As Arsenal navigates a challenging phase of their season following two unexpected cup exits, their standout defenders continue to draw global attention. While much of the tactical debate surrounds Mikel Arteta’s backline, Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has made a massive claim regarding Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães.
Gabriel Magalhães: A Ballon d’Or Contender?
Gabriel has been a rock at the heart of Arsenal’s defense, forming a formidable partnership that has kept the Gunners firmly in the Premier League title race. According to Materazzi, the Brazilian’s stellar performances and goal-scoring threat make him a dark horse for football’s most prestigious individual award: the Ballon d’Or.
‘It’s not easy for one defender to win the Ballon d’Or. Fabio Cannavaro was the last to do it but you never know in football,’ the former Inter Milan enforcer stated. ‘If Gabriel keeps scoring goals and wins some trophies for Arsenal too, then why not?’
Materazzi did note, however, that the competition remains fierce, particularly with the 2026 World Cup approaching. ‘If Lionel Messi wins the World Cup then he’ll score so many goals in Miami too. MLS is not the best league in the world but if he scores 40 goals in a season and wins the World Cup, I think he has the best chance.’
Materazzi’s Bold Advice: Drop William Saliba
While championing Gabriel for the Ballon d’Or, Materazzi offered some highly controversial advice regarding his defensive partner. Despite William Saliba being widely regarded as world-class, Materazzi believes it is time for £42 million signing Riccardo Calafiori to take his spot.
Calafiori has primarily been deployed at left-back since arriving at the Emirates in 2024, but Materazzi insists his compatriot’s best position is in the center.
‘I think Riccardo Calafiori is one of the best Italian defenders right now,’ Materazzi told Hajper. ‘Now Arsenal must believe in him… For me, Calafiori is best at centre-back. Arsenal should play Calafiori with Gabriel instead of William Saliba. He has a very good left foot.’
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The Gunners were competing for a historic treble just two weeks ago, but a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and a shock 2-1 FA Cup elimination to Southampton have shifted their focus purely to the league and Europe.
- Premier League: Arsenal boast a healthy nine-point lead at the top, though Pep Guardiola’s Man City have a game in hand ahead of their massive showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
- Champions League: After cruising past Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal face a crucial quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP on Tuesday night.
If Arsenal can secure major silverware this season, Materazzi’s bold prediction about Gabriel’s Ballon d’Or chances might just become a reality.
