Arsenal's star is regarded as the 'best in the world'

Once underestimated during his early years at Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes has now risen to become one of the top center-backs globally.

For many years, Gabriel Magalhaes was considered one of the most underrated players at Arsenal. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, this view has completely changed as the Brazilian defender has established a solid position not only at Emirates but also among the world's elite defenders.

Romano shared on the podcast Here We Go: “Gabriel was undervalued for many years. Now it's different, with consistent performances and impressive goal-scoring, he is one of the best center-backs in the world. But previously, only Edu and Mikel Arteta always had faith in Gabriel.”

Joining Arsenal from Lille in the summer of 2020, Gabriel immediately impressed with a perfect debut against Fulham: scoring, keeping a clean sheet, and showing confidence in defense. However, his journey to establish himself in the Premier League was never smooth. In the early seasons, he frequently faced skepticism from experts, was scrutinized for individual mistakes, and was often labeled "not good enough" for a big club.

That trust became the foundation for Gabriel's gradual growth. Under Arteta's guidance, the Brazilian defender learned to control his impatience, improved his positioning and coordination with teammates in defense. He also became a dangerous threat on set pieces, contributing crucial goals for Arsenal in tight matches.

Not only within Arsenal has Gabriel's value been reassessed. Several major European clubs tried to sign the 27-year-old defender. In the summer of 2024, Paris Saint-Germain and a wealthy Saudi Arabian club made huge offers to Emirates. However, Arsenal quickly rejected them and declared Gabriel "untouchable." Shortly after, the Brazilian player extended his contract, clearly showing the club's recognition of his key role.

In fact, Arsenal's firm stance on keeping Gabriel reflects his importance in their long-term plans. From once being considered "surplus," he has now become an irreplaceable wall, playing a significant part in the quest for the Premier League title and European success.

At 27, Gabriel is entering the peak phase of his career. Experience, composure, and consistency make him a pillar for his teammates and Arteta's absolute trust. With his current upward trajectory, not only Arsenal but world football must reconsider the value of a defender once overlooked but now elevated to A-list star status in the football world.