According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, October 23, 2026, Gabriel Jesus has admitted that making his first appearance in El Clasico for Barcelona would be a dream come true as the Catalan giants prepare to face Real Madrid on Sunday.

The Brazilian striker joined Barcelona from Arsenal during the summer transfer window and is looking forward to experiencing one of football’s most famous rivalries at Spotify Camp Nou.

The 29-year-old has made a promising impression since arriving in Spain, scoring four goals and providing one assist in his first seven competitive appearances. His early contributions have put him in contention for a role as manager Hansi Flick prepares his team for Sunday’s important fixture.

Speaking during Barcelona’s media day ahead of the match, Jesus revealed how much the opportunity to play in El Clasico means to him. He explained that representing the Spanish club had been a personal ambition long before he completed his move.

“Playing in this Clasico for the first time is truly a dream. I have never hidden my desire to wear the Barcelona shirt one day,” he told Brazilian entertainment channel CazeTV, as reported by AS.

Jesus also recalled discussing his ambition publicly in interviews several years ago, explaining that featuring in a Barcelona-Real Madrid encounter had always been part of his dream.

The forward has experienced several high-profile rivalries throughout his career in Brazil and England, but he recognises the special status of El Clasico on the global football stage.

“I have played in many matches of this magnitude throughout my life, such as Palmeiras against Corinthians and several others in England. But Barcelona against Real Madrid is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches in the world,” he added.

Although Sunday’s fixture would be his first El Clasico as a Barcelona player, Jesus is already familiar with facing Real Madrid. During his spell at Manchester City, he scored three goals against the Spanish giants in memorable Champions League encounters.

The Brazilian also reflected on the experience of scoring at the Santiago Bernabeu and competing in European ties in which City came close to progressing.

His previous success against Madrid could provide an additional boost ahead of Sunday’s showdown. However, the final decision on whether he starts or begins on the bench rests with Flick as Barcelona prepare for another crucial meeting with their biggest rivals.