The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 11, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Football›Gabriel Magalhães
Sports • Football

Gabriel Magalhães

Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Arsenal and the Brazil national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães (born 19 December 1997) is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Arsenal and the Brazil national team. Born in São Paulo, he started his professional career in Brazil before moving to France with Lille, and joined Arsenal in September 2020 for a reported £27 million. He established himself as a first-team centre-back, winning the Premier League in the 2025–26 season, and made his senior international debut for Brazil in 2023, scoring his first goal during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Early life and youth career

Gabriel Magalhães was born in São Paulo, Brazil. He developed as a footballer in Brazil before beginning his senior career with Avaí.

Club career

Gabriel began his professional career in Brazil before moving to France to play for Lille. He joined Arsenal in September 2020 in a transfer reported at £27 million. He established himself as a first-team centre-back and was described by the club as a commanding centre-back. He won the Premier League with Arsenal in the 2025–26 season.

International career

Gabriel represented Brazil at youth level before making his senior international debut in 2023. He scored his first international goal during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. He has been included in Brazil squads for major tournaments.

Playing style

Gabriel is a left-footed centre-back known for his strength, tackling, aerial ability and aggressive defending.

Key facts

  • Gabriel Magalhães started his professional career in Brazil before moving to France with Lille.
  • He joined Arsenal in September 2020 for a reported £27 million.
  • He established himself as a first-team centre-back at Arsenal.
  • He made his senior debut for Brazil in 2023 and scored his first international goal during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
  • He won the Premier League with Arsenal in the 2025–26 season.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gabriel Magalhães?
He is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Arsenal and the Brazil national team.
When was Gabriel Magalhães born?
He was born on 19 December 1997.
Which club does Gabriel Magalhães play for?
He plays for Arsenal in the Premier League.
When did Gabriel Magalhães join Arsenal?
He joined Arsenal in September 2020 from Lille.
Has Gabriel Magalhães played for Brazil?
Yes. He made his senior international debut for Brazil in 2023.
What position does Gabriel Magalhães play?
He plays primarily as a centre-back.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Magalh%C3%A3es
    Supports: Basic biographical details, position, club, national team, transfer to Arsenal, international debut, and later career notes.
  2. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/226597/gabriel-dos-santos-magalhaes/overview
    Supports: Nationality, date of birth, preferred foot, appearances and goals for Arsenal.
  3. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/men/players/gabrielmagalhaes
    Supports: Club biography, transfer from Lille, debut, previous clubs, Brazil senior debut, and contract update.
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/236322/gabriel-magalhaes
    Supports: Player biography, birthdate, nationality, position, height and club.
  5. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=101000
    Supports: Date of birth, birthplace, nationality, transfer date and fee, and club statistics.