Close to Santos return, Gabigol congratulates Cruzeiro on 105 years | OneFootball

Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, stirred up social media this Friday by congratulating Cruzeiro on its 105th anniversary. "Congratulations, warrior Cruzeiro. #MaiordeMinas," wrote the forward, who is very close to being announced by Santos.

The message drew attention because negotiations for the player's loan to Peixe gained momentum in the last few hours. The 29-year-old athlete's desire to return to Vila Belmiro weighed in on the decision, and the trend is that he will play for Santos until the end of 2026. The agreement includes a salary split between the São Paulo club and Cruzeiro.

Photo: Reproduction

Gabigol: controversy with Tite

Gabigol, who has a strained relationship with Tite — the new coach of Cruzeiro —, is expected to leave Belo Horizonte without even playing for the Minas Gerais team in 2026. The disagreements between them began with the Brazilian National Team and intensified at Flamengo between 2023 and 2024.

At the end of 2025, Gabigol fell out of favor with Cruzeiro fans after missing a penalty in the Copa do Brasil semifinal, leading to elimination against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena.

Last year, Gabigol was a substitute for Kaio Jorge under the command of Leonardo Jardim. The forward contributed with 13 goals and four assists in 49 matches, starting 23 of them.

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