‘The best in the world!’ – Marquinhos reveals message to Gabriel after Arsenal star’s heartbreaking Champions League final penalty miss

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has revealed the emotional conversation he shared with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes following the Gunners’ devastating Champions League final defeat.

Rather than immediately joining his team-mates in celebration after PSG’s triumph in Budapest, the Brazilian defender chose to comfort his international colleague, who had just endured one of the most painful moments of his career.

Marquinhos puts empathy before celebration

Arsenal’s dream of winning their first-ever Champions League title ended in cruel fashion after a penalty shootout defeat to PSG.

Gabriel, who had been one of Arsenal’s standout performers throughout the campaign, saw his spot-kick saved during the shootout, leaving the defender visibly devastated as PSG celebrated their European success.

While most of the Paris squad sprinted away to celebrate the historic victory, Marquinhos headed in the opposite direction.

The veteran centre-back immediately recognised the heartbreak Gabriel was experiencing and felt compelled to offer support before joining his own team’s celebrations.

Having suffered similar pain after missing a penalty for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup, Marquinhos knew exactly what his team-mate was going through.

‘You were the best centre-back in the world’

Speaking from Brazil’s national team camp, Marquinhos explained why he felt it was important to reach out to Gabriel during one of the toughest moments of his career.

“I was ready and prepared to celebrate,” Marquinhos said.

“But when I started running, I saw him right in front of me and my team going past him, the same image as after my penalty miss in 2022.”

The PSG skipper admitted the scene instantly brought back painful memories of his own experience and prompted him to act.

“That’s when I started thinking about my teammate, having empathy, because I’ve been through a moment like that and I know the responsibility,” he explained.

Marquinhos then revealed the powerful message he delivered to Gabriel.

“I told him to stay strong, to hold his head high because he’d had an incredible season and an incredible match.”

“I told him that, in my opinion, he was the best centre-back in the world this season. He simply didn’t deserve to carry that burden because, of course, we all want to score penalties.”

One miss cannot define a season

Gabriel’s penalty miss may have been the decisive moment in the final, but Marquinhos was adamant that it should not overshadow the defender’s outstanding campaign.

The Arsenal centre-back played a crucial role in helping the Gunners secure the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final, establishing himself among the world’s elite defenders throughout the season.

Marquinhos believes those achievements should remain the defining story of Gabriel’s year rather than one unfortunate moment from 12 yards.

“I told him that nothing about that moment would take away from the wonderful season he’d had,” the PSG captain continued.

The words reflected the respect Gabriel has earned not only within Arsenal but also among his international team-mates.

Brazil already looking ahead

With the World Cup fast approaching, Marquinhos was eager to ensure Gabriel recovered quickly from the disappointment.

Brazil will be relying heavily on both defenders during their quest for international glory, and the PSG captain made it clear that the national team needs Gabriel at his very best.

“We were going to need him very much,” Marquinhos said.

“Those were my words to him, so that he could get over that moment as quickly as possible because we were going to need him very soon here.”

For Gabriel, the pain of Budapest may linger for some time, but the support of one of football’s most experienced defenders serves as a reminder that a single penalty miss can never erase an entire season of excellence.