Gabriel Fernando de Jesus was born on April 3, 1997, in São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Jardim Peri, where his football talent quickly became evident. His mother, Vera Lucia Diniz de Jesus, played a central role in his upbringing, providing strong support and guidance. Known for being deeply involved in her son's career, Vera often attends his games and is candid with advice or criticism, helping to instill discipline and a strong work ethic in Gabriel from a young age.
Vera Lucia has been vocal about her influence in Gabriel's decisions, including his move to Manchester City. After raising four children on her own following the reported departure of Gabriel’s father, she emphasized respect at home. “My son lowers his head when I speak,” she once remarked, underlining the family's values of humility and discipline.
Jesus began his football journey playing street football before joining local amateur clubs, the last of which was Associação Atlética Anhanguera. Interestingly, he initially played as a center-half. At age 14, he moved to Anhanguera and quickly garnered attention by scoring 29 goals in a local tournament. However, a standout performance in a friendly match against Palmeiras proved pivotal.
Impressed by his abilities during that match, Palmeiras invited him for a trial. After just one session, they decided to sign him. Jesus continued his prolific form with the youth team, scoring 37 goals in 22 appearances. By early 2015, then-first team coach Oswaldo de Oliveira deemed him ready for the senior squad.
Gabriel Jesus made his senior debut for Palmeiras on March 7, 2015. Over the course of his time in the Brazilian top flight, he scored 16 goals in 47 league appearances and was named the league’s Best Newcomer. His rapid development caught the attention of European clubs.
In the summer of 2016, Manchester City announced that Jesus would join the club in January 2017 on a contract lasting until the summer of 2021. The transfer surprised many, with City reportedly paying a fee of £27 million (€33 million), plus performance-based add-ons. At the time, he was considered one of the most promising young forwards in Brazilian football.
| Birth Date: | 3 Apr, 1997 |
| Age: | 23 yrs |
| Occupations: | Association football player |
| Citizenship: | Brazil |
| Birth Place: | São Paulo |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Brazilian association football player |
