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7 September 2026

Having joined FC Barcelona only a week earlier, Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance for the club over the weekend against Valencia.

The 29-year-old forward was announced as a new signing on transfer deadline day, with Barça bringing him in from Arsenal in a deal valued at €10 million plus add-ons.

Jesus has signed a three-year contract with the club and was handed the opportunity to make his debut against Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday.

The Brazilian striker replaced Pedri in the 80th minute, with the Blaugrana already cruising at 4-0. He featured for the final 10 minutes and registered one shot on goal.

Speaking to the club’s media after his official Barcelona debut, Jesus said he was thrilled to have stepped onto the pitch for the first time following his transfer.

“I’m very happy to have played my first match in this shirt,” he said.

Giving an update on his physical condition, Jesus added: “I feel physically good, but I need more match sharpness. I’m very happy with the minutes I got today.”

Jesus was also delighted with Barcelona’s display, with the team going on to secure a 5-0 victory on the night, as he said:

“We have a very great team full of quality and we play beautiful football.”

“I love football and I love Barcelona. This is the way I love playing. It makes me very happy,” he added.

In conclusion, he stressed that he wants to make the most of every opportunity he gets on the pitch, saying: “I have to make the most of my chances to play.”

Jesus made his debut against Valencia.

Jesus arrives at Barcelona after not playing regularly over the past year and a half at Arsenal because of an ACL injury he suffered back in 2025.

As a result, his signing represents something of a gamble for Barcelona, who lost both of their main centre-forwards, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, this summer.

Even so, at €10 million, Jesus looks more than a bargain considering the experience he offers, as well as the fact that he appears to fit very well into the style of play used by Hansi Flick.

So, if Barcelona manage his workload carefully and keep him fit throughout the season, it could turn out to be a very smart piece of business from Deco and company.