Gabriel Martinelli’s Al Hilal career could not have started much worse
Gabriel Martinelli left Arsenal for Al Hilal in a £60million deal this summer.
It was sad to see him go after seven years in North London, but at the same time, it was widely accepted that it was probably the right time.
And despite the money Arsenal got from the sale, it was a shame to see the Brazilian leave Europe.
There’s also a penalty clause in Martinelli’s contract which means any European club would have to pay an additional fee for him before 2030.
That suggests we won’t be seeing Martinelli shine in the Champions League for another club anytime soon.
He made his Al Hilal debut last Friday in a substitute cameo, and on Monday, he was given his first start.
It didn’t go well.
Gabriel Martinelli off to a nightmare start at Al Hilal
Al Hilal had gone 47 games unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League. On Monday night — Gabriel Martinelli’s first start for the club — Neom SC ended that run with a 2-0 win away from home. A first league defeat in over a year, on the night the former Arsenal forward made his full debut.
Martinelli, who started on the right wing in this one, had chances to make an impact. He had a decent opportunity at the edge of the box late in the first half but shanked his volley well wide. He also found himself in a good one-on-one position but was denied by the keeper.
There was at least one nice moment on the night. Before kick-off, Martinelli was seen embracing and catching up with former Arsenal teammate Alexandre Lacazette, now playing for Neom SC, in the tunnel.
Martinelli 🤝 Lacazette
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) September 7, 2026
Former Gunners catching up in Riyadh 🫂 pic.twitter.com/6moaj2AwDk
Al Hilal spent heavily this summer, spending over £150million on Martinelli, Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville, among others.
Things should get better for Martinelli, you’d think. But it could hardly have started worse.
