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Cafu hails 'undeniable' Arsenal star ahead of Champions League final showdown with PSG
May 29 2026 09:23 · By Ravit Anand · 30 Reads
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Brazil superstar Cafu, has lauded his Brazilian compatriot and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães ahead of the Champions League final against Paris-saint Germain.
Gabriel's defending helped the Gunners secure a first Premier League title in 22 years, conceding just 27 goals in the process, as well as scoring three goals.
The 28-year-old also has a goal in Europe to his name, opening the scouring in a 4-0 route of Atletico Madrid back in October as the Gunners went on to top the league phase of the competition.
Six days after becoming champions of England, Arsenal could go one step further and become Europe's top club. Standing in the way of Gabriel being the latest Brazilian to lift the Champions League trophy is PSG and the deadly attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.
Cafu, winner of the Champions League in 2007, speaking at the FedEx Move Like a Pro Activation at the UEFA Champions League Final in Heroes’ Square, Budapest, lauded the centre back's abilities at both ends of the pitch.
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"The technical qualities of Gabriel are undeniable, which is why he's been called up for the Brazil national team. He could be one of the first names on the team sheet at the World Cup.
"What makes him stand out is that he has as many qualities defending his own box as causing problems in the opponent's penalty area, which makes him a very dangerous player."
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Whilst many have the reigning European champions as favourite to retain their crown, two-time World Cup winner Cafu insists Arsenal have their own threats to cause Luis Enrique's side problems.
"What Arsenal has to fear is Paris Saint-Germain, without a doubt. What PSG has to fear is Arsenal as a whole.
"Arsenal today is a team that plays compactly, a team that exploits counter-attacks very well, a team that knows how to both attack and defend, and not to mention that Arsenal's set pieces are a total danger in the opponent's area."
The legendary right back stops short of predicting a winner in the finale, but sees the game going to penalties after a high-scoring 3-3 scoreline.
