Gabriel Martinelli chant: Lyrics, tune and story behind winger’s anthem

Given that Gabriel Martinelli was relatively unknown outside of his native Brazil, a deal to take him from Ituano to Arsenal in the summer of 2019 brought little fanfare, though the signing would go on to become a key member of the Gunners' squad.

Seven years after arriving in north London, Martinelli made well over 200 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club's longest serving first-team players.

Martinelli quickly established himself as one of the Premier League‘s most exciting young talents thanks to his direct attacking style and an abundance of energy, even earning praise from the likes of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. His pace and direct running were key features of his game throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium.

Under Mikel Arteta, the number 11 notched 15 goals in the English top flight during the 2022-23 season, though he struggled to hit the same heights since and only managed to score once in the 2025-26 iteration.

However, Martinelli's single strike was a last-gasp equaliser during a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in September 2025, and considering that Arsenal went on to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, it was worth its weight in gold.

That goal was the final time Martinelli will score in the Premier League for Arsenal, with the Brazilian winger joining Al Hilal for a reported £60m during the 2026 summer transfer window, bringing an end to his beloved time at the Emirates Stadium.

Here, Football Ground Guide covers all you need to know about the Gabriel Martinelli chant, including the song's lyrics, tune and origin.

Gabriel Martinelli chant lyrics and tune

Among the many popular football chants at the Emirates, a few have caught on as quickly as the Gabriel Martinelli chant sung to the tune of Bella Ciao.

Borrowing from the world-famous Italian folk anthem that has become a symbol of resistance, Arsenal fans have reimagined it as a tribute to their Brazilian winger.

The rhythm of Bella Ciao gives the chant a bold, marching feel, while the lyrics, ‘His name is Gabi, he's from Sao Paulo, and he plays for Arsenal', celebrate Martinelli's flair, origins, and unrelenting energy on the pitch.

Simple, catchy, and full of emotion, it is a song that unites supporters in joyful defiance, much like the player it honours. Its short and repetitive nature also makes it particularly easy for large sections of the Emirates crowd or Arsenal's travelling support to join in.

The choice of Bella Ciao as the tune is not accidental. Its stirring melody and repetitive rhythm make it ideal for terrace singing, while its history as a song of passion and resilience mirrors Martinelli's fearless approach to football.

Below are the lyrics of Martinelli's chant.

His name is Gabi,

He's from Sao Paulo,

And he plays for Arsenal,

La la la la la la la'

Origin of Gabriel Martinelli chant

There are many alternative chants for Martinelli, but ‘His name is Gabi, he's from Sao Paulo, and he plays for Arsenal‘ lyrics and song first appeared during the player's breakthrough performances in early 2023.

It is when Martinelli's form peaked as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title. His 15 league goals that season remain the best scoring return of his Gunners career and helped cement his popularity among supporters.

The song was then shared quickly on social media and fan forums, and would soon spread from Emirates stands to Arsenal's visits to away grounds such as Anfield and during European fixtures.

With time, it became one of the most recognisable tributes to any Arsenal player in recent years.

Will Arsenal fans still get to sing the Gabriel Martinelli chant next season?

Martinelli was under contract until 2027, with Arsenal holding the option to extend his deal by a further year, but Arteta and co deemed it the right time to move the attacker on in 2026.

Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as the replacement for Leandro Trossard, but despite the lack of an out-and-out Martinelli successor, the Gunners did not stand in his way of an exit.

With Arsenal and Al-Hilal not clashing in any competitive environment, fans will have to hope that the Brazilian can return for a proper farewell at some stage, allowing them to bellow out his chant once more.

Arsenal fans singing Gabriel Martinelli chant

FGG says

The Gabriel Martinelli chant is everything a football song should be. It is catchy, emotional, and easy to sing. The Bella Ciao tune gives it power and rhythm. Fans use it to show pride and affection for the Brazilian star.

It captures Martinelli's spirit, fearless, fast, and full of energy. More than words, it is a soundtrack to Arsenal's new generation. Unfortunately his time at Arsenal has ended, but this chant will remain in the memory of fans for a long time to come.