Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes has witnessed an extraordinary 350 per cent spike in his jersey sales following his missed penalty in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the painful defeat in the shootout, the Gunners’ faithful have shown remarkable support for the centre-back, making his name the most popular choice among fans purchasing replica kits.
Unprecedented rise in shirt sales
As reported by The Athletic, Gabriel’s shirt sales surged by 350 per cent immediately after his missed spot-kick in the Champions League final. The north London club endured heartbreak as PSG clinched their second consecutive European crown, yet the Arsenal fanbase responded with an outpouring of solidarity. The 28-year-old took responsibility for the fifth penalty, but his shot went over the crossbar, sealing Arsenal’s fate. Over the weekend, Gabriel’s shirt became the top-selling name among Arsenal supporters, at one stage outselling every other player combined.
Gabriel’s heartfelt message to fans
Following the emotional defeat, Gabriel took to social media to share his feelings with supporters. The Brazilian defender expressed deep regret over the result but also immense pride in the team that ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Reflecting on the season, he wrote: “It’s painful, but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season. Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today! See you next season!!! Love, Big Gabi.” The message captured both his disappointment and his gratitude towards the fans who have stood by him.
Enduring impact and secure future
The overwhelming wave of fan support highlights Gabriel’s importance to the club since his arrival in north London. Since joining from Lille in 2020, he has made 261 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 24 goals from defence. His performances this season were pivotal in helping the team capture the Premier League title, featuring 51 times across all competitions and scoring four goals. The campaign also saw him add the Community Shield to his list of honours. Arsenal have already secured his long-term commitment, with his current deal running until June 30, 2029. One missed penalty is unlikely to overshadow the consistency and leadership he has shown in the heart of defence.
Eyes now on World Cup success
With the club season concluded, Gabriel will now turn his attention to international duties with Brazil as preparations for the World Cup get underway. The defender was rested for the recent 6-2 friendly win over Panama but is expected to return for the warm-up fixture against Egypt on June 7. Brazil will then face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C as Gabriel aims to make his mark on the global stage. The Arsenal star’s resilience and determination ensure that his story this season ends with hope rather than heartbreak.
