Gabriel Martinelli, the renowned son of Joao and Silva Martinelli, grew up immersed in a profound passion for football, supported unwaveringly by his loving family. This article delves into the life of Gabriel Martinelli, whose journey from promising talent at Ituano to becoming a star for Arsenal and Brazil reflects the aspirations of young footballers worldwide. We’ll explore how he was once rejected by Manchester United after four trials, and how Paul Pogba, a player at United, took him in and cared for him like an older brother during that challenging time. Let’s uncover the compelling story of Gabriel Martinelli.
Story of Gabriel Martinelli: How Man United Rejection Changed Him
This story charts his rise to prominence, the challenges faced, and the milestones achieved, painting a portrait of a young talent whose journey from Brazil to England is just beginning to unfold.
To give you a taste of the engaging nature of Gabriel Martinelli’s Bio, here is a pictorial summary of his life.
Gabriel Martinelli Biography – From Brazil’s vibrant heart to the Gunners’ roaring field, ‘Nelli’ Martinelli’s journey unfolds, a football legend revealed.
Gabi, along with stars like Vini Junior and Rodrygo, is recognized as one of Brazil’s fastest-rising young talents in recent years. He’s celebrated for his explosive pace, dynamic play as a wide forward, and agile movement on the field.
However, not many soccer lovers have read an in-depth version of Gabriel Martinelli’s Biography, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.
Gabriel Martinelli Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To begin his biography, Gabriel Martinelli’s full name is Gabriel Teodoro Martinelli Silva. He was born on the 18th day of June 2001, in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil, to his mother, whose family name is Silva, and his father, Joao Martinelli.
Find below is a photo of Gabriel Martinelli’s parents, who could probably be in their mid-50s at the time of writing.
Meet Gabriel Martinelli’s Parents.- Mr and Mrs Joao Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli’s family originates from Guarulhos, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo and the second most populous city there. Did you know?… He also has Italian roots through his father, Joao Martinelli.
Like many football stars in Brazil, Gabriel Martinelli did not come from a wealthy background. His family experienced financial hardship before he achieved stardom.
Similar to other footballers like Gabriel Veron (RW), Darwin Nunez, and Romelu Lukaku, Gabriel Martinelli faced hardships in the streets from a young age, even before he could properly say his own name.
Growing up in one of Guarulhos’ poorest neighbourhoods, known for nurturing football talent, Martinelli started playing football as a young child.
Gabriel Martinelli Education and Career Buildup:
As a child, Gabriel Martinelli lacked interest in his studies and only enjoyed playing football.
Having fears that the competition for the football game was huge, with only a few making it to the top, Gabriel Martinelli’s parents had to seek the option of having their son get some formal education via home tutoring.
Gabriel Martinelli’s early education in football began with futsal. Like Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes before him, Martinelli developed his close control and agility from playing futsal.
Back then, the local fields of Guarulhos served as the melting pot for youngsters who gathered every evening to play football.
The local fields of Guarulhos was where Football began for Gabriel Martinelli. Futsal’s rhythm shaped his feet, in Guarulhos where talents meet. Like Coutinho, Martinelli rose, where the heart of football beats.
Gabriel Martinelli, early on, had the blessings of his parents, who, as time went on, cleared their doubts and knew he had the talent and could make something out of football.
As a juvenile hurler, Martinelli learned the trade of Futsal as a tough, diminutive forward.
Gabriel Martinelli Biography – Early Career Life:
At the age of nine, Gabriel Martinelli caught the attention of Corinthians’ futsal team, earning an invitation to try out. He impressed his coach during the trial, which led to his recruitment onto the team.
Martinelli was quick to make an impression with the Corinthian Futsal team. Did you know?…
He scored 66 goals in the Special Division of the Metropolitan Championship and another 56 goals in the State Gold Series – making his goals at this time 122 in total.
Gabriel Martinelli Early Life with Futsal. Leaving the game with 142 Goals.
In 2012, Gabriel Martinelli shifted his focus from futsal to football on the pitch. Before making the transition, he scored an impressive 142 goals in futsal. After moving to football, he added 63 more goals to his tally. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2015, he was scouted and recruited by Ituano FC, a fourth-division team in Brazil, when he reached a total of 202 goals for Corinthians.
While at Ituano FC, Gabriel Martinelli continued to impress his coach and fans.
Did you know?... Because he was that good, the young prodigy pictured below broke the record of becoming the youngest player to debut professionally for Ituano, a feat which made fans know he was indeed a star in the making.
From Futsal to fields, his goal tally soared to skies. With 202 goals, Ituano saw the spark in Martinelli’s eyes. Breaking records, young and bold, for fans, a rising star began to unfold.
Gabriel Martinelli Biography – Road to Fame Story:
Since his debut, Martinelli continued to show a lot of promise at such a young age, one which attracted the European giants of the game (Man Utd, Barcelona, Real Madrid).
Did you know? Among all European giants, it was Manchester United that first trialled him, inviting him to trial. While on trials, Gabriel Martinelli played in the same youth side as Mason Greenwood.
Unfortunately, Manchester United rejected him despite having four trials to impress them. Before leaving Manchester to find greener pasture elsewhere, Paul Pogba met the rejected Brazilian. In the words of Martinelli;
“Due to my facial looks, Pogba knew I was Brazilian.
He asked if everything was okay with me and where I was playing.
I told him everything that happened and then, he allowed me to take a picture with him. He also looked after me at my time there”
Gabriel Martinelli was looked after by Paul Pogba during his trial days with United.
After a failed trial with Manchester United, Barcelona only decided to let Gabriel Martinelli train at their famed La Masia academy in order to watch him before making a decision to sign him.
“Training at La Masia was one of the most enriching experiences of my football career. Not only is it one of the largest academies globally, but the training standards are exceptionally high, contributing significantly to my growth as a player.”
Martinelli once said.
Gabriel Martinelli Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
In order to make a bigger and more respected name for himself, Gabriel Martinelli decided to go back to Brazil, continuing with his club, Ituano FC.
That opportunity needed to make a name for himself came when he got selected to participate in the popular São Paulo State Championship.
Did you know?… Gabriel Martinelli began to flourish as he had the most impressive performance at the tournament.
He helped guide Ituano FC to win the group stages and reach the quarter-finals, all thanks to his amazing goals.
Gabriel Martinelli Rise to Fame- Here, he celebrates a goal in the Sao Paulo Tournament.
Gabriel Martinelli’s performance earned him a coveted spot in the Brazilian national team’s pre-Copa América training camp in May 2019.
What does this mean? It means he was selected to train alongside the likes of Neymar (LW), Coutinho, and the rest of the Brazilian senior players.
Also, participating in the Campeonato Paulista AKA Paulistão (the top-flight professional football league in the Brazilian state of São Paulo) became another turning point in his young career.
The Accolades and Rise of Gabriel:
Did you know?… After grazing the competition, Gabriel Martinelli grabbed three amazing prestigious Paulistão league awards, namely: (Campeonato Paulista Best Newcomer, Countryside Player of the Year, and Team of the Year in 2019).
Gabriel Martinelli Road to Fame Story- The Paulista 2019 Games Award.
Despite being so young, Martinelli made a name for himself in his home nation. Just after the awards, he became a subject of interest from no fewer than 25 top clubs around the world, who began begging for his signature.
Among all clubs, it was Arsenal who pounced first to meet his desires. While getting to Arsenal, the young prodigy got the opportunity to meet some of his heroes.
“I was received in the best way possible. Being very young, I got a little shy. I saw players who I was only opportune to see on television and PlayStation.
They all welcomed me very well and made me feel at home,” He added after joining Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli took his first steps towards fulfilling his potential by netting a stunning double against Nottingham Forest.
Following his impressive performance in the Carabao Cup, he continued his momentum by scoring twice in a dominant 4-0 victory over Standard Liege in the Europa League. Clearly, he exudes a confident goal-scoring prowess despite his young age.
Without a doubt, Arsenal fans might be on the verge of seeing a youngster blossom into a world-class talent right in front of our very eyes. The rest, we would say, is now history.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Love Story with Rachel Akemy:
As Gabriel Martinelli’s fame grew and he settled in London, many Arsenal and Brazilian fans were curious about his relationship status. It turns out, he is already in a relationship. Behind the successful footballer is a lovely girlfriend named Rachel Akemy.
Meet Gabriel Martinelli’s Girlfriend- Rachel Akemy.
Barely a month after joining Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli took some bold steps as he committed to marrying (engaging) his girlfriend.
This was a similar approach taken by his idol Philippe Coutinho, who engaged and married his girlfriend at a very young age.
Both Rachel Akemy and Gabriel Martinelli never miss the chance to take photos of them as they visit exotic destinations. The London Tower Bridge is one of the couple’s favourite getaways during their leisure time.
Gabriel Martinelli and Girlfriend at London’s Tower Bridge.
Based on the current trajectory of Gabi and Rachel’s relationship, marriage appeared to be a possibility for them. However, recent reports in the media indicated that Martinelli has ended his relationship with Rachel Akemy and is currently dating Isabella Rousso.
Personal Life:
Getting to know Gabriel Martinelli’s Personal Life would help you get a better picture of his person.
Gabriel Martinelli Personal Life Facts.
Starting off, Gabriel Martinelli is a fighter. He is someone who lives a determined and decisive life despite his calm and cool looks.
Speaking of looks, Martinelli actually looks older than he is, all thanks to his braveness and ability to adapt to what life brings to him.
Martinelli, who is 18 at the time of writing, is extremely passionate about his love life.
He is never afraid to make his relationship with his girlfriend public as other young footballers of his young age would desist from. This is indeed a characteristic of his self-confidence and braveness.
Gabriel Martinelli Family Life:
Martinelli, who happens to be the breadwinner of his family through his determination, has forged his family’s own path toward financial independence, all thanks to football.
Having a successful family member who has made it in football has made everyone in his household closer and attached to the game of football.
In the video below, Gabriel Martinelli’s family, including his (relatives) brother, sister, uncle, and aunt, all celebrate inside their small apartment after watching him score in his first Arsenal appearance. Credit to TheSun.
About Gabriel Martinelli’s Father:
Joao Martinelli is a Brazilian with Italian roots thanks to Martinelli’s Grandparents.
This qualifies his son Gabriel Martinelli to obtain an Italian passport and also secure the spot of having a future with the Italian national team. As observed below, there exists a striking resemblance between father and son.
Meet Gabriel Martinelli’s Father.
About Gabriel Martinelli’s Mother:
Little is known about her. However, it is known that she bore the surname ‘Silva’ before getting married to her husband, Joao.
Judging from the video above, it appears Gabriel Martinelli’s mum, at the time of writing, still resides in Brazil with the rest of the Martinelli family.
Meet Gabriel Martinelli’s Mother.
Gabriel Martinelli Lifestyle:
Aside from understanding his personal life, getting to know Gabriel Martinelli’s lifestyle off the pitch would help you get a more complete picture of his personality.
Thanks to his upbringing, Gabriel Martinelli has a strong grounding in keeping his finances in check and organized.
At the time of writing, there are no signs of Martinelli living a glamorous lifestyle, easily noticeable by a handful of expensive cars and mansions.
Gabriel Martinelli Lifestyle Facts- Explained. Credit to GlobeFreak and Instagram
Martinelli’s ability to provide financial assistance to his family members is similar to the commitment he puts on the pitch.
Untold Facts:
This final section of his Biography tells you truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Gabriel Martinelli Religion:
Martinelli grew up in a Christian household, where he attended the Roman Catholic Diocese of Guarulhos during his childhood. He openly expresses his gratitude to God during his goal celebrations.
The 911 Attacks happened the year he was born:
Did you know?… Only 3% of Internet users received information about the 9/11 attacks from the web.
Precisely on September 11 2001, two hijacked American airliners ploughed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This place is in New York. The towers, upon the impact, collapsed successively.
A disaster Earthquake happened the year he was born:
Also, on the path of disaster, a wild earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richer scale jolted Gujarat of India on January 26, killing at least 20,000 people and injuring 167,000 others.
Important Technologies were released the year he was born:
On January 13, 2001, Wikipedia.org came online.
In July 2001, Google launched the popular “Image Search” that offered users access to over 250 million images. Finally, on November 15, Microsoft released the Xbox video game console.
Fact Check:
Thank you for reading Gabriel Martinelli’s childhood story and his untold biography facts. We aim to provide accurate and fair information. If you notice anything that seems incorrect, please let us know by leaving a comment below. Your ideas are always valued and respected.
