Gerson returns to Maracanã with Cruzeiro after bruising Flamengo split and legal dispute | OneFootball

Gerson returns to the Maracanã on Wednesday night with Cruzeiro, his first visit since a fraught Flamengo exit that reached the courts. According to Globo.com, the fifth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro kicks off at 21:30 and also brings a reunion for Leonardo Jardim with Cruzeiro.

The strain between Gerson and Flamengo began early last year during contract renewal talks, then intensified. In January, Flamengo filed a lawsuit seeking R$ 42.7 million from the midfielder and FGM Sports, the company of his father and agent, Marcão.

By early July 2025, the relationship ended coldly, without a notable farewell for a club idol. Then captain, Gerson had been under contract to 2027 but pushed for better terms, with Marcão making public demands, and President Bap mocking his father in a meeting at Gávea. In April he received a pay rise and extended to 2030.

The new deal reduced his buyout from €200 million, R$ 1.2 billion, to €25 million, R$ 160 million, amid Zenit interest. In July, the Russians triggered the clause. Flamengo’s farewell note cited a resignation request and unilateral termination, and Gerson later posted a restrained goodbye.

In Russia he struggled with injury, form and adaptation, and his camp sought a move in late 2025. At his Cruzeiro unveiling he thanked Zenit, called it an experience, said he had no regrets and described Cruzeiro’s project as exceptional.

Flamengo executives said Marcão sounded out a return months before the Cruzeiro deal, but talks were impossible. In January 2026, Cruzeiro paid €27 million plus €3 million in bonuses, R$ 168 million and R$ 18 million, to Zenit.

Gerson played over 200 games for Flamengo, winning 12 trophies including the 2019 Libertadores and the 2019 and 2020 Brasileirões. His final match was a 4-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup last 16, in which he scored.

For Cruzeiro he has 12 appearances and two assists, and on Sunday won the Mineiro title after a 1-0 win over Atlético-MG, setting up Kaio Jorge’s goal.

Source: Globo.com