PSG star, Marquinhos names best defender going to 2026 World Cup

Marquinhos Praises Teammate Gabriel Magalhaes Ahead of World Cup

Brazilian defender Marquinhos has declared that Gabriel Magalhaes has emerged as the finest center-back in the ongoing season as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Gabriel, a key player for Arsenal, played a pivotal role in the club’s success this past season. His partnership with fellow center-back William Saliba significantly contributed to Arsenal’s Premier League title victory, marking the club’s first championship in 22 years.

The Gunners aimed for a double this season but faced disappointment in the UEFA Champions League final. Gabriel’s missed penalty during a shootout against Paris Saint-Germain ultimately dashed their hopes of clinching the title.

Marquinhos, who was part of the PSG squad that triumphed in the final, offered support to Gabriel following the penalty miss. In a recent press conference, Marquinhos shared insights from their conversation after the match.

“I was prepared to celebrate, but as I began running, I noticed him right in front of me,” Marquinhos recounted. “It reminded me of my own penalty miss in 2022. At that moment, I felt empathy, knowing the weight of that responsibility.”

He encouraged Gabriel to remain resilient and focus on the upcoming World Cup. “I told him that he was the best center-back in the world this season. He shouldn’t carry that burden since we all aspire to score penalties.”

Marquinhos assured Gabriel that the miss would not detract from his impressive season, emphasizing that the team would rely heavily on his contributions in the World Cup.

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