Gabriel Jesus has begun a new chapter of his career after joining FC Barcelona from Arsenal, bringing with him a wealth of experience accumulated during a decade in English football.
- 1. His roots are in Jardim Peri
- 2. He learned football on Brazil’s várzea pitches
- 3. His childhood nickname was ‘Tetinha’
- 4. He produced extraordinary numbers at Palmeiras
- 5. He once helped paint his neighbourhood for the World Cup
- 6. His famous celebration is a tribute to his mother
- 7. His mother had a pre-match routine for him
- 8. He won Olympic gold before turning 20
- 9. Barcelona reunites him with several familiar faces
- 10. He has worked under Guardiola and Arteta
The Brazilian forward arrives in Catalonia after winning five Premier League titles and collecting several other major honours. Here are some facts that help tell the story of his journey from the streets of São Paulo to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
1. His roots are in Jardim Peri
Gabriel Jesus was born on April 3, 1997, in Jardim Peri, a neighbourhood in northern São Paulo.
He was raised by his mother, Vera Lúcia, alongside his three siblings. Growing up in modest circumstances, football became a central part of his childhood, with street games helping shape the player he would eventually become.
2. He learned football on Brazil’s várzea pitches
Long before entering the professional game, Jesus spent countless hours playing várzea football, the informal neighbourhood football culture found on amateur and often rough pitches throughout Brazil.
The striker has previously recalled playing as many as three or four matches in one day. Those experiences helped sharpen his technique, creativity and competitive instincts.
3. His childhood nickname was ‘Tetinha’
Jesus was given the nickname “Tetinha” by his first coach, Mamede.
The name was linked to the youngster’s relaxed attitude towards football. He believed playing and scoring goals came naturally to him. Mamede played an important role in his early development, and Jesus has continued to maintain close connections with his old community.
4. He produced extraordinary numbers at Palmeiras
Jesus’ emergence through Palmeiras’ youth system was remarkable.
During his first year at the Brazilian club, he scored 54 goals in 48 matches. He later added another 37 goals in only 22 appearances in the Campeonato Paulista Under-17 competition.
Those numbers quickly placed him among Brazil’s most promising young footballers.
5. He once helped paint his neighbourhood for the World Cup
Before becoming an international star, Jesus was photographed helping decorate the streets of Jardim Peri in Brazil’s national colours.
In 2014, as Brazil prepared to host the FIFA World Cup, the young footballer took part in painting his neighbourhood green and yellow. The image became widely recognised years later after his football career had taken off.
6. His famous celebration is a tribute to his mother
Jesus’ trademark goal celebration has a personal meaning.
After finding the net, he has often made a gesture resembling someone speaking on a telephone before waving. The celebration represents “Alô, mãe!”, “Hello, Mum!”, and is dedicated to Vera Lúcia.
His mother was a major influence throughout his childhood and remained a source of encouragement as his career developed.
7. His mother had a pre-match routine for him
Vera Lúcia also had her own tradition before her son’s matches.
She regularly prepared a banana and oat smoothie for Jesus, believing the drink could help prevent muscle cramps. The routine became part of his upbringing and remained with him during the early stages of his professional career.
8. He won Olympic gold before turning 20
The year 2016 proved to be a major turning point for Jesus.
He helped Palmeiras win the Brasileirão before joining Brazil’s Olympic squad for the Rio de Janeiro Games later that year.
Jesus scored three times during the tournament and contributed to Brazil’s historic achievement of winning its first men’s Olympic football gold medal.
9. Barcelona reunites him with several familiar faces
Jesus spent 10 years playing in England and crossed paths with several players who are now associated with Barcelona.
During his Manchester City spell, he shared a dressing room with Eric García, João Cancelo and Rodri. He also played alongside former Barcelona stars Sergio “Kun” Agüero and İlkay Gündoğan.
His move to Barça therefore brings him back into familiar territory with some former teammates.
10. He has worked under Guardiola and Arteta
Jesus has also been managed by two coaches with strong connections to Barcelona: Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Guardiola developed through Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy before going on to become one of the club’s most influential figures. Arteta also came through Barça’s youth system before beginning his senior playing career.
Jesus worked with Guardiola at Manchester City and later played under Arteta at Arsenal. He now begins a fresh stage of his career wearing the Barcelona shirt.