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

When Arsenal signed Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano F.C. in July 2019, few fans outside Brazil didn't know much about him.

Yet within months, his fearless dribbling, explosive pace, and tireless pressing turned him into one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, inspiring what would become the famous Gabriel Martinelli chant sung by fans around the world.

From the moment he scored that solo goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal fans knew they had something special, a player destined to embody the club's passion, hunger, and tradition of flair-filled football.

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.

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.

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.

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.