Gabriel Paulista

Lore & Background

Gabriel Paulista began his senior career with Vitória in 2010, winning one Campeonato Baiano title. He spent a season-and-a-half in Spain's top flight with Villarreal before joining Arsenal in January 2015. Having won one FA Cup (2014–15 season), he moved to Valencia in August 2017. He made 134 appearances for Valencia, winning the Copa del Rey in 2019. He later played for Atlético Madrid and Beşiktaş before returning to Beşiktaş in 2024 after a brief stint back at Atlético Madrid.

Reader's Guide

Gabriel Paulista is a centre-back known for his defensive strength and occasional goal-scoring. He has played for clubs in Brazil, Spain, England, Turkey, and again in Brazil. His career includes titles with Vitória, Arsenal, Valencia, Beşiktaş, and Corinthians.

Did You Know?

• He was elected the best central defender of the 2013 Campeonato Baiano.
• He scored his only goal in the Brazilian national league on 25 May 2013 for Vitória against Internacional.
• He was sent off in the 2019–20 Champions League group stage for a second yellow card after a foul on Dušan Tadić in Valencia vs. Ajax on 2 October 2019.
• He obtained Spanish citizenship in 2019 after residing in Spain long enough, making him eligible for the Spain national team (though he was never called up).