Top News

Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos has opened up about why he chose to console Gabriel Magalhaes after the Arsenal defender’s crucial penalty miss in the Champions League final defeat to PSG. Even as his teammates celebrated back-to-back European titles, the experienced Brazilian opted for compassion over celebration in Budapest.

A true display of sportsmanship

Moments after PSG clinched victory in the penalty shootout at the Puskas Arena, emotions on the pitch stood in stark contrast. While the French side’s players raced off in jubilation to mark their second consecutive European crown, captain Marquinhos took a different route — heading straight towards a heartbroken Gabriel to offer a long, consoling hug. The Arsenal defender had just watched his penalty soar over the crossbar, effectively sealing the trophy for PSG.

The touching act drew admiration from many, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who was quick to praise the PSG leader. “He’s a real gentleman. He’s probably the most experienced player out there and has lived through these moments from both sides. Massive respect to him for that gesture and for the kind of person and player he is,” Odegaard said after the match.

Shared pain from the penalty spot

Speaking to the media after the trophy ceremony, Marquinhos explained that his decision to comfort Gabriel stemmed from personal experience. The 32-year-old had himself endured a similar heartbreak when he missed a decisive penalty for Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Croatia, a memory that resurfaced as he watched his fellow Brazilian’s anguish.

“As soon as he missed that penalty, I remembered exactly how it felt when I missed against Croatia and we went out of the World Cup,” Marquinhos recalled.

“It’s a very tough moment for a player — the weight of that responsibility is huge. I’ve been there and I know how painful it is. You need incredible strength to recover from something like that. Gabriel wanted to win this title so badly, and he knew the pressure on him — that if he missed, the dream was gone and we would become champions.”

Backing Gabriel after a stellar season

Marquinhos also took the opportunity to defend Gabriel’s outstanding contributions throughout the season. The Arsenal centre-back had been instrumental in guiding the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years, forming one of the league’s strongest defensive partnerships alongside William Saliba.

The PSG captain insisted that no single moment — however painful — should define Gabriel’s career.

“I told him that I’ve been through this kind of moment and I know how hard it is, but he can definitely come back stronger,” Marquinhos said. “Gabriel has had an incredible season for Arsenal, showing he’s one of the best defenders in the world. He didn’t deserve to carry all that burden from one missed penalty. I just wanted to pause the celebrations for a while, to hug him and wish him strength and success.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup

The connection between the two defenders could soon play a major role on the international stage. Both Marquinhos and Gabriel have been selected in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where they are expected to form the starting central defensive pairing. Marquinhos emphasised that the Selecao will need Gabriel in peak mental and physical condition as they aim for a record-extending sixth world title in North America.

“We need him in Brazil for the World Cup,” Marquinhos concluded. “I just wanted to show him how much we value him and to congratulate him for everything he’s achieved this season.”