Gabriel Paulista honoured with mural in São Paulo neighbourhood where he grew up | OneFootball

Gabriel Paulista and his brother, Rogério, have been immortalised on a mural in the São Paulo neighbourhood where they grew up, unveiled on Saturday in Jardim Eledy in the city’s South Zone.

Meu Timao reports that the artwork, created by graffiti artist Frank, shows the pair linked by a heart and surrounded by houses, a nod to the community.

At his Corinthians presentation, Gabriel became emotional as he spoke about Rogério, who had hoped to play football and represent the club but died before fulfilling that dream. He said his brother made him a Corinthians supporter, was part of Gaviões, and that he often feels he is continuing Rogério’s ambition by wearing the shirt.

Encouraged by his brother to pursue the sport, Gabriel emerged at Vitória in 2009, then moved to Villarreal in 2013. He joined Arsenal in 2016 for one season before returning to Spain with Valencia, later playing for Atlético de Madrid.

In 2024 he signed for Besiktas in Türkiye, staying until January this year when his contract was terminated and he returned to Brazil. Back in São Paulo, the 35-year-old was announced as Corinthians’ first signing for the 2026 season.

He is now preparing with the squad to face Velo Clube on Sunday at 20:30 at Estádio Benito Agnelo Castellano in Rio Claro, in the fifth round of the Campeonato Paulista.

Source: Meu Timao