Brazilian Striker Echoes Kaká’s Iconic Gesture on Emotional Return to Scoring.

Gabriel Jesus I Belong to Jesus celebration

Gabriel Jesus marked his long-awaited return to goalscoring form with an emotional celebration that has sparked debate over potential FA disciplinary action.

The Arsenal forward, sidelined for nearly a year with an ACL injury, netted the Gunners’ fourth goal in their dominant 4-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa on December 30, 2025. Overjoyed, Jesus removed his shirt to reveal an undershirt bearing the message “I Belong to Jesus” – a direct homage to Brazilian legend Kaká‘s famous display after scoring in AC Milan’s 2007 Champions League final victory.

Jesus was immediately booked for removing his jersey, but the religious message could trigger further scrutiny under FA Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment), which explicitly prohibits displaying “any political, religious or personal slogan or statement” on undergarments. Sanctions can apply to the player or club, typically in the form of a fine.

Precedent is lenient: Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo performed a similar celebration with the same message in April 2025 during a title-clinching win and received only a formal reminder from the FA, with no further punishment.

Kaká himself endorsed the gesture on social media, replying: “We belong to Jesus God, bless you bro.”

Post-match, Jesus credited his faith for his recovery: “Jesus saved my life… we are nothing without Jesus, so I want to glorify his name.”

As of January 3, 2026, the FA has issued no official statement, and the story remains developing. Similar cases have rarely escalated beyond warnings.