PSG captain Marquinhos reveals why he went straight to Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes instead of celebrating Champions League win with his team

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has revealed the emotional message he shared with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes after the Brazilian missed a decisive penalty in the UEFA Champions League final 2026. PSG defeated Arsenal in a dramatic shootout in Budapest. They secured their second consecutive European title. While his teammates rushed away to celebrate, Marquinhos chose to support his fellow countryman, who was devastated after his miss.Magalhaes had been one of Arsenal’s standout performers throughout the season and played a major role in helping the club reach the final. However, his missed penalty proved costly as PSG lifted the trophy. Seeing Magalhaes standing alone after the defeat reminded Marquinhos of his own painful experience with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2022. The PSG skipper immediately went over to offer words of encouragement before joining his teammates’ celebrations.Speaking from Brazil’s national team camp, Marquinhos revealed why he felt compelled to comfort Gabriel Magalhaes after the final whistle. The veteran defender said he was preparing to celebrate with his teammates but changed direction when he noticed Magalhaes struggling to process the heartbreaking defeat.Marquinhos said the scene brought back memories of his own disappointment after missing a penalty for Brazil in the World Cup 2022. Because of that experience, he understood exactly what Magalhaes was feeling in that moment. He wanted his international teammate to know that one missed penalty should not define an entire season.The PSG captain told Gabriel Magalhaes to stay confident and remain proud of everything he had achieved during the campaign. He reminded him that he had delivered outstanding performances all season and had been one of the most impressive defenders in world football. Marquinhos also stressed that every player wants to score penalties, but sometimes football can be cruel.According to Marquinhos, Magalhaes' contribution throughout the season far outweighed the disappointment of a single miss. He encouraged the Arsenal star to move forward quickly and not allow the setback to affect his confidence.Marquinhos further said that Brazil would soon need Gabriel at his best for upcoming international competitions. He said the defender remains a vital player for the national team and that his quality has never been in doubt. The PSG captain believes Magalhaes’ remarkable season should be remembered for his consistency, leadership, and defensive excellence rather than one painful moment in a penalty shootout.