Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has picked an Arsenal star as the best centre-back in the world ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian helped PSG beat Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in the UEFA Champions League final at the Puskas Arena on May 30. He arrives at international duty buzzing after a treble-winning season with PSG.
Marquinhos also comforted Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes after the defender missed a crucial penalty in that final. He told Gabriel:
“I told Gabriel Magalhaes to stay strong and keep his head high because he 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.
“I told him that nothing about that moment would take away from the wonderful season he’d had and that we were going to need him very much.
“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.”
Gabriel was key as Arsenal won the Premier League, forming a strong partnership with William Saliba. The Gunners conceded just 27 goals in 38 league games. He also helped Arsenal reach the Champions League final, which they lost after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shoot-out defeat.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti included both Marquinhos and Gabriel in Brazil’s World Cup squad. FIFA noted three players from the UCL final made the team. Brazil have won the World Cup five times but not since 2002. Neymar famously burst into tears when his own call-up was announced.
