Gabriel Jesus equals Rivaldo's Champions League goal record
Gabriel Jesus scored on his Barcelona home debut to equal Rivaldo's Champions League goal record for Brazilian players.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Diliff
In his second appearance for Barcelona and his first home match in the UEFA Champions League, Gabriel Jesus marked the occasion with a historic goal. The 29-year-old forward came off the bench late in the match against Feyenoord and found the net with his very first touch, heading home a cross from Lamine Yamal. The strike finalized a dominant 5-1 victory for the Catalan giants at Camp Nou.
Reflecting on the debut, the former Arsenal player admitted it provided a unique sensation. "I had the same feeling as when I scored my first professional goal. It’s a different kind of emotion," Jesus said, noting that performing at a full Camp Nou was a childhood ambition realized.
With this goal, Jesus brought his total tally in the Champions League to 27, drawing level with Brazilian legend Rivaldo on the list of Brazil's highest scorers in the tournament. He has now moved ahead of Real Madrid's Rodrygo, who currently sits on 26 goals.
The tournament holds significant personal importance for Jesus, who has suffered heartbreak in previous campaigns with Manchester City and Arsenal. He remains highly motivated to secure the trophy, hoping this season with Barcelona will finally end his wait for continental success.