Opinion

Top three Gabriel Magalhaes moments at Arsenal including North London Derby heroics

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Arsenal fans are waking up to exciting news.

Arsenal have confirmed Gabriel Magalhaes’ contract extension that sees the player sign a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel’s decision is obviously wonderful news for Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta as they can now plan around the Brazilian defender for the future.

Arsenal have a number of contract issues to solve this summer, including Bukayo Saka and William Saliba but this is an excellent start by securing the 27-year-old.

Arsenal Insider looks back at the Brazilian’s best moments in his five-year spell at the club and looks forward to what his future may bring.

READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes signs a new long-term contract alongside Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Top three Gabriel Magalhaes moments at Arsenal

Gabriel Magalhaes inspires Arsenal to victory at Old Trafford

Arsenal had made a stuttering start to the 2020-21 season during Gabriel’s first season at the club and despite scoring on his Premier League debut against Fulham, the Brazilian was still finding his feet.

Thomas Partey was making only his second appearance for the Gunners as they travelled to rivals Manchester United in what looked a daunting fixture.

However, fans were given a first glimpse at how strong Gabriel and Partey would make Arsenal’s spine of the side as they produced a defensive masterclass during a 1-0 victory.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game with a penalty but it was Gabriel and Partey’s performances that caught the eye and gave the Brazilian the confidence to kick on.

Gabriel Magalhaes scores winner in North London Derby

Scoring a winner in the North London Derby will make you a hero in the eyes of every Arsenal supporter but to do it at White Hart Lane makes it that extra bit special.

Back in September 2024, Arteta’s side were dealing with a number of injuries and suspensions to the midfield area, including Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard absences.

However, another defensive masterclass led by Gabriel and his partner William Saliba, saw the Gunners keep Spurs at bay and pinch a 1-0 victory thanks to a towering header from the Brazilian.

Gabriel’s set piece threat became the early season story for Arsenal as he was unstoppable for a period of time with Bukayo Saka’s excellent deliveries.

Gabriel Magalhaes stands up to Erling Haaland amid feud

Tempers flared at the end of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City back in September after John Stones secured a last gasp equaliser.

Erling Haaland bounced the ball off the back of Gabriel’s head amid wild celebrations but the Brazilian kept his composure to avoid any further disciplinary issues having already seen Leandro Trossard dismissed.

In the return fixture at the Emirates, Arsenal demolished Pep Guardiola’s side 5-1 and having taken an early lead, Gabriel let the Norwegian know the score by celebrating close by.

He then produced a magnificent, physical performance against Haaland to demonstrate that Arsenal are not to be pushed around.

What next at Arsenal for Gabriel Magalhaes

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Gabriel has expressed his desire to land major trophies with the club.

Gabriel stated: “I think it’s an amazing journey, and I’m so happy to continue this journey. I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club, my family loves it.

“We’ve done a lot of good things, and now it’s time to win some trophies. I want to say thank you for everything. I love the fans, and I love how they push the team. I think they are so incredible to keep pushing us every single game. We continue together for the future.”

Saliba’s favourite player is Gabriel and the centre back partnership has become one of the best in world football, the Gunners will now be desperate for Saliba to commit his future too.

However, Gabriel has already shown that he is a leader within Arteta’s dressing room and upon recovery from injury next season, the Brazilian will be a key part of Arsenal’s quest for a major trophy.