Who is Gabriel Martinelli? Brazil's match winner vs Japan in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner deep into stoppage time in tonight’s match.

Brazil sealed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Japan in their Round of 32 clash in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on June 29. After going down in the first half to a goal from Kaishu Sano, the Selecao equalised through Casemiro, before Gabriel Martinelli netted a late winner.

The five-time champions began the match on the front foot, putting pressure on the Japanese goal. However, it was the Samurai Blue who took the lead in the 29th minute. Sano won the ball from Danilo and made a darting run towards the box before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

The Selecao fought back valiantly in the second half, forcing Zion Suzuki into several good saves. However, the Asian side finally broke in the 56th minute, when a cross from Gabriel was headed in by Casemiro.

The South American giants increased the pressure from then on as they searched for a winner. Just when the match looked set to go to extra time, the Selecao found the winner. It was a fine team move, with Bruno Guimaraes finding the feet of Martinelli with a clever pass. The Arsenal man took a brilliant first touch before beating Suzuki with a deft strike.

The goal ensured that Carlo Ancelotti’s side sealed a place in the Round of 16, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Norway.

Also Read: Who is Kaishu Sano? Japan goalscorer vs Brazil in FIFA World Cup 2026

Gabriel Martinelli Profile

• Age: 25
• Position: Left winger (primary), right winger
• Club: Arsenal (England)

Born in São Paulo, Martinelli began his career playing futsal for Corinthians. He later made the jump to football and signed for the fourth division side, Ituano, in 2015.

He had unsuccessful trials at Manchester United and Barcelona, and eventually made his senior debut with Ituano in 2018. His appearance in the Campeonato Paulista match against São Bento made him the youngest player to play for the club in this century.

Arsenal took notice of his potential and signed him for a reported fee of six million pounds in 2019. He was immediately integrated into the first team and made his senior debut in a win against Newcastle United. Martinelli scored twice in his second start for the Gunners in a UEFA Champions League match against Standard Liege.

Even though he is not an established starter under Mikel Arteta, he has made 191 appearances for the North London giants. He won the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield with the Gunners.

He made his debut for the national team in 2022. Since then, he has represented his nation in two World Cups, earning 26 caps and scoring five goals.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.