Gabriel Paulista is a Brazilian association football player known for his role as a centre-back.
He played for Arsenal F.C. from 2015 to 2017, winning the FA Cup twice during his tenure.
Before joining Arsenal, Gabriel had a successful stint at Villarreal CF from 2013 to 2015.
Biography
Early Life
Gabriel Armando de Abreu, commonly known as Gabriel Paulista, is a Brazilian professional footballer born in São Paulo. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth setup of E.C. Vitória in 2009 after unsuccessful trials at Grêmio Barueri and Santos. Gabriel made his senior debut for Vitória on March 7, 2010, in a Campeonato Baiano match, marking the start of his professional career.
Career
Gabriel's career took off at Vitória, where he played a crucial role in the team's return to Série A in 2012. He was recognized as the best central defender in the 2013 Campeonato Baiano and made significant contributions to the team, including scoring a goal in the national league. In August 2013, he moved to Villarreal CF in La Liga, where he continued to develop his skills as a centre-back.
In 2015, Gabriel signed with Arsenal F.C., where he won the FA Cup twice and the FA Community Shield. After two seasons in the Premier League, he transferred to Valencia CF, contributing to their Copa del Rey victory in 2019. In 2024, he briefly played for Atlético Madrid before joining Beşiktaş J.K. and later S.C. Corinthians Paulista, where he continues to play.
International Career
Gabriel was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time in March 2015, although he did not feature in the matches. He later obtained Spanish nationality in 2020, making himself available to represent Spain. Throughout his career, Gabriel has been recognized for his defensive skills, earning individual accolades such as the Campeonato Baiano Best Central Defender in 2012 and 2013, and being named in the FotMob La Liga Team of The Season for 2021-22.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Vitória
Born in São Paulo, Gabriel Paulista joined Vitória's youth setup in 2009 from Taboão da Serra, after having failed trials at Grêmio Barueri and Santos. He made his senior debut for the former on 7 March 2010, starting in a 3–1 win at Camaçari for the Campeonato Baiano championship, his only appearance in a season in which Vitória won the state title. He made his Série A debut on 15 May, replacing Vilson in a 1–1 home draw against Flamengo. In August 2010, Gabriel Paulista appeared in both matches of 2010 Copa do Brasil finals against Santos, but playing as a right back in a 3–2 aggregate loss. On 5 December, in the last game of a league season which saw his team relegated, Gabriel was sent off for a foul on Anaílson in a goalless home draw against Atlético Goianiense. He made his first team breakthrough in late 2011, and went on to play a crucial role in the following year, appearing in 35 matches as Leão returned to Série A. On 6 September 2012 Gabriel Paulista signed a contract extension with Vitória, until 2016. He was elected the best central defender of 2013 Campeonato Baiano; he opened in a 7–3 win at city rivals Bahia on 12 May, in the first leg of the final (8–4 aggregate). On 25 May, in the opening game of the 2013 season, he scored his only goal in the national league, putting Vitória 2–0 up after 12 minutes against Internacional at the Arena Fonte Nova, an eventual 2–2 draw.
Villarreal
On 15 August 2013, Gabriel Paulista moved to La Liga…
On 20 March 2015, Gabriel Paulista was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time, replacing the injured David Luiz for friendly matches against France and Chile. However, he did not feature in either match. On 9 December 2020, Gabriel Paulista obtained Spanish nationality through residence, and made himself available to represent the Spain national team.
- Club
- Arsenal F.C. (2015–2017)
- Club
- E.C. Vitória (2010–2013)
- Club
- Villarreal CF (2013–2015)
- Club
- Valencia CF (2017–2024)
- Club
- Atlético Madrid (2024–2024)
- Club
- Beşiktaş J.K. (2024–2026)
- Club
- S.C. Corinthians Paulista (2026–)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- Brazil
Legacy
Vitória
Campeonato Baiano: 2010, 2013 Arsenal
FA Cup: 2014–15, 2016–17 FA Community Shield: 2015 Valencia
Copa del Rey: 2018–19 Beşiktaş
Turkish Super Cup: 2024 Corinthians
Supercopa do Brasil: 2026 Individual
Campeonato Baiano Best Central Defender: 2012, 2013 FotMob La Liga Team of The Season: 2021–22
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron RamsdaleArsenal F.C. · 2021–2024
Aaron RamseyArsenal F.C. · 2008–2019- Aarón EscandellValencia CF · 2008–2012
- Aarón EscandellVillarreal CF · 2003–2008
Aarón ÑíguezValencia CF · 2007–2011
Abdoulay DiabyBeşiktaş J.K. · 2019–2020
Abel ResinoAtlético Madrid · 1986–1995
Abou DiabyArsenal F.C. · 2006–2015- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoS.C. Corinthians Paulista · 2003–2005
- Adaílton dos Santos da SilvaE.C. Vitória · 2010–2014
- Adaílton José dos Santos FilhoE.C. Vitória · 2003–2004
Adelardo RodríguezAtlético Madrid · 1959–1976
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Gabriel Armando de Abreu, commonly known as Gabriel Paulista or simply Gabriel, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Corinthians.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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