Gabriel Martinelli believes he’s a better player now than he was during his initial call-ups by Brazil, with Carlo Ancelotti handing him his first consecutive international starts since 2023.
Though he’s made 19 appearances for Brazil, Gabriel Martinelli has only started six games for his country since his debut in 2022.
So it’s noteworthy that he’s now started two games in a row under Carlo Ancelotti, his first consecutive international starts since November 2023. He came off the bench in Ancelotti’s only other game in charge of Brazil, so he’s played in all three so far.
Reflecting on his increased role under Ancelotti, Martinelli suggested the key thing he’s added since his debut is “experience”.
“Now I’ve had more time in Europe, and that matters,” Martinelli said. “I’m young, but I’ve already played several matches for Arsenal. I feel I’m better than when I was first called up (for a Brazil Olympic team camp) in 2020 and when I was at the 2022 World Cup.
“It’s the Brazilian national team, there will certainly be many players competing.
“But it’s healthy competition, everyone gets along very well. I’m happy to be here and have the opportunity to play.”
Martinelli may have another chance in Ancelotti’s team on Tuesday night, with Brazil travelling away to Bolivia. Though with Brazil already having qualified for the World Cup, the head coach could instead decide to rotate and try something new.
Regardless of his involvement in the midweek fixture, it seems Martinelli has a spot in the Brazil squad as the 2026 World Cup draws ever nearer.