Arsenal supporters have delivered a powerful show of support for Gabriel Magalhaes after the defender’s penalty miss in the Champions League final led to an extraordinary spike in shirt sales.
The Brazilian centre-back saw his decisive spot-kick sail over the crossbar during Arsenal’s penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday.
It was a painful moment for a player who had played such a significant role in Arsenal’s remarkable season.
However, rather than directing frustration towards the defender, supporters have responded by backing him in overwhelming numbers.
Reports have revealed that sales of shirts bearing Gabriel’s name increased by 350 per cent in the immediate aftermath of the final.
The Arsenal defender became the club’s best-selling shirt name over the weekend, with demand at one stage reportedly more than double that of any other player in the squad.
The surge underlines the affection supporters have for a player who has become one of the cornerstones of Mikel Arteta’s side since arriving from Lille in 2020.
Gabriel’s disappointment was clear after the final, but the 28-year-old quickly addressed supporters with an emotional message on social media.
The defender described the defeat as painful while expressing pride in what Arsenal had achieved throughout a season that ended with the club’s first Premier League title in 22 years.
He also thanked supporters for their backing throughout the campaign and promised the team would return stronger next season.
The reaction from Arsenal fans suggests that message has been received loud and clear.
Gabriel was not the only player to miss from the spot in Budapest, with Eberechi Eze also seeing his effort fail to find the net during the shootout.
Declan Rice was quick to defend both players after the match and insisted neither should shoulder the blame for the result.
“They are devastated to miss a penalty in the Champions League final,” Rice said. “But without those two this season, we wouldn’t have won the Premier League, that is for sure.”
Few Arsenal supporters would disagree.
Gabriel was once again outstanding throughout the campaign, helping Arsenal establish one of the strongest defensive records in Europe.
He made 30 Premier League appearances and featured heavily during Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final.
While the final ended in heartbreak, the reaction from supporters has demonstrated just how highly Gabriel is regarded in North London.
If anything, the events of the weekend appear to have strengthened the bond between player and fanbase rather than weakened it.