Gabigol, the coveted Brazilian striker, has officially signed with Cruzeiro, marking the dawn of 2025 with significant anticipation. The announcement came just seconds after the New Year, as Cruzeiro confirmed the signing of the 28-year-old, who will don the iconic number 9 jersey. Previously with Flamengo, Gabigol is expected to bring his prolific goal-scoring prowess to strengthen Cruzeiro's attack, which has struggled for firepower.
With his contract with Flamengo concluding on December 31, 2024, this transfer marks the player’s fifth signing for the upcoming season at Cruzeiro. Following the initial buzz, the club has also secured talents such as Yannick Bolasie, Dudu, Rodriguinho, and Christian, solidifying their lineup for 2025.
Gabigol, known for his extraordinary goal-scoring record at Flamengo—where he netted 161 goals over 306 matches and clinched 13 major titles, including two Copa Libertadores—has left the rubro-negro after what he described as "a tumultuous year." His remarks, made right after Flamengo's triumphs, highlighted his sense of relief and excitement about starting anew. "It was a terrible time for me," Gabigol expressed, reflecting on difficult dynamics with the coaching staff and personal challenges.
The transition to Cruzeiro was also colored by interest from his former club Santos, but Gabriels’s commitment to Cruzeiro grew stronger through earlier discussions with the club’s owner, Pedro Lourenço. The businessman had always cited Gabigol as his preferred choice for enhancing Cruzeiro's competitive edge, especially considering the club's ambitious goals after promotion from the lower divisions.
Gabigol’s arrival is not just any transfer; it symbolizes Cruzeiro's desire to return to former glory and reestablish itself as a dominant force within Brazilian football. The club's management is optimistic, believing his experience will be invaluable as they aim for greater achievements this season.
With Cruzeiro's plans laid out, the expectation is high, not just among management but fervently with the fans, who are eager for success. Following his illustrious career at Flamengo, Gabigol faces the task of becoming just as beloved at Cruzeiro, bringing not only his talent but also his winning mentality.
Gabigol’s connections with the club echo his past. Interestingly, the ambitious striker once expressed his deep admiration for Santos, where he began his professional career. "I always loved Santos, where I created unforgettable memories," he reflected during his recent appearances. Yet now he finds himself stepping onto the pitch at Cruzeiro, where opportunity looms large.
The superstar is coming off a year filled with mixed performances, underscored by his unfortunate doping incident and unsatisfactory relations with coaching staff during the previous season. Nonetheless, his ability to rise to the occasion remains unquestionable, having recently scored decisive goals during the finals of the Copa do Brasil.
Gabigol’s contract with Cruzeiro extends until the end of 2028, with rumors of one of the highest wages ever seen within Brazilian football-led efforts, reportedly reaching nearly R$ 3 million per month, including performance bonuses. This deal underlines both Cruzeiro’s commitment to building a formidable team and their acknowledgment of Gabigol's stature as one of the elite forwards of contemporary Brazilian football.
Moving forward, Gabigol's addition is seen as the catalyst for competing against both Brazilian rivals and the greater challenges posed by international cups on the horizon. His skills and experience, coupled with the collective enhancement of the Cruzeiro squad, may well herald success.
Overall, as the new season begins, Gabigol seems poised to embrace his latest chapter at Cruzeiro with open arms. Fans will surely keep their eyes peeled for Gabigol's debut and performance, eagerly anticipating the next steps this prolific striker takes under the blue and white banner of Cruzeiro.