Gabriel Fernández Arena

Atlético Madrid

Gabi was born in Madrid. A product of Atlético Madrid's youth system, he was seldom used during his debut season with the Colchoneros' first team. After a loan to another club in the capital, Getafe CF, Gabi would make 52 La Liga appearances for the club from 2005 to 2007, scoring his only goal in a 1–1 away draw against RCD Espanyol on 9 April 2006.

Zaragoza

In early February 2007, Gabi joined Real Zaragoza on a €9 million transfer, agreeing to a four-year contract effective as of July. He was an undisputed starter in his first year, but the Aragonese were relegated from the top flight. Defensive-minded Gabi netted four times in 35 games in the 2008–09 campaign, as his team immediately regained their lost status. In the following season he again was first choice, helping to a final 14th position. Again a starter in the 2010–11, only missing matches due to suspension, Gabi scored a career-best ten goals as Zaragoza again escaped relegation, six from penalties – he was also their captain. On 12 March 2011, he scored twice from the spot in a 4–0 home win against Valencia CF. On 30 April, he converted a penalty in a 3–2 victory away to Real Madrid and, on the last matchday, scored twice from open play in a 2–1 win at Levante UD that secured his team's top-flight status.

Atlético return

On 1 July 2011, Gabi returned to Atlético Madrid on a transfer fee of around €3 million. He scored his first goal for the team on 4 December, in a 3–1…

Gabi was selected in José Ufarte's Spain squad at the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, finishing as runners-up to Brazil. He scored the first goal of their opening game, a 2–1 loss to Argentina in Sharjah.

In July 2023, Gabi was named manager of Getafe's Juvenil B squad. On 13 November, he took over the B team in the Segunda Federación after the dismissal of Emilio Ferreras. Gabi returned to Zaragoza on 17 March 2025, being appointed first-team head coach in place of Miguel Ángel Ramírez. He managed to avoid second-tier relegation at 51 points, but was sacked on 12 October after a poor start to the new season saw them placed bottom of the table. Gabi reunited with Simeone on 20 June 2026, being named in Atlético Madrid's staff as replacement to Nelson Vivas who left after eight years.

Known for his tackling ability as well as his combativeness and hard work, Gabi could both break down opposition attack and dictate play with the ball with equal effectiveness. He was also known to be proficient when in possession, capable of delivering through balls and distributing the ball at both long and short lengths.