than a sporting narrative—it’s a celebration of perseverance, family, and a lifelong passion for football.
