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

If you’re an Arsenal fan or just someone who enjoys watching young football talents light up the Premier League, then Gabriel Martinelli is definitely a name that makes you smile. This Brazilian wonderkid has quickly become one of Arsenal’s most beloved players – not just for his skills, but also for his incredible work rate, fearless dribbling, and eye for goal.

But who exactly is Gabriel Martinelli beyond the football pitch? How did he rise from the streets of Brazil to playing under the bright lights of the Emirates Stadium? What’s his salary like as a top Premier League star, and how much is he worth now? And of course, what’s his transfer story – from Brazil to Arsenal and beyond?

Well, sit back and let’s take a deep dive into Martinelli’s biography, career, salary, net worth, and transfer history – told in a conversational way, so you’ll feel like we’re having a chat about football over a cup of coffee.

Early Life and Background

Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva – yes, that’s his full name – was born on June 18, 2001, in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. Like many Brazilian kids, football wasn’t just a sport for him – it was a way of life. From the dusty pitches of his neighborhood to the organized youth setups, Martinelli lived and breathed the game.

His father noticed his passion and encouraged him to join local academies. At just 9 years old, he was already showing signs of being something special. Unlike many young players who prefer showing off with flashy skills, Martinelli was focused on being direct, fast, and goal-hungry. He had that natural instinct for scoring that you can’t really teach.

Interestingly, before signing with any big club, Martinelli had trials with some of the biggest names in world football. He reportedly had training spells with Barcelona and Manchester United, but for different reasons, those opportunities didn’t lead to contracts. Imagine how different his career would have been if United had actually signed him! Arsenal fans will say “thank God they didn’t.”

Career Beginnings at Ituano

Martinelli officially started his professional journey at Ituano, a modest club in São Paulo state, Brazil. He joined their youth setup at a very young age and made his senior debut in 2018, when he was just 16 years old.

Now, let me put that into perspective – most 16-year-olds are still figuring out high school life, but Martinelli was already facing seasoned Brazilian defenders. That alone tells you how talented and mature he was for his age.

At Ituano, he quickly became the standout player. He played in the Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Championship), where he impressed scouts with his speed, sharp runs, and ability to score from different positions. For a young player, he showed surprising versatility – he could play as a winger, striker, or even in more creative roles when needed.

Arsenal Come Calling

Now, here’s where Martinelli’s life changed forever. In July 2019, Arsenal signed him for a fee reported to be around £6 million. At the time, some critics wondered if Arsenal had taken a gamble – after all, he was just a teenager from Brazil with limited top-level experience. But boy, did he prove the doubters wrong.

When he arrived at Arsenal, he wasn’t expected to go straight into the starting lineup. The club saw him as one for the future. But Martinelli had other ideas. He hit the ground running, scoring goals in the Europa League and cup competitions. Fans immediately noticed his relentless energy, fearless dribbling, and hunger to make an impact.

In his debut season (2019/20), he scored 10 goals in all competitions – not bad at all for a teenager fresh from Brazil. In fact, his performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where he sprinted from his own half to score a sensational solo goal, is already the stuff of Arsenal legend.

Setbacks and Injuries

Of course, Martinelli’s career hasn’t been without challenges. In 2020, he suffered a serious knee injury during training that kept him out for months. Injuries can be tough for any player, but for a young star, it’s even more mentally challenging. Many wondered if he would lose his spark.

But Martinelli is not the type to give up easily. He worked tirelessly in recovery, and by 2021, he was back on the pitch, hungrier than ever. If anything, the setback made him stronger, both physically and mentally.

Rising Under Mikel Arteta

Fast forward to recent years, and Martinelli has become one of the cornerstones of Arsenal’s exciting young squad under Mikel Arteta. Playing mostly on the left wing, he has formed a deadly partnership with players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus.

His style is electric – he combines Brazilian flair with English football intensity. He presses like crazy, dribbles past defenders with ease, and has a sharp eye for goal. In the 2022/23 season, he played a vital role in Arsenal’s title challenge, scoring important goals and proving he’s not just a youngster anymore – he’s a key player.

At just 22 years old (as of 2023), Martinelli has already shown he can handle the pressure of the Premier League. And trust me, the best is still yet to come.

International Career

Martinelli’s rise at Arsenal didn’t go unnoticed back home in Brazil. In 2022, he was called up to the Brazil national team and made it into their squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Representing Brazil is a dream for any footballer, and for Martinelli, it was the icing on the cake after years of hard work.

Even though Brazil didn’t win the tournament, Martinelli showed glimpses of his quality whenever he got the chance to play. With Neymar nearing the twilight of his career, many Brazilian fans see Martinelli as one of the future stars who can carry the Selecão forward.

Salary and Net Worth

Now, let’s talk money – because let’s be honest, football fans love knowing how much their favorite stars earn.

Martinelli signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal in February 2023, which keeps him at the club until at least 2027. His reported weekly salary is around £180,000, which translates to roughly £9.3 million a year. Not bad for a young lad who, just a few years ago, was playing in the lower leagues of Brazil.

As for his net worth, estimates put it around £10-12 million in 2023. And considering his age, performances, and potential endorsements, that figure is only going to skyrocket in the coming years.

Transfer History

Martinelli’s transfer history is actually pretty straightforward compared to some other players who’ve moved around a lot.

1. Ituano (Brazil) → Arsenal (2019): Signed for around £6 million.

2. Arsenal → Present: Still at Arsenal, with no transfer away as of now.

There have been rumors of interest from top European clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG. But Arsenal have made it clear – Martinelli is part of their long-term project, and it would take an astronomical offer to even tempt them into selling.

Playing Style – Why Fans Love Him

So why exactly do Arsenal fans love Gabriel Martinelli so much? Well, it’s a combination of things:

• Relentless energy: He never stops running. Defenders hate facing him because he presses like a machine.

• Direct dribbling: Martinelli doesn’t waste time with unnecessary tricks – he drives straight at defenders.

• Clinical finishing: Whether it’s a tap-in or a long-range effort, he has an eye for goal.

• Work rate: Even if he doesn’t score, he contributes with his defensive pressing and tireless movement.

In short, he embodies everything fans want in a modern forward.

Personal Life

Away from football, Martinelli is known for being humble and family-oriented. Despite earning big money, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. He often speaks about how his family supported him from the beginning, and he remains grounded despite the fame.

He’s also in a relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Isabella Rousso, and the two are often spotted together at events or on social media. Unlike some players who get carried away with fame, Martinelli seems focused on keeping his private life balanced while pushing himself to greater heights on the pitch.

Conclusion

Gabriel Martinelli’s story is one of those classic football journeys that fans love – from humble beginnings in Brazil to becoming a star in the Premier League. His rise hasn’t been without challenges, but his determination, talent, and hard work have made him one of Arsenal’s most important players.

At just 22, he’s already achieved a lot – playing for Arsenal, representing Brazil at the World Cup, and earning a handsome salary. But the truth is, his journey is only just beginning. If he continues developing at this rate, we might be talking about Martinelli as one of the world’s very best in a few years’ time.

So, Arsenal fans, cherish him while he’s here, because Gabriel Martinelli is the kind of player who doesn’t come around very often – a mix of flair, passion, and pure hunger to succeed.