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Posted on June 9, 2026 1:00 am | Updated on June 8, 2026 5:38 pm Martinelli heads to FIFA World Cup 2026 as a Premier League champion.
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Gabriel Martinelli was once told nobody knew who he was. Three years later, he walks into the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a Premier League champion.
The criticism that sparked a fierce debate
As reported by the Mirror, back in November 2022, Martinelli was named in Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar at just 21. His selection was not universally welcomed, with many back home feeling more established names deserved the spot ahead of him.
Neto, a former Brazil forward, was the loudest critic. On Os Donos da Bola, he went after Martinelli directly, pointing out that the winger had scored just five Premier League goals that season while Gabigol had netted 29 in Brazil. Gabigol had also scored the winning goal in the Copa Libertadores final just weeks earlier, making his omission even harder for Brazilian fans to accept. To Neto, there was no argument.
He did not hold back. As reported by football.london,“What is Martinelli’s story? 33 career goals. This is a shame, a lack of respect. The guy who walks around the mall here, nobody knows who he is,” he said.
Martinelli’s stats for the 2025-26 season, as per FotMob:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Successful dribbles
Premier League 30 1 4 22
UCL 14 6 2 16
FA Cup 4 4 1 4
EFL Cup 5 0 0 6
From doubt to Premier League champion
Martinelli heads into the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a Premier League title winner. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league title, and he contributed throughout, chipping in four assists and remaining one of Arteta’s trusted options across the season. It was not a vintage individual campaign in the league, but he showed up when it mattered, including key appearances during Arsenal’s decisive run-in.
In the Champions League, Gabriel Martinelli was the sharper, more decisive version of himself. As per transfermarkt, he scored six goals as Arsenal reached the final. He presses with more purpose now, holds his position better, and arrives in big moments far more reliably than he did in his early years at the club.
As reported by ESPN, Carlo Ancelotti has selected him alongside club teammate Gabriel Magalhaes for the FIFA World Cup. A manager who has won the club game’s biggest trophies does not hand out call-ups as a courtesy. Martinelli is in that squad because he belongs there.
What to expect from Gabriel Martinelli at FIFA World Cup 2026?
In Qatar, Martinelli made three appearances without a goal or assist. He knows what a World Cup demands now, and he arrives in 2026 a considerably better player than the one who boarded that flight to Doha. He scored in friendlies against Japan and Croatia, which at least shows he is not short of confidence heading into the tournament. Brazil are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 under Ancelotti, and Martinelli is likely to feature as one of the wide options behind the central striker. Brazil have not lifted the World Cup since 2002, and that weight sits over every player in Ancelotti’s squad.
As reported by football.london, Martinelli said:“Being called up to the national team is proof that all the effort is worth it. Very proud to represent my country in yet another World Cup. This is just the beginning.”
Neto wanted to know Martinelli’s story. A Premier League title, a Champions League final, and a second FIFA World Cup call-up later, he has his answer.
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Deepanjali Bhardwaj
Deepanjali Bhardwaj is a Sports Writer at Six Sports, covering both football and cricket with a focus on match developments, player performances, and key talking points across the two sports. Her work combines timely reporting with clear analysis, helping readers stay informed about major matches, tournaments, and emerging storylines in the football and cricket landscape. Through her coverage at Six Sports, Deepanjali contributes match reports, analytical pieces, and feature stories that highlight important moments, team strategies, and standout player performances across domestic and international competitions.
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