Gabigol unveiled by Santos and celebrates return to boyhood club | OneFootball

Santos have officially unveiled Gabriel Barbosa, who returns to his boyhood club on loan from Cruzeiro until the end of the season. According to Diario Do Peixe, the presentation took place this week.

In an emotional address, Gabigol said returning to Vila Belmiro carries deep meaning. He stressed Santos’ influence on his football and education, and thanked the academy, supporters and those who helped his comeback.

He also thanked Pedrinho and Cruzeiro for understanding his personal moment. The striker added that he had wanted to rejoin since the middle of 2025 and had already told the president of his former club.

Barbosa will wear the number 9 shirt. He returns to a squad in reconstruction and becomes one of the group’s main technical and leadership references for the rest of the campaign.

The unveiling gathered his family, club officials, sponsors, media, invited organised fan groups, influencers, and nine Sócios Rei who also share the name Gabriel.

In his first spell at Santos, Gabigol made 207 appearances in all competitions and scored 83 goals, figures that place him among the club’s leading forwards this century.

Source: Diario Do Peixe