Gabigol most called upon by Jardim in Brasileiro and Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Despite competing for space with heavyweights like Matheus Pereira and Kaio Jorge — considered absolute starters by Leonardo Jardim —, Gabigol has managed to secure an important role at Cruzeiro. Even though he starts most games on the bench, the striker is frequently called upon by the coach and has effectively become the team's "12th player" in the Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil competitions.

The striker has scored 13 goals in 2025 — five in the Mineiro Championship, six in the Brasileirão, and two in the South American —, a record that places him among the top scorers in the national elite. This number is identical to those of players like Pedro, from Flamengo, and Pedro Raul, from Ceará, reinforcing the important role of the number 9 shirt even without the status of an absolute starter.

In the Brazilian Championship, Gabigol has already played 21 games, starting in five of them. The player has been used coming off the bench on 16 occasions. In second place is striker Marquinhos, who has been called off the bench in 15 matches.

Gabigol's recent presence has been important for Cruzeiro. Coming off the bench, the striker was responsible for scoring the winning goal against Bahia, where Raposa was losing and sought the turnaround in the second half. In the last game, against Sport, the top scorer came in for Kaio Jorge, who was suspended, and had a good performance: In addition to the goal, he also shot five more times (one requiring a good save from the goalkeeper) and contributed with three decisive passes, according to Sofascore data.

In the Copa do Brasil, the striker started in three of the team's six games and provided two assists. He was the most frequently used substitute (3 times), along with Matheus Henrique, Eduardo, and Lucas Silva.

After the draw with Sport, Gabigol commented on his current situation at Cruzeiro and emphasized that he is still seeking to consolidate his place in the team. The striker acknowledged the competition, but highlighted the significance of his numbers this season and hinted that a conversation with the club should take place at the end of the year.

"Of course, this conversation will take place in December. I always strive to have more minutes. If you look at my numbers on the field, they are impressive. I have been seeking my space, of course sometimes I don't get these minutes. In December we will talk to the club, with the coach, as we always do," said the number 9 after the match.

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