Ex Gunner scores hattrick v Ajax after Arsenal contract termination

Former Arsenal forward Gio Queiroz made a spectacular return to Spain, scoring a hat-trick for Atlético Madrid in their 5-1 victory over Ajax.

The Brazilian striker, who joined the Spanish club earlier this month, wasted no time in making her mark, demonstrating why she is now seen as a key figure in Víctor Martín’s plans for the season.

Queiroz, born in São Paulo in 2003 but raised in Florida, first joined Atlético’s academy in 2014 when her family relocated to Spain.

After honing her skills there for three years, she moved to Madrid CFF and made her top-flight debut in 2018 at just 15 years old.

A quick rise saw her transferred to Barcelona in 2020, but her time at the Catalan club proved challenging, with limited first-team opportunities. Her loan spell at Levante provided a brief resurgence, where she scored seven goals in 26 matches.

However, Queiroz’s relationship with Barcelona soured when she accused the club of “abusive behaviours” in March 2022. Following this tumultuous period, Arsenal signed her in the summer of 2022, hoping she could reach her potential in London.

Yet, her stint in England proved similarly difficult.

After a disappointing loan spell at Everton, where she made only seven appearances, and limited chances at Arsenal, she returned to Spain on loan to Madrid CFF in January 2024.

There, she found her rhythm again, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in 16 matches, including her first professional hat-trick.

Queiroz’s return to Atlético Madrid marks a homecoming of sorts. After terminating her contract with Arsenal, she signed a deal with Atlético until 2027.

In her first official match back with the rojiblancas, she delivered a statement performance against Ajax, finding the back of the net three times and earning widespread praise.

Reflecting on her journey, Queiroz said, “I was already here when I was younger. This is a historic, very big club, and I’m looking forward to starting with the team now.” Her manager, Víctor Martín, expressed his confidence in the forward’s potential, highlighting that the trust and continuity she has found at Atlético could finally allow her to flourish.

For Queiroz, this new chapter in Spain offers an opportunity to rebuild her career in familiar surroundings. With a hat-trick in her first major outing, the former Gunner is already showing signs that she could be a game-changer for Atlético this season.