As Paris Saint-Germain erupted in joy after clinching the Champions League title, their captain Marquinhos created the evening’s most heartfelt moment, away from the frenzy of celebration.
Following Arsenal centre-back Gabriel’s missed penalty in Budapest on Saturday night, which sealed PSG’s latest Champions League victory, Marquinhos briefly held back from the jubilant chaos around him. While his teammates celebrated their second straight European triumph, the Brazilian skipper paused to console his compatriot.
Only moments after the final whistle confirmed PSG’s back-to-back Champions League crowns, Marquinhos sprinted across the pitch to reach Gabriel. The 28-year-old defender, devastated by his decisive miss, found comfort in the arms of his Brazil teammate, who embraced him tightly and offered quiet words of encouragement before any Arsenal player could approach.
Marquinhos stayed with Gabriel for several seconds, his empathy clearly visible, before stepping away once Arsenal teammates arrived to console their heartbroken colleague. He then joined his own side’s euphoric celebrations.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard was full of praise for the PSG captain after the match. “He’s a true gentleman. He’s probably the most experienced player on the pitch and has seen both sides of these moments. Huge respect to him for that gesture and for the kind of person and professional he is,” Ødegaard said.
That emotional exchange also served as a reminder of what lies ahead for both players. Despite the heartbreak of Saturday’s defeat, Marquinhos and Gabriel will soon reunite as teammates for Brazil’s national side. Both are expected to anchor the defence for Carlo Ancelotti’s Selecao at the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, starting on 11 June. Brazil, aiming for a record-extending sixth title, are not among the pre-tournament favourites but remain a formidable force.
Brazil will open their group-stage campaign against Morocco on 12 June, followed by fixtures against Haiti and Scotland.
Champions League final: Kai Havertz writes history while Gabriel endures heartbreak
Arsenal’s night began with promise as Kai Havertz struck early in the sixth minute, giving the Premier League side a dream start. The German international etched his name in history, becoming the first player from Germany to score in two Champions League finals since the competition’s rebranding in 1992. Havertz had previously scored the decisive goal for Chelsea FC in their 1-0 win over Manchester City in 2021.
However, this time his effort wasn’t enough. Ousmane Dembélé equalised from the penalty spot in the 65th minute, forcing extra time after the match ended 1-1 in both regulation and added time. The final was then decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Eberechi Eze missed first for Arsenal, but the shoot-out remained level after three rounds as Nuno Mendes also failed to convert and Declan Rice scored. But Gabriel’s crucial miss, as he sent his effort over the bar, handed PSG another Champions League crown—making it back-to-back European titles for the French club.
Brazil’s group-stage fixtures at the 2026 World Cup featuring Marquinhos and Gabriel
Kick-off times (local)
Saturday, 13 June, 00:00 – Brazil vs Morocco
Saturday, 20 June, 2:30 am – Brazil vs Haiti
Wednesday, 24 June, 00:00 – Brazil vs Scotland
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