Only few players have captured the imagination of Arsenal fans quite like Gabriel Martinelli. His journey from playing football in the lower divisions of Brazil to becoming one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers is an inspiring story of hard work, determination, and natural talent.
Known for his explosive pace, relentless work rate, intelligent movement, and eye for goal, Martinelli has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players. Despite his young age, he has already won major trophies, represented Brazil on the international stage, and established himself as one of the best left wingers in English football. Read more:Kai Havertz, History, Career Journey and Complete Statistics
This article covers Gabriel Martinelli’s history, career journey, statistics, achievements, playing style, and everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Brazil star.
Who Is Gabriel Martinelli?
Gabriel Martinelli is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a left winger and forward for Arsenal and the Brazil national football team.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
- Date of Birth: June 18, 2001
- Place of Birth: Guarulhos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
- Preferred Foot: Right
- Position: Left Winger, Forward
Martinelli is widely regarded as one of the fastest and hardest-working attackers in modern football.
Early Life of Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli was born in Guarulhos, a city in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Like many Brazilian footballers, he developed his skills playing street football and futsal before joining organized youth football.
His speed, technical ability, and determination quickly made him stand out among players of his age.
Unlike many young Brazilian stars who joined famous academies early, Martinelli took a less traditional path to professional football.
Youth Career
Corinthians Futsal
Martinelli spent part of his childhood playing futsal with Corinthians.
The fast-paced nature of futsal helped improve his:
- Ball control
- Close dribbling
- Quick decision-making
- Finishing in tight spaces
These qualities are still visible in his game today.
Ituano FC
Instead of joining one of Brazil’s biggest clubs immediately, Martinelli signed for Ituano’s youth academy.
He progressed rapidly through the youth ranks and impressed coaches with his work ethic and ability to score goals.
Professional Career
Ituano FC (2018–2019)
Martinelli made his senior debut for Ituano as a teenager.
Despite playing in Brazil’s lower divisions, his performances attracted scouts from Europe.
Ituano Stats
- Appearances: 34
- Goals: 10
His impressive displays earned him a move to one of England’s biggest clubs.
Arsenal Career
In July 2019, Arsenal signed Martinelli in a deal that surprised many football fans.
At the time, he was relatively unknown outside Brazil. Read more:Viktor Gyokeres, History, Career Journey and Complete Statistics
However, it did not take long for Arsenal supporters to realize they had signed a special talent.
Breakthrough Season
Martinelli enjoyed an excellent debut season.
He impressed with:
- Fearless dribbling
- Clinical finishing
- Incredible pressing
- Endless energy
Fans immediately compared his commitment to some of Arsenal’s greatest forwards.
Injury Setback
A serious knee injury temporarily slowed his progress.
Many young players struggle after long-term injuries.
Martinelli, however, worked hard during rehabilitation and returned even stronger.
His determination earned praise from teammates and manager Mikel Arteta.
Becoming a Premier League Star
Between 2022 and 2026, Martinelli became one of Arsenal’s most consistent attacking players.
His partnership with Bukayo Saka helped Arsenal build one of Europe’s most dangerous attacks.
He played a key role as Arsenal won the 2025/26 Premier League title, contributing crucial goals, assists, and relentless pressing throughout the campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli Career Statistics
Arsenal Statistics
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 180+ | 55+ | 35+ |
| FA Cup | 15+ | 5+ | 3+ |
| League Cup | 15+ | 6+ | 2+ |
| UEFA Competitions | 45+ | 15+ | 10+ |
| Total | 255+ | 81+ | 50+ |
These numbers reflect his growth into one of Arsenal’s most productive forwards.
Brazil National Team Career
Martinelli made his senior debut for Brazil after impressing in the Premier League.
Since then, he has become a regular member of Brazil’s squad.
International Statistics
- Caps: 33+
- Goals: 8+
- Assists: 6+
He has represented Brazil at major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa America.
Playing Style
Why Is Gabriel Martinelli So Good?
1. Incredible Pace
Martinelli is one of the fastest attackers in the Premier League.
His acceleration allows him to beat defenders consistently.
2. Excellent Dribbling
He is comfortable taking defenders on in one-on-one situations.
His quick feet make him extremely difficult to stop.
3. Clinical Finishing
Martinelli has developed into a reliable goalscorer.
He can score with both feet and is dangerous inside the penalty area.
4. Relentless Pressing
One of his greatest strengths is his willingness to defend from the front.
He constantly pressures defenders into mistakes.
5. Intelligent Movement
Martinelli makes clever runs behind defensive lines, creating space for himself and his teammates.
Major Honors
Club Trophies
Arsenal
- Premier League Champion (2025/26)
- FA Cup Winner
- FA Community Shield Winner
International Honors
- Copa América runner-up
- FIFA World Cup participant
Individual Awards
- Arsenal Goal of the Season winner
- Premier League Player of the Month nominee
- Arsenal Young Player of the Season
- Premier League Team of the Season nominee
Best Seasons of His Career so far
2022/23 Season
Statistics
- 15 goals
- 6 assists
This season established Martinelli as one of the Premier League’s best young wingers. Read more:The most assists in Premier League history
2023/24 Season
Statistics
- 12 goals
- 8 assists
He continued to improve his overall game while becoming more consistent.
2025/26 Season
Statistics
- 18 goals
- 10 assists
Martinelli played one of the best seasons of his career, helping Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy.
Gabriel Martinelli Records
- One of Arsenal’s youngest goalscorers in European competition.
- One of the fastest Arsenal players to reach 50 Premier League goal contributions.
- Among Brazil’s most productive young forwards in European football.
- Premier League champion with Arsenal.
Interesting Facts About Gabriel Martinelli
- He was relatively unknown before joining Arsenal in 2019.
- He played futsal during his childhood.
- His transfer from Ituano to Arsenal surprised many football experts.
- He is admired for his relentless work rate and commitment.
- He is considered one of the fastest players in the Premier League.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Gabriel Martinelli?
Gabriel Martinelli was born on June 18, 2001.
2. Which club does Gabriel Martinelli play for?
He plays for Arsenal Football Club.
3. What position does Martinelli play?
He mainly plays as a left winger but can also operate as a centre forward or right winger.
4. Which country does Gabriel Martinelli represent?
He represents Brazil.
5. Has Martinelli won the Premier League?
Yes. He helped Arsenal win the 2025/26 Premier League title.
6. What are Martinelli’s biggest strengths?
His pace, pressing, dribbling, movement, and finishing.
7. How many goals has Gabriel Martinelli scored?
He has scored more than 80 senior goals for club and country combined.
8. Can Gabriel Martinelli become an Arsenal legend?
If he continues to perform at the highest level and helps Arsenal win more major trophies, he has every chance of becoming one of the club’s modern legends.
Conclusion
Gabriel Martinelli’s rise from Ituano in Brazil to becoming one of Arsenal’s biggest stars is a story of perseverance and continuous improvement. His explosive speed, fearless attacking style, and relentless work ethic have made him a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium.
Still only in the early years of his career, Martinelli has already won major trophies, represented Brazil on the international stage, and established himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers. Read more:Bukayo Saka, History, Career Journey and Complete Statistics
With his best years still ahead of him, the Brazilian forward has the talent and determination to become one of Arsenal’s greatest players of the modern era while continuing to shine for Brazil on the biggest stage.
