Gabriel Magalhães: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career And Transfer History

If you’re an Arsenal fan, chances are you’ve already fallen in love with Gabriel Magalhães. The tall, commanding Brazilian defender has become one of the pillars of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup, forming a formidable partnership at the back and helping the Gunners challenge for titles again.

But Gabriel’s journey to the top wasn’t a walk in the park. From the streets of Brazil to shining under the bright lights of the Premier League, his career is the perfect definition of persistence, hard work, and resilience. In this post, we’ll dive into his biography, career journey, transfer history, salary, and net worth—all served with a friendly, storytelling tone you’ll enjoy.

Early Life and Background

Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães, better known simply as Gabriel, was born on December 19, 1997, in São Paulo, Brazil. Like many Brazilian kids, football wasn’t just a sport for him—it was a way of life. Growing up in São Paulo, Gabriel spent countless hours playing football in the streets, honing the skills that would later make him a household name in Europe.

But here’s the twist: unlike some kids who are immediately spotted by scouts, Gabriel’s rise was slow and steady. He faced setbacks early in his youth career, and at one point, he even considered quitting football. However, his determination kept him going. When he joined Avaí FC’s youth academy, he started showing glimpses of his potential as a strong, left-footed defender with excellent anticipation.

Career Beginnings at Avaí

Gabriel’s professional journey started at Avaí FC, a club in the south of Brazil. At 16, he left home to join the club’s youth setup, and it wasn’t easy. The distance, the challenges of adapting to a structured football environment, and the uncertainty of whether he’d make it all weighed heavily on him.

But Gabriel stuck it out. By 2016, he had broken into Avaí’s senior team, making his professional debut in Brazil’s Serie B. Even though he was young, his composure on the ball and aerial dominance were hard to miss. Scouts from Europe began to take notice.

Move to Europe: Lille OSC

In 2017, Gabriel made a bold move to Europe, signing for Lille OSC in France. Now, let’s be honest: not every Brazilian who goes to Europe at a young age shines immediately. And Gabriel’s story proves that.

His early days in Lille were tough. He struggled with the language, the culture, and adapting to European football. He was loaned out twice—first to Troyes in France and later to Dinamo Zagreb B in Croatia. At this point, many fans thought Gabriel might never make it big.

But instead of sulking, Gabriel used these experiences to grow. The loan spells toughened him up and gave him valuable playing time. When he returned to Lille in 2018, he was ready to fight for his place.

And fight he did. By the 2019/20 season, Gabriel had cemented his place as one of Lille’s most reliable defenders. His performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League attracted big European clubs, including Arsenal, who were desperately searching for defensive reinforcements.

Arsenal Move: A New Chapter

In September 2020, Arsenal officially announced the signing of Gabriel Magalhães for a transfer fee reported to be around £27 million. This was one of the first big defensive signings under Mikel Arteta, and boy, has it paid off!

Gabriel made an instant impact in the Premier League. On his debut against Fulham, he not only put in a solid defensive display but also scored a goal. Talk about making a first impression!

Since then, Gabriel has grown into one of Arsenal’s most trusted players. Strong in the air, quick across the ground, and confident with the ball at his feet, he has all the qualities of a modern centre-back. His partnership with players like William Saliba has transformed Arsenal’s defense into one of the best in the league.

International Career with Brazil

You can’t talk about Gabriel without mentioning his international career. Representing Brazil is a dream for every young footballer from the country, and Gabriel got that chance.

He earned his first senior cap for the Brazil national team in September 2023 during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Since then, he has steadily grown into an important option for the Seleção, showing that his talents aren’t just limited to club football.

Salary and Net Worth

Now, let’s talk money—because football is also about the business side of things.

At Arsenal, Gabriel earns an estimated £100,000 per week, which translates to about £5.2 million per year. Not bad for a kid who once thought of quitting football, right?

As of 2025, Gabriel’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of £15–20 million. This includes his Arsenal wages, bonuses, endorsements, and personal investments. Considering he’s still in his prime, his net worth is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Transfer History

Here’s a quick look at Gabriel’s transfer journey so far:

• Avaí FC (Brazil) – Youth and senior debut

• 2017: Moved to Lille OSC (France) – Transfer fee reported around €3 million

• 2017–2018: Loan to Troyes (France) – Development loan

• 2018: Loan to Dinamo Zagreb B (Croatia) – Development loan

• 2020: Transfer to Arsenal (England) – Fee around £27 million

His move to Arsenal remains the biggest step in his career, establishing him as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League.

Playing Style and Strengths

Gabriel is not just another defender—he’s the kind of player that makes attackers think twice before running into his zone. His strengths include:

• Aerial dominance: At 6ft 3in, Gabriel is a nightmare for strikers during set pieces.

• Tackling and interceptions: He times his tackles well and rarely dives in recklessly.

• Ball-playing ability: Arteta loves defenders who can play out from the back, and Gabriel fits that bill perfectly.

• Physical presence: He’s strong, quick, and very difficult to beat in one-on-one duels.

Of course, like every player, he has areas to improve, such as occasional lapses in concentration, but overall, he’s been a rock at the back for Arsenal.

Life Outside Football

Gabriel is known to be private about his personal life. He isn’t one of those footballers who constantly makes headlines for flashy lifestyles. Instead, he prefers a low-key life, spending time with family and focusing on his career.

That said, he enjoys fashion and occasionally shares glimpses of his life off the pitch on social media. But don’t expect too many controversies—Gabriel is very professional in the way he carries himself.

What’s Next for Gabriel?

At just 27 years old, Gabriel Magalhães still has plenty of years at the top level. His immediate goal is to help Arsenal win the Premier League title and perform well in the Champions League. With Brazil, he’ll be hoping to become a regular starter and maybe lift the World Cup someday.

Given his trajectory, there’s no doubt Gabriel has the potential to become one of the best defenders of his generation.

Conclusion

From a young boy in São Paulo who nearly gave up on football to becoming one of Arsenal’s defensive leaders, Gabriel Magalhães’ story is nothing short of inspirational. His career journey shows that persistence, hard work, and belief can take you from the streets of Brazil to the pinnacle of world football.

With a growing salary, impressive net worth, and a career that’s only just hitting its peak, Gabriel’s name will be one to remember for many years to come. Whether it’s for Arsenal or Brazil, one thing is clear: defenders like Gabriel don’t come around too often.