Gabriel Jesus relishes first Clásico appearance for Barcelona
Gabriel Jesus said he has long wanted to represent Barcelona and is excited to play his first El Clásico for the club. He previously faced Real Madrid with Manchester City in Champions League knockout matches, scoring at the Bernabéu in 2020 and in a 4-3 win in 2022. The Brazilian has started well since joining Barcelona.
Gabriel Jesus has previously met Real Madrid three times in Champions League knockout ties with Manchester City, scoring in each. In February 2020 he equalized at the Bernabéu after Isco’s opener, and City won 2-1; he also scored in the second leg. In April 2022 he found the net during a 4-3 City win at the Etihad. He did not play against Madrid while at Arsenal.
Since arriving at Barcelona, the Brazilian has made a quick impact, netting four goals after his debut. He has described representing the club in El Clásico as a long-held ambition, saying he had spoken about wanting to wear the Barcelona shirt years earlier.
The story could intensify anticipation among Barcelona supporters and neutral La Liga viewers ahead of El Clásico while raising Gabriel Jesus’s profile in Spain. It may also resonate with Brazilian fans following his career and with younger players who see a long-stated ambition realized. Because Clásicos draw broad audiences, his first appearance could add a personal narrative to the match and shape discussion about how quickly he has adapted, though its wider social effect is likely modest and largely confined to football audiences.