Gabri Veiga


Gabriel Veiga Novas is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Primeira Liga club Porto.

Club career

Celta

Veiga was born in O Porriño, Pontevedra, Galicia, and was a RC Celta de Vigo youth graduate. He made his senior debut with the reserves at the age of 17 on 25 August 2019, starting in a 2–2 Segunda División B away draw against Internacional de Madrid.
Veiga scored his first goal on 1 December 2019, netting the opener in a 1–6 loss at CD Atlético Baleares. He made his first team – and La Liga – debut on 19 September of the following year, coming on as a late substitute for Renato Tapia in a 2–1 home win against Valencia CF.
Veiga scored his first professional goal on 10 September 2022, but in a 4–1 away loss against Atlético Madrid. The following 11 January, he was promoted to the main squad, being assigned the number 24 jersey.

Al-Ahli

Despite strong interest from top European clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli, on 26 August 2023, Veiga joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, signing a three-year deal, after activating his €40m release clause. Veiga's decision to reject interest from European clubs in favour of the lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabia drew criticism from fans, media and fellow players for a perceived lack of sporting ambition. Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos labelled the move as "embarrassing".
On 3 May 2025, Veiga was a member of Al-Ahli squad that won the 2024–25 [AFC Champions League Elite|AFC Champions League Elite] for the first time in the club's history, defeating Kawasaki Frontale at the AFC Champions League Elite final|final] with a score of 2–0.

Porto

On 5 June 2025, Veiga joined Primeira Liga club FC Porto for a fee of €15 million, signing a five-year contract with the Portuguese side.
He made his debut for the club, starting the match and played 67 minutes before being substituted, in the 0-0 draw in the 2025 FIFA [Club World Cup] against Palmeiras on 15 June.

International career

Veiga is a Spain youth international. He was called up to Spain U21 for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He appeared as a substitute in all six matches of the tournament and later finished as runner-up after Spain 1–0 defeat to England U21 in the final.

Honours

Al-Ahli
Spain U21
Individual