Gabriel Martinelli: 7 Facts About Arsenal’s Brazilian Winger You Need to Know in 2026
Gabriel Martinelli has gone from an exciting Brazilian prospect to a Premier League champion with Arsenal. After joining the Gunners in 2019, the winger has established himself as an important attacking option under Mikel Arteta.
Here’s what you need to know about Martinelli in 2026, including his background, Arsenal career, playing style, recent form and role in the club’s title-winning campaign.
1. Who Is Gabriel Martinelli?
Gabriel Martinelli is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Arsenal and the Brazil national team. He is primarily associated with the left wing but can operate in different attacking positions.
Martinelli is known for his pace, direct running, pressing and ability to attack defenders one-on-one.
- Full name: Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
- Date of birth: June 18, 2001
- Birthplace: Guarulhos, Brazil
- Position: Forward / Winger
- Club: Arsenal
- Shirt number: 11
- Nationality: Brazilian
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano as a teenager and has remained with the club throughout the major development of the current Arsenal team. Arsenal describes him as its second-longest-serving player after Bukayo Saka.
Quick fact: Martinelli joined Arsenal before Mikel Arteta became the club’s manager, making him one of the players who has been part of the club’s transformation from the beginning of the Arteta era.
2. Martinelli Has Become a Premier League Champion
One of the biggest achievements of Martinelli’s Arsenal career came in the 2025/26 season, when Arsenal won the Premier League title.
The championship was particularly significant because Martinelli had spent seven years at Arsenal before finally lifting the league trophy. Following the title-clinching victory, Martinelli spoke about how much the achievement meant after years of trying to win the competition.
Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign ended with the club winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Martinelli’s Major Arsenal Honours
- Premier League: 2025/26
- FA Cup: 2019/20
- Community Shield: Arsenal
- Emirates Cup: Arsenal
He also represented Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics and won a gold medal with Brazil’s Olympic team.
3. What Were Gabriel Martinelli’s 2025/26 Stats?
Martinelli’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign was not his most productive in terms of goals, but he remained an important squad player during Arsenal’s title-winning season.
Arsenal’s official review of the campaign lists Martinelli with 1 Premier League goal. He was also included among the players who made at least 40 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions during the season, showing that he remained heavily involved despite competition for attacking positions.
His role was not simply about scoring. Martinelli’s pace, movement and ability to stretch defensive lines continued to give Arsenal another attacking option.
4. What Makes Gabriel Martinelli’s Playing Style Effective?
Martinelli’s biggest strengths are his speed, directness and aggressive movement.
Key strengths include:
- Pace: He can quickly attack space behind defensive lines.
- Dribbling: His direct approach allows him to take defenders on.
- Pressing: He works hard when Arsenal are without the ball.
- Off-ball movement: His runs can create space for teammates.
- Versatility: He can operate on the left, right or in more central attacking positions.
His off-ball movement has also been a notable part of his game. Premier League data previously ranked Martinelli highly among Arsenal players for attacking and overall off-ball runs.
5. What Is Gabriel Martinelli’s Role at Arsenal?
Martinelli’s role has become more competitive as Arsenal have strengthened their attacking options.
He can provide width on the left, attack space behind defenders and offer a different type of threat from more possession-oriented attackers.
His versatility gives Arteta additional tactical options, particularly when Arsenal need more pace and directness in the final third.
Martinelli’s importance was also reflected by his involvement in Arsenal’s 2025/26 season. The club included him among the 12 players eligible for its official Player of the Season vote after the title-winning campaign.
6. Martinelli Has Produced Some Memorable Arsenal Moments
Martinelli has already produced several important moments during his Arsenal career.
One of his best Premier League seasons came in 2022/23, when he scored 15 league goals and provided five assists, giving him 20 Premier League goal involvements.
He has also scored important goals against major opposition. In September 2025, for example, Martinelli came off the bench against Manchester City and scored a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser in a 1-1 Premier League draw.
These moments highlight why Arsenal continue to value his pace, attacking instincts and ability to change games.
7. What Is Next for Gabriel Martinelli in 2026/27?
The 2026/27 season gives Martinelli another opportunity to compete for a regular starting position in a strengthened Arsenal attack.
Arsenal’s squad now contains significant attacking depth, so Martinelli faces competition for minutes. At the same time, his pace and experience provide qualities that can be particularly useful against teams defending with a high line.
The new season is also significant because Arsenal are entering it as Premier League champions and preparing for another Champions League campaign. Arsenal’s official 2026/27 schedule confirms the club’s preparations for the new campaign and the upcoming season.
Gabriel Martinelli Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Gabriel Martinelli?
Gabriel Martinelli was born on June 18, 2001. He is 25 years old in 2026.
What position does Gabriel Martinelli play?
Martinelli primarily plays as a left winger or forward, although his versatility allows him to operate in other attacking positions.
When did Gabriel Martinelli join Arsenal?
Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano.
Has Gabriel Martinelli won the Premier League?
Yes. Martinelli won the 2025/26 Premier League title with Arsenal. It was the club’s first league title in 22 years.
How many goals did Martinelli score in 2025/26?
Martinelli scored one Premier League goal during the 2025/26 season, according to Arsenal’s official season review.
What was Martinelli’s best Premier League season?
Statistically, 2022/23 was one of his standout Premier League campaigns. He scored 15 goals and provided five assists that season.
Final Verdict
Gabriel Martinelli remains an important part of Arsenal’s squad in 2026. His career has already included a Premier League title, an FA Cup and several memorable attacking performances.
Although his 2025/26 Premier League goal tally was modest, his pace, pressing, movement and versatility continue to give Mikel Arteta another attacking weapon.
With Arsenal entering the 2026/27 season as Premier League champions, Martinelli has another chance to establish himself as a regular starter and add more goals and trophies to his Arsenal career.