Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos has backed Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes as the world's finest centre-back this season. The Brazilian defender made the comments ahead of next year's World Cup.
Gabriel enjoyed an exceptional campaign with the Gunners. He formed a crucial partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arsenal's defence.
Their partnership proved vital to Arsenal's Premier League title win. It marked the club's first championship in 22 years.
But Arsenal's dreams of a domestic double fell apart in the Champions League final against PSG. Gabriel missed a penalty during the shootout, handing victory to the French side.
Marquinhos was on the pitch that night for PSG. He rushed to console his international teammate immediately after the miss.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Marquinhos recalled the moment. "I was ready to celebrate," he said, "but then I saw him right there in front of me."
The PSG star drew parallels to his own penalty miss in 2022. He understood the sting of such a moment.
"I felt for him," Marquinhos told reporters. "I've been through that, so I know what it feels like."
He offered Gabriel reassurance about his overall performance. "I told him he shouldn't carry this burden," Marquinhos noted.
According to him, Gabriel had produced an outstanding campaign. One missed penalty wouldn't define his year.
Marquinhos was emphatic in his praise for his teammate. "In my view, he was the best centre-back in the world this season," he stated.
He encouraged Gabriel to look ahead to World Cup duties. Brazil will need him at his best in 2026.
"We'll rely heavily on him," Marquinhos concluded. "That moment won't diminish what he achieved."
