Gabriel Martinelli Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 22, 2025
As the year 2025 unfolds, Gabriel Martinelli stands not just as one of Arsenal’s most dynamic attacking forces, but as a fully realized star on the global football stage.
Once hailed as a promising teenager from Brazil, Martinelli has evolved into a consistent match-winner, fan favorite, and symbol of Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
With explosive pace, clinical finishing, and an ever-maturing footballing brain, the Brazilian winger has transformed from a raw talent into a cornerstone of one of England’s most exciting teams.
Then: The Humble Rise – A Star Born in Novo Horizonte (2001–2019)
1. Roots in Rural Brazil
Born on June 18, 2001, in Novo Horizonte, São Paulo, Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva grew up in a modest household where football was more than a game—it was a dream. His father, a construction worker, and mother, a cleaner, supported his passion, often driving him hours to youth tournaments.
Martinelli began his football journey with local clubs, including Ituano FC, where his speed, agility, and goal-scoring instinct quickly set him apart. At just 17 years old, he made his professional debut for Ituano in the Campeonato Paulista, Brazil’s top state league.
2. Breakthrough Performance
In the 2018–19 season, Martinelli exploded onto the scene:
- Scored 10 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions
- Became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Paulista championship in over 50 years
- Attracted attention from European scouts, including clubs in Italy, France, and England
His performances showcased a rare blend: youthful exuberance, intelligent movement, and fearless attacking.
Related: Theo Hernández Then and Now
The Rise: Arrival at Arsenal and Early Challenges (2019–2022)
1. A £6 Million Gamble That Paid Off
In July 2019, Arsenal signed Martinelli for £6 million from Ituano—a bargain by modern standards. At just 18, he was thrust into the Premier League, a league known for its physicality and pace.
His debut season (2019–20) was sensational:
- Scored 6 goals in 26 appearances
- Netted in the Europa League semifinal against Valencia
- Became the second-youngest Arsenal player to score in Europe
- Played a key role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph in 2020, scoring in the semifinal
Fans instantly fell in love with his explosive runs, fearless one-on-one duels, and humble demeanor.
2. Growing Pains and Positional Evolution
Despite his early promise, Martinelli faced challenges:
- Injuries disrupted his rhythm
- Struggled with consistency in front of goal
- Initially played out of position as a central striker
Under Mikel Arteta, he was gradually repositioned to the left wing, where his right-footed cutting inside, pace, and link-up play could thrive. This tactical shift unlocked his full potential.
Related: Victor Osimhen Then and Now
Now: The 2025 Star – Arsenal’s Attacking Linchpin (2023–2025)
1. Key Figure in Arsenal’s Title Challenge and European Return
By the 2022–23 season, Martinelli had cemented his place in Arsenal’s starting XI. Alongside Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Declan Rice, he became part of a young, dynamic core that pushed Arsenal to the brink of a Premier League title—their first since 2004.
In the 2024–25 season, Martinelli reached new heights:
- 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions
- Formed one of the most feared left-wing partnerships in Europe
- Delivered in crucial matches against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham
- Played a vital role in Arsenal’s Champions League knockout-stage run—their first in seven years
His maturity, decision-making, and defensive contribution have all improved dramatically, making him a complete modern winger.
2. Tactical Mastery and Style of Play
In 2025, Martinelli is no longer just a “winger”—he’s a multi-dimensional attacker:
- Pace and acceleration: Still among the fastest players in the Premier League
- Dribbling and close control: Improved under pressure
- Finishing: More clinical, especially with his left foot
- Defensive work rate: Tracks back, supports Tierney or Kiwior, and presses intelligently
- Link-up play: Excels in combinations with Saka, Ødegaard, and Havertz
He often cuts inside from the left, looking to shoot or combine, but has also developed the ability to stay wide and deliver crosses when needed.
3. Leadership and Influence
Though still only 23 years old in 2025, Martinelli is seen as a leader in the dressing room. His work ethic, humility, and commitment to the team ethos embody Arteta’s vision for Arsenal.
He’s also become a role model for young Brazilian players, proving that success in Europe isn’t just for the elite academies—it’s for those with heart, hunger, and belief.
Related: Marcus Rashford Then and Now
International Career: Brazil’s Next-Gen Star
1. Breakthrough with the Seleção
Martinelli made his senior debut for Brazil in 2021 under Tite and has since earned over 25 caps. Though initially behind Neymar, Raphinha, and Vinícius Júnior, injuries and form have given him opportunities—and he’s taken them.
At the 2024 Copa América, held in the USA, Martinelli played a key role:
- Scored in the quarterfinal against Uruguay
- Provided assists in group-stage victories
- Helped Brazil reach the final, where they lost to Argentina
His performance earned praise from fans and pundits, with many calling for him to be a starter in the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle.
2. A Symbol of New Brazil
Martinelli represents a new generation of Brazilian footballers—less reliant on pure flair, more focused on discipline, fitness, and tactical intelligence. He’s part of a cohort including Endrick, Estevão Willian, and Andrey Santos—the future of the Seleção.
Related: Alphonso Davies Then and Now
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Martinelli remains grounded despite fame. He is known for:
- His strong Catholic faith, often seen praying before matches
- His close relationship with family, who still live in Brazil
- His charity work, including funding youth football programs in Novo Horizonte
He’s also a social media sensation, with over 15 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, where he shares training clips, match highlights, and moments with teammates.
In 2024, he launched “Martinelli 11”, a youth football academy in São Paulo aimed at giving underprivileged kids a path into professional football.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (As of 2025)
Gabriel Martinelli’s story is one of quiet determination and relentless improvement. Unlike some stars who burst onto the scene and fade, Martinelli has grown with every season.
He’s become:
- A symbol of Arsenal’s youth revolution
- A global ambassador for Brazilian talent outside traditional clubs
- A poster child for smart recruitment—a low-cost signing who became world-class
His journey from a small-town boy in Brazil to starting in the Champions League for one of Europe’s elite clubs is inspirational and authentic.
Related: Alejandro Garnacho Then and Now
Conclusion: Gabriel Martinelli – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old from Novo Horizonte, scoring hat-tricks in Brazil’s second tier, dreaming of Europe.
- Now: A Premier League star, Champions League regular, Brazil international, and key figure in Arsenal’s title-chasing side.
In 2025, Gabriel Martinelli is no longer a prospect.
He is a proven performer.
A fan favorite.
A leader in the making.
And with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and Arsenal aiming for sustained dominance, one thing is certain:
Gabriel Martinelli’s best years are just beginning.
🔥 “I didn’t come this far to stop now. Every game is a chance to be better.” – Gabriel Martinelli (2025)
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