Gabigol surpasses 2025 output and ends Santos No 9 drought | OneFootball

On loan from Cruzeiro, Gabigol ended the first half of 2026 as Santos’ standout, finally filling the No 9 void and already surpassing his 2025 output.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the 29-year-old has 27 appearances, 14 goals and seven assists this year, bettering the 13 goals and four assists he managed in 49 Cruzeiro games.

The surge places him among Brazil’s most productive forwards, and he matched Guilherme’s 2025 club-leading 14-goal tally with roughly half as many matches.

It is his best spell since Flamengo, still shy of 2019 and 2021 highs, defined by rhythm, confidence and renewed prominence.

Santos had long struggled for a focal striker. Across 2024 and 2025 more than 10 players were tried, and none reached 10 goals in a single season.

In 2024, William Bigode, Julio Furch, Alfredo Morelos and Wendel Silva led the line, with academy prospects Luca Meirelles and Enzo Monteiro also tested.

In 2025, Tiquinho Soares arrived, Deivid Washington returned on loan from Chelsea and Lautaro Díaz joined late, while coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda sometimes used Thaciano or Neymar as a false 9.

Gabigol’s arrival reset the position. With 14 goals he is the club’s most prolific scorer over the last two seasons and has restored a clear focal point.

A milestone is close. His goal in the win over Vitória before the World Cup pause moved him to 98 for Santos, two short of 100 and third this century behind Robinho on 111 and Neymar with 156.

Source: Diario Do Peixe