Eredivisie
Gabriel Jesus trains with Barça, wants to follow Brazilian path
Gabriel Jesus, 29‑year‑old Brazilian striker, is already training with Barça (FCB) under the direction of Hansi Flick, who is preparing for his first match wearing the FC Barcelona shirt. The former Arsenal player is ready to make his debut as soon as the coach decides.
A legacy of Brazilians
The striker is confident of replicating the success that so many compatriots have enjoyed from day one at the Catalan club. Brazil has provided a long list of figures who left their mark at Barça, and Jesús aims to continue that tradition.
Historic debuts
Evaristo Macedo opened the path in 1957, debuting on 22 September at the Mestalla against Valencia and scoring the equaliser in the 72nd minute. Two days later, he shone at the Camp Nou by scoring in the 7‑2 victory over the Warsaw XI and was the author of the goal that at the Camp Nou eliminated Real Madrid for the first time in the European Cup.
Roberto “Dinamita” made his debut in the winter of 1980, replacing Hansi Krankl, and debuted on 19 January by netting a brace in the league match against Almería at the Camp Nou. Unsuitable, he only played 11 times as a blaugrana before returning to Brazil.
Romário arrived in 1993 and, in his official debut, scored the first three goals in an artistic shooting display against Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou, launching a career of 30 promised goals.
Ronaldo, “The Phenomenon”, debuted on 25 August 1996 in the Spanish Super Cup against Atlético Madrid, contributing two goals and an assist in the 5‑2 rout.
The same day, Giovanni Silva de Oliveira also made his debut, scoring a goal and providing two assists, reinforcing the Brazilian wave.
Rivaldo, signed on the final day of the market in 1997, opened with two of Barça’s three goals in the 3‑0 victory over Real Sociedad.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho debuted in the early hours of 3 September 2003, scoring a consolation goal in the memorable “gazpacho” match that started at 00:05 and ended 1‑1.
Neymar Junior, another Brazilian star, debuted on 18 August 2013, playing the final 26 minutes in Barça’s 7‑0 victory over Levante.
Expectations for Gabriel Jesus
Xavier Muñoz, journalist, noted that Jesús is ready to play as soon as Hansi Flick authorises him. Other sources claim the striker has already taken part in tactical trainings and feels comfortable with the team’s style.
The current Barça captain, Gabriel Sans Raphinha Dias, also debuted recently, on 13 August 2022, as a starter against Rayo Vallecano, and had previously shone in the preseason in the United States, scoring a goal and providing two assists against Inter Miami.