Despite his brilliance at club level with Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes has never truly felt like a focal part of the Brazil national team – until now
There were just a few minutes on the clock when Gabriel Magalhaes took a hefty blow to the ankle as he cleared his lines for Brazil against Haiti.
He’d taken a touch, clipped the ball upfield and a Haitian attacker caught him strongly, sparking immediate concern on Carlo Ancelotti’s bench.
But Gabriel did not even require treatment as he dusted himself down despite grimacing. He also held his knee, as well as his ankle, following the late tackle.
Yet even if he had only one leg, Gabriel would have soldiered on because there’s a feeling he still has so much to prove with Brazil.
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At 28, it really is a mystery how the Arsenal centre-back has only earned 18 national team caps.
For several consecutive seasons now, he’s consistently proved at club level that he is one of the best defenders in world football.
While he’s been around the Selecao fold since making his debut in 2023, he’s had to fight to force his way into the starting XI but now he’s partnering Marquinhos and is unlikely to look back.
Yes it was only Haiti, who have now become the first side to be officially eliminated from the World Cup but Gabriel was excellent.
He completed 77 of his 81 passes, made two headed clearances and made three ball recoveries.
Gabriel’s shaky display against Morocco was fiercely scrutinised but don’t be surprised if he goes on to have an exceptional tournament.
The Champions League final penalty miss will have weighed heavily, but Arsenal’s World Cup stars also enjoyed a small break before heading Stateside.
Gabriel missed Brazil’s first World Cup warm-up match against Panama and was then an unused substitute against Panama, so there was an element of ring rust involved against Morocco.
A big game now beckons against Scotland and for all the question marks around Ancelotti’s selection in midfield and attack, you can say with certainty that Gabriel’s place in the side is not under threat.
His leadership skills were also noticeable. When Raphinha scored – the goal was chalked off for offside – Gabriel did not celebrate and was demanding more from his team-mates.
There’s a nice blend of youth and experience in the Brazil squad and now Gabriel is coming off the back of a Premier League title-winning season, he feels like a dependable character and part of this team.
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