Gabigol eyes better record vs top sides since Santos return | OneFootball

The start of 2026 at Santos was marked by the return of Gabigol, who came back to the club on loan until the end of the year. Known for his decisive power, the striker, however, has been struggling to demonstrate this trait in his return to Peixe.

Against Mirassol, in the next match, Gabi is looking to improve on a troubling recent record. Of the five games he played this year against Série A clubs, the number 9 was involved in just one goal. Against teams from other divisions, Gabriel played in four matches and contributed directly on five occasions.

A Different Start

In matches against Bragantino, Palmeiras, São Paulo (twice), and Corinthians, Gabriel scored in only one game, against Timão, from a free kick. In the last match, against Vasco, the number 9 remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.

In comparison, against Velo Clube, Novorizontino (twice), and Noroeste, Gabigol scored three goals and provided two assists, numbers that result in an average of more than one goal involvement per game (1.25 involvements per game).

In his previous stints with Peixe, the striker was the top scorer of the Brasileirão and has already scored important goals, such as those in the 2015 Copa do Brasil semifinal against Corinthians and in the final against Palmeiras.

At Flamengo, Gabi gained a reputation for being decisive after scoring both comeback goals that secured the Libertadores title for Rubro-Negro against River Plate in 2019. He also scored in the finals against Palmeiras (2021) and Athletico-PR (2022).

Menino da Vila

Born in São Bernardo do Campo, Gabriel Barbosa was discovered by the legendary Zito while still playing futsal and joined Santos’ youth academy at the age of eight, in 2004. A self-confessed fan of Alvinegro Praiano, the striker made his professional debut in 2013.

Throughout his spells at the club, between 2013 and 2016, then in 2018 and now in 2026, Gabigol has accumulated 219 appearances, scoring 88 goals and providing 15 assists.

Next Santos Match

Match: Mirassol vs Santos

Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro – 5th round

Time: 9:30 PM (Brasília time)

Venue: Estádio José Maria de Campos Maia

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.