40 Facts About Ângelo Gabriel

Early Life and Background

Ângelo Gabriel's journey to football stardom began in humble surroundings. His early life and family background played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Full Name and Nickname: Ângelo Gabriel Borges Damaceno, often called Ângelo or Ângelo Gabriel.
2. Birthplace: Born in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil.
3. Early Life: Grew up in Samambaia, a town he described as "like a favela in São Paulo."
4. Family Background: Parents Idene and Elismar Damaceno, along with his siblings, are his biggest supporters.
5. Education: Attended the Santos-affiliated Meninos da Vila school, where his talent was first noticed by coach Betinho.

Rise Through Santos' Youth System

Ângelo's talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks at Santos, one of Brazil's most storied football clubs.

6. Early Football Career: Joined Santos' youth setup in 2015 at age ten.
7. Youth Team Success: Promoted to the under-20s in July 2020 due to his skills and speed.
8. Professional Debut: Debuted on October 23, 2020, at 15 years and 10 months old, becoming the second-youngest player to debut for Santos.
9. Copa Libertadores Debut: Made his debut on March 9, 2021, at 16 years and 2 months old, becoming the youngest Santos player in the competition.
10. First Professional Goal: Scored his first goal on April 6, 2021, in a 3–1 win against San Lorenzo, breaking a record for the youngest player to score in a Libertadores match.

Professional Milestones

Ângelo's career has been marked by significant achievements and milestones, showcasing his potential and skill.

11. Contract Renewal: Extended his contract with Santos until December 2024.
12. Transfer to Chelsea: Joined Chelsea on July 16, 2023, for a fee of around £13 million.
13. Loan to Strasbourg: Loaned to Strasbourg on August 8, 2023, where he made an immediate impact.
14. Strasbourg Performance: Assisted the winning goal against Metz and was named Strasbourg's Player of the Month for September 2023.
15. International Career: Represented Brazil under-15s in 2019, scoring in a match against Uruguay.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite his rapid rise, Ângelo faced challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his career.

16. COVID-19 Impact: Called up to the under-16s for the Montaigu Tournament in March 2020, which was later suspended due to the pandemic.
17. Testing Positive for COVID-19: Tested positive during training with the under-17s in October 2020.
18. Style of Play: Known for his quickness and left-footed dribbling skills, often compared to Rodrygo.
19. Comparison to Legends: Frequently compared to Brazilian legends like Pele and Neymar.
20. Record-Breaking Debut: At 16 years and 105 days, broke a 59-year record for the youngest player to score in a Libertadores match.

Transfer and Future Prospects

Ângelo's career continues to evolve, with significant transfers and future prospects on the horizon.

21. Interest from Major Leagues: Linked with clubs like Real Madrid and Liverpool.
22. Release Clause: Had a €60 million release clause in his contract after his 16th birthday.
23. Career Statistics: As of February 27, 2024, made 129 first-team appearances for Santos.
24. Salary at Chelsea: Earns around £1,298,159 annually and £24,926 weekly.
25. FIFA Potential: Highly regarded in FIFA career mode for his well-rounded skills.

Personal Life and Values

Despite his fame, Ângelo remains grounded and focused on his family and personal values.

26. Religion: Adheres to Roman Catholicism, with his mother holding a rosary during his matches.
27. Personal Life: Chooses to spend time with his extended family in Brazil.
28. Media Recognition: Featured in various media outlets for his performances.
29. Coach’s Praise: Praised by Argentine coach Ariel Holan for his potential.
30. Transfer to Al Nassr: Moved to Al Nassr for $25 million on September 3, 2024.

Impact at Strasbourg and Beyond

Ângelo's loan to Strasbourg showcased his adaptability and skill, earning him accolades and recognition.

31. Chelsea’s Decision: Never played for Chelsea due to being loaned out to Strasbourg.
32. Strasbourg’s Impact: Played a crucial role in Strasbourg’s season, earning Player of the Month for September 2023.
33. Career Arc: Continues to defy expectations with each move, showcasing his talent.
34. Youth Team Achievements: Achieved numerous records and accolades at the youth level.
35. Santos’ Legacy: Follows in the footsteps of Santos’ legendary players like Pele and Neymar.

Brazilian Football Culture and International Recognition

Ângelo embodies the essence of Brazilian football, gaining international recognition early in his career.

36. Brazilian Football Culture: Known for his dribbling skills and attacking quality.
37. International Recognition: Called up to various Brazilian youth teams and participated in significant tournaments.
38. COVID-19 Impact on Career: The pandemic had a significant impact, including testing positive for the virus.
39. Family Support: His family remains his biggest supporters, often attending his matches.
40. Personal Growth: Despite his rapid rise, Ângelo has shown remarkable personal growth, staying grounded and focused on his career goals.

Ângelo Gabriel's Bright Future

Ângelo Gabriel's journey from Brasília to international football stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at Santos' youth setup, he quickly made a name for himself with record-breaking debuts and standout performances. His move to Chelsea and subsequent loan to Strasbourg showcased his adaptability and talent on bigger stages. With a transfer to Al Nassr, Ângelo continues to defy expectations and set new milestones. His family's unwavering support and his dedication to the game have been key to his success. As he progresses, Ângelo remains a player to watch, embodying the spirit and skill of Brazilian football. His story is a testament to hard work, talent, and the importance of staying grounded. The future looks incredibly bright for this young star, and fans worldwide eagerly anticipate his next achievements.