Gabigol's "Flamengo till I die" post angers Cruzeiro fans | OneFootball

A simple birthday post was enough to set social media ablaze and spark a debate about passion and professionalism in football. This Saturday, while celebrating his 29th birthday, striker Gabigol, now with Cruzeiro, generated a huge buzz by reposting tributes from both his current and former club, Flamengo, with very different messages that divided opinions.

It all started in a routine manner. Cruzeiro congratulated their striker, and Gabigol, in a gesture of courtesy, reposted the message with the caption: “Cruzeiro Warrior.” The post was well received by the Cruzeiro fans, with most comments wishing the player happiness.

However, the spark for the debate came hours later. Flamengo, the club where Gabigol became one of the greatest idols in history, also posted their tribute. Upon reposting, the striker wrote a line from the Flamengo anthem that touches the heart of any Flamengo fan: “Once Flamengo. Flamengo until I die.”

(Photo: Instagram/Reproduction)

The declaration of eternal love for his former club did not sit well with a portion of the Cruzeiro fans. Immediately, criticisms and questions arose, with some fans viewing the post as a lack of respect and focus on his current commitment to the Minas Gerais team, demanding exclusive dedication.

On the other hand, the Flamengo Nation went wild. The post generated a flood of nostalgic messages, recalling the striker's achievements and reinforcing his status as an eternal idol at Gávea. With 161 goals in 308 games and 13 titles won, Gabigol's time at Flamengo left indelible marks, and the fans never miss a chance to show their affection.

This, however, is not the first time Gabigol's strong connection with Flamengo has sparked debate since his move to Cruzeiro. In June, during his vacation, a video of the striker at a party in Rio de Janeiro singing “Vamos, Flamengo” alongside a DJ went viral, showing that even while wearing another jersey, the connection with his Flamengo past remains alive and vibrant.

This Saturday's episode serves as another chapter in the complex relationship of an idol with his past and present, highlighting the fine line that separates historical gratitude from professional commitment in the passionate world of football.

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