Goalscorer Gab: "We are nothing without Jesus"

Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, 28, delivered a powerful Christian testimony after scoring his first goal in nearly a year following a serious ACL injury sustained in January 2025.

After sealing Arsenal’s 4–1 Premier League win over Aston Villa, Jesus lifted his shirt to reveal a message declaring: “I belong to Jesus”.

It echoed the iconic celebration of fellow Brazilian Christian great Kaká as Jesus made an emotional return at the Emirates Stadium.

In an open-hearted explanation of his faith, he said: “Jesus saved my life from the beginning, when I was born. I didn’t know it yet.

“Through the tough moments in my life, I realised we are nothing without Jesus, so I want to glorify his name,” he said in a statement shared widely on social media.

Reflecting on his long rehabilitation, Jesus added: “Confidence was back … the Lord stopped me, and then I could do better as a person … you never know what Jesus has prepared for you. So I just say keep going, trust in the process and trust in Jesus.”

The Brazilian’s frank faith witness – rooted in personal struggle and recovery – has sparked conversation beyond sport, resonating across Christian communities.

Jesus has previously credited God for his comeback, saying after another match in December: “First of all, I want to say thank you to God … if it was not for God, I’m 100 per cent sure I would not be here.”

Although booked for removing his shirt, Jesus’s bold declaration of devotion – in front of tens of thousands at the Emirates and millions of TV viewers – was a statement of belief that transcended football.

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