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

Brazilian defender, Marquinhos has asserted that his teammate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gabriel Magalhaes, has been the finest player in his position throughout the ongoing season.

Arsenal’s Gabriel played a crucial role in the Gunners’ achievements this past season. His strong partnership as a centre-back with William Saliba was instrumental in helping the Gunners secure the Premier League title after a 22-year hiatus.

The Gunners were on track to achieve a double by clinching the UEFA Champions League, but the Brazilian defender’s missed penalty in the shootout against Paris Saint-Germain resulted in disappointment.

Marquinhos, who was on the opposing side during the final, was the first to comfort the upset Gabriel following the penalty miss. 

In a press conference prior to the 2026 World Cup, the PSG defender shared details of his conversation with his fellow Brazilian after the UCL final. 

He stated, as reported by Metro UK, “I was prepared to celebrate, but as I began to run, I noticed him right in front of me and my team passing by him, reminiscent of my own penalty miss in 2022.

“At that moment, I began to think about my [Brazil] teammate, feeling empathy, as I have experienced a similar situation and understand the weight of the responsibility. I advised [Gabriel] to remain strong and to hold his head high because he had an outstanding season and an exceptional match.”

He then encouraged Gabriel to move past the incident and focus on the World Cup, saying, “I told him that, in my view, he was the best centre-back in the world this season. He absolutely should not bear that burden because, naturally, we all aspire to score penalties.

“I reassured him that nothing about that moment would diminish the remarkable season he had and that we would greatly rely on him.”