LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and ...
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on October 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The former Arsenal forward came off the bench in the second half as Al-Hilal secured a 2-0 win, before speaking about the start of his new chapter.
Gabriel Martinelli made his Al-Hilal debut less than 24 hours after completing his move from Arsenal, coming off the bench in a 2-0 Riyadh derby victory over Al-Shabab at the SHG Arena.
Martinelli was introduced in the 68th minute in place of Sultan Mandash, with Al-Hilal already a goal ahead.
The former Arsenal forward completed three of his five attempted passes, and had one blocked shot.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic had given Al-Hilal the lead in the 53rd minute, after receiving a pull back from Mohammed Mahzari, before Ruben Neves added the second late in the game from the penalty spot.
Speaking after the match, Martinelli made clear that he was pleased to have started his new chapter with a victory, while acknowledging that he will need time to adjust to his new surroundings.
“I am very happy with the win, and of course I need some time to adapt, in a new country, new surroundings, and with a new team and new team-mates,” he said.
He added: “I am happy to be here. This is a new chapter in my life and my family’s life. Everyone here is happy, and I am extremely excited.”
Al-Hilal officially announced Martinelli’s signing on 3 September, bringing his Arsenal career to an end.
The deal is worth a guaranteed £60 million, with Arsenal also securing a sell-on clause.
Martinelli has signed a four-year deal and was handed the number 7 shirt with Ollie Waktins taking the 11 before Nelli arrived.