

Gabriel Martinelli
BrazilAlso known as: Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
Birthday
June 18, 2001
Birth Sign
Gemini
Birthplace
Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
Age
25 years old
Height
5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
About
Gabriel Martinelli is a Brazilian professional footballer. He is renowned for his electrifying pace, skillful dribbling, and clinical finishing, establishing himself as a vital attacking force for Arsenal. Martinelli has been instrumental in the club's recent successes, including winning the FA Cup and FA Community Shield. He has also represented Brazil on the international stage, participating in major tournaments such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. His dynamic playing style, characterized by relentless energy and direct attacking runs, has endeared him to fans, earning him the status of a fan favorite at the Emirates Stadium. Martinelli continues to be a prominent and exciting figure in contemporary football.
Early Life & Background
Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva was born on June 18, 2001, in Guarulhos, a bustling city within the São Paulo state of Brazil. His early years in Guarulhos revolved around football, where he first kicked a ball around local streets. From a young age, Martinelli showed a natural talent for the sport, blending speed and skill that quickly caught the eye of scouts. He began his organized football journey playing futsal for Corinthians from 2010 to 2014. This crucial phase not only sharpened his quick footwork and decision-making on the pitch but also significantly built his agility and ball control, skills that would set him apart from his peers.
By his teens, around 2014 or 2015, Martinelli transitioned from futsal to traditional football, joining Ituano's academy, where he honed his abilities and quickly progressed through the ranks. During his time at Ituano, his promising talent led to trials with major European clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona, but he remained loyal to his roots with the Brazilian club. His rapid ascent culminated in signing his first professional contract in November 2017. Martinelli made his senior debut for Ituano in March 2018 at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest player for the club that century. He scored his first senior goal in September 2018 and continued to impress, leading Ituano's scoring in the 2019 Campeonato Paulista with six goals, including a memorable brace in a quarterfinal match. By the end of his stint, he had netted 10 goals in 34 appearances, a remarkable record that paved the way for his move to Europe.
Career Growth
Gabriel Martinelli's big break came in July 2019 when Arsenal signed him for about £6 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut and earning his first Premier League start that December. In 2020, he celebrated winning the FA Cup and FA Community Shield with the team, and he also contributed to Brazil's Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, scoring in the semi-final shootout.
His form peaked in the 2022-2023 season, where he scored 15 Premier League goals and provided five assists, tying as Arsenal's top scorer. That year, he equaled a record set by Roberto Firmino for the most goals by a Brazilian in a single Premier League campaign. Martinelli extended his contract to 2027 and made his Champions League debut in 2023, scoring in a win against Sevilla. Despite injuries along the way, his speed and finishing have kept him central to Arsenal's attacks and Brazil's national squad, including appearances in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Gabriel Martinelli is widely perceived as a humble, hard-working forward whose explosive pace and relentless energy have made him a fan favorite at Arsenal. Media and supporters often describe his playing style as direct, fearless, and electrifying. Off the pitch, he maintains a low-key, family-oriented persona, frequently sharing moments with relatives on social media. Arsenal fans affectionately call him 'Gabi' or 'Martinelli,' and informal chants like 'Gabi Martinelli, he's faster than you think' are heard at the Emirates. His Instagram presence (@ga_martinelli01) is professional and grateful, featuring training clips, match highlights, and family posts. There is no official fandom name, though 'Martinelli Army' is used informally. He is not known for a distinctive fashion signature, instead favoring casual athletic wear. His public image is that of a dedicated, approachable athlete who lets his performances speak.
Fame & Fandom
Gabriel Martinelli stands as a cultural force in Brazil, recognized globally for his electric presence on the pitch. His standing in the global consciousness is quantified by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. According to these authoritative metrics, he is currently the 68th most famous person in Brazil, a position holding steady from the previous cycle. This domestic prominence translates internationally as well, where he ranks as the 17th most famous person from Brazil. These placements reflect a player who has transcended mere athletic performance to become a household name. Despite his rising star power, Martinelli lacks a formal, distinct fandom organization or specific collective identifier like "The Gabbies." His supporters are deeply integrated into the broader Arsenal fanbase rather than operating as a separate entity with unique rituals or campaigns. While he maintains an active social media presence that fosters direct engagement, there are no documented instances of fan-funded projects, birthday billboards, or viral street disruptions dedicated solely to him. The narrative surrounding him remains rooted in his professional trajectory and recent high-stakes transfer speculation involving Galatasaray, rather than established folklore or mythological stories. He is celebrated for his relentless energy and goal-scoring ability, yet no specific legends or extraordinary crowd reactions have been codified into football lore outside of his ongoing career achievements.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Gabriel Martinelli's journey began in futsal, a discipline that honed the lightning-quick footwork defining his modern game. Before becoming a global star, he was the youngest Ituano player to debut in the 21st century, making his mark at just 16 years old. Although several Brazilian clubs initially passed on him during his youth trials, he bounced back strongly to become Ituano's top scorer in the 2019 Campeonato Paulista. He holds dual Brazilian-Italian citizenship but has always chosen to represent Brazil on the international stage. A notable moment in his early career involved scoring his first senior goal in September 2018, signaling the arrival of a new talent. While some players accumulate viral legends, Martinelli's story is defined by his rapid ascent from a modest household in Guarulhos to the Premier League without the need for fabricated myths. His transition from futsal streets to European stardom remains the primary narrative arc fans retell about his origins.
Family & Personal Life
Gabriel Martinelli comes from a close-knit family in Guarulhos, with his father, João Carlos Silva, playing a key role in his upbringing. Not much is public about his extended family or personal relationships, but he often shares family-oriented posts on social media. His background in a modest household fueled his drive to succeed in football.
Notable Connections
Gabriel Martinelli is closely linked to Arsenal, where he plays alongside stars like Martin Ødegaard, his joint-top scorer in the 2022-2023 season. On the international stage, he's teamed up with Brazil's senior squad for events like the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Early in his career, he connected with Ituano teammates, including Claudinho, who assisted his debut goal.
Relationships & Dating History
Gabriel Martinelli has kept his romantic life extremely private. As of 2026, no credible, confirmed public relationships, engagements, marriages, or high-profile flings have been reported by multiple reputable outlets. Early relationships, if any, have remained entirely private. His social media focuses on family, training, and match highlights, with no indication of a current partner. He has no children. The latest reported status is single.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$17 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Gabriel Martinelli's estimated net worth stands at $17 Million. This figure derives primarily from his lucrative contract with Arsenal, where his salary for the 2025-2026 season is approximately £9.4–12.6 million (roughly $12–16 million) per year. Additional income streams include endorsement deals and property investments, though specific figures for these ventures remain undisclosed. His weekly wage is reported between £180,000 and £242,000, placing him among the highest earners at the club. While endorsements contribute a modest portion compared to his base salary, they add significant value to his overall financial portfolio alongside his real estate holdings.
Awards Won (3)
Gabriel Martinelli has collected key honors in football, including an Olympic gold medal with Brazil's under-23 team in 2020. He also won the FA Cup and FA Community Shield with Arsenal that year, highlighting his early contributions to the club's successes on the pitch.
2020 · Men's Football
Brazil U-23 at Tokyo Olympics
2020 · Team Competition
Arsenal FC
Known For
Arsenal FC
2019 · Forward/Left Winger
Brazil National Team
2022 · Forward
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- association football player
- Born
- June 18, 2001
- Birthplace
- Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil
- Gender
- Male
- Birth Sign
- Gemini
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva
- Height
- 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Similar People
Join the community
fans discussing
