Santi Cazorla Breakthrough

Lore & Background

Gabriel Paulista began his career with Vitória in 2010, winning two Campeonato Baiano titles and finishing as runner-up in the 2010 Copa do Brasil. He spent a season-and-half in Spain's top flight with Villarreal before joining Arsenal in January 2015. Having won two FA Cups, he moved to Valencia in August 2017. He made over 200 appearances for Valencia, winning the Copa del Rey in 2019.

Reader's Guide

Gabriel Paulista joined Villarreal on 15 August 2013, signing a five-year deal. He made his La Liga debut on 10 November 2013, starting in a 1–1 home draw against Atlético Madrid. He featured in 18 league matches in his first season, sharing terms with Chechu Dorado, as Villarreal finished sixth and returned to a European competition. In 2014–15, profiting from Mateo Musacchio's injury, he became a starter and formed a strong partnership with new signing Víctor Ruiz, with his side conceding only 17 goals in the 19 league matches in which he appeared.

Did You Know?

• Gabriel Paulista made his UEFA Europa League debut on 21 August 2014, starting in a 3–0 away win against FC Astana.
• He was elected the best central defender of the 2013 Campeonato Baiano.
• Gabriel Paulista obtained Spanish nationality through residence on 9 December 2020, making himself available to represent Spain.