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Gabriel Barbosa
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Gabriel Barbosa Almeida (born 30 August 1996), commonly known as Gabigol or Gabi, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Campeonato Brasileiro Série A club Cruzeiro.
Key Information
A graduate of the Santos academy, Gabriel made his professional debut at the age of 16 and made over 200 appearances for the club across all competitions. Playing for Flamengo since 2019, he quickly became a fan favourite after scoring twice in the dying minutes of the 2019 Copa Libertadores final, and then scoring the only goal of the 2022 final. After six seasons with Flamengo, he joined fellow Brazilian club Cruzeiro.
Club career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Born in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Gabriel joined Santos's youth setup in 2004, at the age of 8;[2] his prolific goalscoring with the club's youth sides saw him earn the nickname Gabigol.[3] On 25 September 2012, he signed a professional contract, with a €50 million buyout clause,[4] and made his first team debut on 17 January of the following year, in a friendly match against Grêmio Barueri.[5]
Santos
[edit]
On 26 May 2013, Gabriel made his league debut, at only 16 years old, in a 0–0 draw against Flamengo.[6] He scored his first professional goal on 22 August, netting the game's only goal in a home success against Grêmio, for the year's Copa do Brasil.
On 1 February 2014, Gabriel scored a brace and Santos' 12,000th goal in a 5–1 victory against Botafogo-SP, for that year's Campeonato Paulista championship.[7] He finished the tournament with seven goals, as Peixe finished second.
Gabriel netted his first Série A goal on 20 April 2014, scoring his side's only in a 1–1 home draw against Sport Recife.[8] He signed a new five-year deal with the club on 23 September,[9] and finished the season with 21 goals, ten ahead of high-spending Leandro Damião.
After starting the 2015 campaign on the bench, Gabriel was appointed as first-choice after the departure of Robinho. He scored ten goals in the year's Brasileirão, and was the top scorer in Copa do Brasil with eight goals, with highlights including braces against Sport Recife, Joinville and Atlético Mineiro, and the winner in the first leg of the national cup's final against Palmeiras. His impressive form for the season with Santos also saw him named by Spanish sport magazine Don Balón as one of 101 best young talents in world football in 2015[10]
Gabriel started the 2016 season with two consecutive goals, against São Bernardo and Ponte Preta. On 24 April he scored a double in a 2–2 home draw against Palmeiras (3–2 win on penalties), as his side reached the finals of the Paulistão for the eight consecutive time.[11]
Inter Milan
[edit]On 27 August 2016, after being warmly welcomed by Inter Milan fans when he landed in Milan the day before, Gabriel signed for Inter Milan on a five-year contract in a deal reportedly worth €29.5m.[12]
On 22 September 2016, the club officially introduced Gabigol as an Inter player in the auditorium Pirelli with a media show: the striker entered the press room after a video showing him below the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and then on Milan rooftops, clearly evoking the spot Inter had realized to introduce Il Fenomeno Ronaldo in the past.[13]
Gabigol made his first appearance on 25 September 2016, subbing Candreva in the 73rd minute.[14] He scored his first goal for Inter on 19 February after coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 away victory against Bologna.[15]
Benfica (loan)
[edit]On 31 August 2017, Gabriel joined Portuguese club Benfica on a season-long loan deal.[16] He made his debut on 12 September in a UEFA Champions League match against CSKA Moscow, replacing Álex Grimaldo in the 77th minute.[17]
Gabriel made his Primeira Liga debut in a 2–1 loss at Boavista on 16 September 2017; he replaced Andrija Zivkovic, again in the 77th minute.[18] He left the club in January with just 165 minutes of playtime and one goal scored, against Olhanense for the Taça de Portugal.[19]
Return to Santos (loan)
[edit]On 25 January 2018, Gabriel's former club Santos announced that they had reached an agreement with Inter for his return to the club on a one-year loan deal.[20] He made his re-debut for the club on 11 February, starting and scoring his team's second in a 2–2 away draw against Ferroviária.
Gabriel made his Copa Libertadores debut on 1 March 2018, starting in a 2–0 away loss against Real Garcilaso.[21] On 11 May, he scored a hat-trick – the first of his professional career – in a 5–1 home routing of Luverdense, for the year's national cup.[22]
On 1 September 2018, Gabriel scored all his team's goals in a 3–0 away win against Vasco da Gama.[23]
Flamengo (loan)
[edit]
On 11 January 2019, Flamengo officially announced an agreement with Inter Milan to sign Gabriel on loan until 31 December 2019.[24][25]
Gabriel debuted for Flamengo on 23 January 2019 in a Campeonato Carioca 1–1 draw against Resende, he started the match and played all 90 minutes.[26] He scored his first goal for Flamengo on 24 February 2019 in a 4–1 win against Americano,[27] this was the first match of a six-game streak scoring including goals in Copa Libertadores matches against San José[28] and LDU Quito[29] and a brace against Portuguesa (RJ) and Madureira in the Campeonato Carioca. Flamengo won the 2019 Campeonato Carioca with Gabriel scoring 7 goals in 12 matches, also being selected to the tournament team of the year.[30]
On 23 November 2019, Gabriel scored two late goals in the 2019 Copa Libertadores Final, in a 2–1 win over River Plate, when he was also sent off in the game, and became the top scorer of the competition with nine goals.[31] Less than 24 hours later, Flamengo became champions of the Campeonato Brasileiro, with Gabriel having scored 25 league goals in the championship and becoming the first player since Túlio Maravilha in 1995 to be the nation's top goalscorer in two consecutive years; he also became the top goalscorer of the Brasileirão in the double round-robin-era, established in 2003.
Flamengo's supporters quickly adopted Gabriel as one of their favourite players and chanted the slogan Hoje tem gol do Gabigol (today Gabigol will score) frequently in the stadiums.[32] He was awarded with the Bola de Ouro award for his efforts in Brazil[33] and was crowned South American Footballer of the Year by Uruguayan newspaper El País.[34]
Flamengo
[edit]On 27 January 2020, Flamengo announced that the club agreed on a permanent transfer and Gabriel signed a contract with the club until December 2024 with a deal reportedly worth €17.5m.[35]
On 4 September 2022, Gabriel became the youngest player to reach 100 goals in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.[36] On this date, Flamengo and Ceará drew 1–1, at Maracanã, in the 25th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
On 1 July 2023, Flamengo won a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Fortaleza at home 2–0, with Gabriel scoring the first goal of the evening and reaching the mark of 150 total goals for Flamengo, becoming the ninth player in club's history to achieve this number.[37]
On 24 March 2024, the Brazilian Doping Control Authority voted to suspend Gabriel for two years for attempted anti-doping fraud, after he was accused of making it difficult to carry out an anti-doping test before a Flamengo game in the Rio De Janeiro state league. The anti-doping body added that the ban would count from the date of the violation which occurred on 8 April 2023. Gabriel issued a statement denying the allegations stating he has "never tried to obstruct or defraud any test" and that he plans to appeal the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Flamengo said in a separate statement that they were surprised by the verdict and would support the player with his appeal "because there was no type of fraud".[38][39] On 30 April 2024, CAS stayed the execution of the ban and cleared Gabriel to play, pending an appeal hearing and conclusion of the arbitration.[40][41]
Cruzeiro
[edit]On 1 January 2025, Cruzeiro announced Gabriel as their new player.[citation needed]
International career
[edit]

Youth
[edit]In November 2011, Gabriel was called up to Brazil under-15s.[42] On 20 June 2013, he appeared with the under-17s in a tournament in Miami.[43]
On 22 July 2014, Gabriel was called up to the under-20s for the year's L'Alcúdia International Football Tournament.[44] He was the competition's top scorer,[45] but missed the final 2–0 win over Levante due to a dismissal in the previous game against Argentina.[46]
Gabriel was also included in Alexandre Gallo's 23-man squad for the 2015 South American U-20 Championship held in Uruguay.[47] He scored his first goal in the competition on 20 January 2015, netting the last in a 2–0 win against Venezuela.[48]
In 2015, Gabriel was also called up for friendlies with the under-23 side, scoring six goals in only four matches. He was also part of the host team that won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics under manager Rogério Micale.[49][50][51]
Gabriel scored a brace for Brazil in their final group game against Denmark in an eventual 4–0 win.
Senior
[edit]On 26 March 2016, Gabriel received his first call up to the full squad, replacing suspended Neymar for a 2018 World Cup Qualifier against Paraguay.[52] However, he was only an unused substitute in the 2–2 draw at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción.
On 5 May 2016, Gabriel was called up by manager Dunga to participate in the Copa América Centenario to be held in the United States, describing the call-up as a "dream".[53][54] He made his full international debut on 29 May, replacing goalscorer Jonas and scoring the last in a 2–0 friendly win over Panama.
On 20 September 2019, Gabriel was called up by manager Tite for a pair of friendlies against Senegal and Nigeria played in Singapore.[55] Gabriel was the top goalscorer of the Campeonato Brasileiro with first-place Flamengo at the time. He came on in substitute for Roberto Firmino against Nigeria.
On 6 March 2020, Gabriel was again called by Tite for the first two matches of 2022 World Cup Qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.[56] He was called up along with the other members of Flamengo's attacking trio, Bruno Henrique and Éverton Ribeiro.
In June 2021, he was included in Brazil's squad for the 2021 Copa América on home soil.[57] On 13 June, in Brazil's opening group match of the tournament, he scored the final goal in a 3–0 win over Venezuela.[58] On 10 July, he made a substitute appearance in his nation's 1–0 defeat to rivals Argentina in the final.[59]
Playing style
[edit]Considered to be a talented prospect, Gabriel is known for his technical skills, creativity and use of tricks on the ball; due to his flair and flamboyant playing style, he was dubbed the "next Neymar" by the media in 2016.[3][60][61]
During his time with Santos and Flamengo, Gabriel's role on the pitch has evolved; originally a supporting forward capable of playing with his back to goal or on the wing, he transformed into a full-on striker with the main task of finding space inside the opponent's penalty box and poaching goals. Besides his goalscoring and positioning in attack, his physique also improved, leading him to start winning more aerial duels.[62][63]
Due to recent changes in his style of play, he has been compared to Mauro Icardi, his former teammate at Inter Milan.[64]
A controversial figure, he struggled to make the grade in Europe. South American football expert Tim Vickery was damning with his verdict: “He’s 25 already, he had one go already in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica, and it was an absolute disaster. People spoke very badly of him, if he was chocolate he would eat himself, he swanned around like he was Pretty Boy Floyd."[65]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 20 November 2025[66]
| Club | Season | League | State league[a] | National cup[b] | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Santos | 2013 | Série A | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 13 | 2 | ||
| 2014 | 31 | 8 | 18 | 7 | 7 | 6 | — | — | 56 | 21 | ||||
| 2015 | 30 | 10 | 12 | 3 | 14 | 8 | — | — | 56 | 21 | ||||
| 2016 | 11 | 5 | 17 | 7 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 29 | 12 | ||||
| Total | 83 | 24 | 47 | 17 | 24 | 15 | — | — | 154 | 56 | ||||
| Inter Milan | 2016–17 | Serie A | 9 | 1 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 10 | 1 | ||
| Benfica (loan) | 2017–18 | Primeira Liga | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 1 | 2[c] | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 5 | 1 | |
| Santos (loan) | 2018 | Série A | 35 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 7[e] | 1 | — | 53 | 27 | |
| Flamengo (loan) | 2019 | Série A | 29 | 25 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 12[e] | 9 | 2[f] | 0 | 59 | 43 |
| Flamengo | 2020 | Série A | 25 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 5[e] | 2 | 2[g] | 2 | 43 | 27 |
| 2021 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 13[e] | 11 | 1[h] | 1 | 45 | 34 | ||
| 2022 | 29 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 12[e] | 6 | 1[h] | 1 | 63 | 29 | ||
| 2023 | 26 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 7[e] | 2 | 5[i] | 4 | 58 | 20 | ||
| 2024 | 19 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 4[e] | 0 | — | 38 | 8 | |||
| Total | 146 | 71 | 61 | 39 | 35 | 13 | 53 | 30 | 11 | 8 | 306 | 161 | ||
| Cruzeiro | 2025 | Série A | 27 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 4[j] | 2 | — | 44 | 13 | |
| Career total | 301 | 120 | 123 | 65 | 70 | 33 | 66 | 33 | 12 | 8 | 572 | 259 | ||
- ^ Includes Campeonato Paulista, Campeonato Carioca, Campeonato Mineiro
- ^ Includes Copa do Brasil, Coppa Italia, Taça de Portugal
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Appearance in Taça da Liga
- ^ a b c d e f g Appearances in Copa Libertadores
- ^ Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
- ^ One appearance and one goal in Supercopa do Brasil, one appearance and one goal in Recopa Sudamericana
- ^ a b Appearance in Supercopa do Brasil
- ^ One appearance and two goals in Supercopa do Brasil, two appearances and two goals in FIFA Club World Cup, two appearances in Recopa Sudamericana
- ^ Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
International
[edit]- As of match played 27 January 2022[67]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2016 | 4 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 12 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 18 | 5 | |
- Scores and results list Brazil's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Gabriel goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29 May 2016 | Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, United States | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 2 | 8 June 2016 | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, United States | 4–0 | 7–1 | Copa América Centenario | |
| 3 | 13 June 2021 | Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília, Brazil | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2021 Copa América | |
| 4 | 7 October 2021 | Estadio Olímpico de la UCV, Caracas, Venezuela | 2–1 | 3–1 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 5 | 14 October 2021 | Arena da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil | 4–1 | 4–1 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
[edit]
Santos
Flamengo
- Copa Libertadores: 2019,[68] 2022[69]
- Recopa Sudamericana: 2020[70]
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2019, 2020
- Copa do Brasil: 2022, 2024
- Supercopa do Brasil: 2020, 2021[71]
- Campeonato Carioca: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024
Brazil U23
Brazil
- Copa América runner-up: 2021
Individual
- Bola de Prata Best Newcomer: 2015[72]
- Campeonato Paulista Team of the Year: 2016,[73] 2018
- Campeonato Carioca Top scorer: 2020, 2022
- Campeonato Carioca Team of the Year: 2019,[30] 2020,[74] 2021, 2022
- Copa do Brasil Top scorer: 2014, 2015, 2018
- Copa do Brasil Team of the Season: 2024[75]
- Bola de Prata: 2018, 2019[76]
- Best Forward in Brazil: 2018,[77] 2019[78]
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2018, 2019,[79] 2020[80]
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Top scorer: 2018, 2019
- Bola de Ouro: 2019[76]
- Copa Libertadores Team of the Tournament: 2019, 2021, 2022[81]
- Copa Libertadores Top scorer: 2019, 2021
- Copa Libertadores Best Player: 2021
- South American Team of the Year: 2019, 2021, 2022
- South American Footballer of the Year: 2019[34]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022™: List of Players: CR Flamengo" (PDF). FIFA. 7 February 2023. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ "Aos 16 anos Gabigol vale R$ 131 milhões e é a maior promessa do Santos" [With 16 years old, Gabigol worths R$ 131 millions and is Santos's wonderkid]. O Estado de S. Paulo (in Portuguese). 9 April 2013. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
- ^ a b Blair Newman; Luca Hodges-Ramon; Richard Hall; Franco Ficetola; Mark Neale; Emmet Gates (24 January 2017). "The 50 best young footballers in Italy". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Santos assina com Gabriel, de 16 anos, e estipula multa de R$ 130 milhões" [Santos signs with Gabriel, 16 years old, and puts a R$ 130 million buyout clause]. O Estado de S. Paulo (in Portuguese). 29 September 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
- ^ "Muricy promove estreia de Gabigol, mas pede calma com promessa" [Muricy promotes Gabigol's debut, but ask for calmness for wonderkid]. Gazeta Esportiva (in Portuguese). 17 January 2013. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
- ^ "Neymar chora, mas não brilha, e Santos empata em 0 a 0 com o Fla" [Neymar cries, but does not shine, and Santos draws by 0–0 with Fla]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 26 May 2013. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
- ^ "Santos dá novo show na Vila, goleia Botafogo e passa de 12 mil gols" [Santos puts on a show in Vila again, thrashes Botafogo and surpasses 12 thousand goals]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 1 February 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
- ^ "Santos empata em lance polêmico com Sport na Vila Belmiro: 1 a 1" [Santos draws in a controversial play with Sport at Vila Belmiro: 1–1]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 20 April 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
- ^ "Gabriel renova com o Santos FC até setembro de 2019" [Gabriel renews with Santos until September 2019] (in Portuguese). Santos' official website. 23 September 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
- ^ "La lista dei 101 migliori giovani talenti del calcio mondiale". EuroSport (in Italian). 29 November 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
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- ^ "Gabriel Barbosa snubs Manchester United and Chelsea to join Inter Milan". Metro. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ "Gabigol all'Inter: dalla presentazione in pompa magna al flop" (in Italian).
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- ^ Edoardo Dalmonte (20 February 2017). "Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa takes his chance with winner for Inter at Bologna". ESPN FC. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
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- ^ "Benfica vs. CSKA Moskva - 12 September 2017". Soccerway. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
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- ^ Gabriel dos Santos; Leonardo Lourenço (25 January 2018). "Benfica e Inter de Milão se acertam, e Gabigol fica a um passo do Santos". Globo Esporte. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
- ^ André Mendes (25 January 2018). ""Menino da Vila, santista e cruel", Gabriel está de volta ao Santos FC" ["Menino da Vila, santista e cruel", Gabriel is back at Santos FC] (in Portuguese). Santos FC. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
- ^ "Na altitude de Cusco, Santos estreia com derrota para o Real Garcilaso" [In Cusco's altitude, Santos debut with defeat to Real Garcilaso]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 1 March 2018. Retrieved 1 March 2018.
- ^ "Santos leva susto, mas Gabigol brilha e comanda goleada contra o Luverdense" [Santos got a scare, but Gabigol shines and commands routing against Luverdense]. UOL Esporte (in Portuguese). 10 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
- ^ "Gabriel Barbosa nets hat-trick as Santos continue recovery" (in Portuguese). Xinhua News Agency. 2 September 2018. Archived from the original on 4 September 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
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- ^ "Dourado ceifa de bicicleta, Vitinho troca vaias por aplausos, mas Flamengo empata em noite de estreias". globoesporte.com. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Gabigol desencanta em dia de Vitinho, e Flamengo goleia Americano sem sustos". globoesporte.com. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Flamengo bate San Jose por 1x0 em estreia na Libertadores". Jornal Correio. correio24horas.com.br. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Flamengo comete dois pênaltis, mas domina LDU, vence e se isola na liderança do Grupo D da Libertadores". globoesporte.com. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Seleção do Campeonato Carioca 2019". FERJ (in Portuguese). 21 April 2019. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
- ^ "Flamengo win Copa Libertadores with amazing comeback against River Plate". The Guardian. 23 November 2019.
- ^ Resende, Igor (9 December 2019). "Bola de Prata: Gabigol supera Zico no Flamengo, quebra recordes e consegue feito inédito como artilheiro pela 2ª vez seguida". espn.com.br (in Portuguese). Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- ^ "Flamengo domina premiação da Bola de Prata; Gabigol é o Bola de Ouro". veja.abril.com.br (in Portuguese). 10 December 2019. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
- ^ a b ""Gabigol", del Flamengo, es nombrado Rey de América". San Diego Union-Tribune en Español. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ "O artilheiro ficou! Gabigol é do Mengão!" (Press release) (in Portuguese). CR Flamengo. 27 January 2020.
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- ^ "Gabigol chega a marca de 150 gols pelo Flamengo" (in Brazilian Portuguese). ge.globo. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa suspended for two years in anti-doping case". Reuters. 25 March 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Brazil's Gabigol handed two-year ban for anti-doping 'fraud'". France 24. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Brazil's Gabigol free to play as CAS suspend two-year ban". France 24. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Brazil soccer player Gabriel Barbosa cleared by CAS to play during appeal in doping rules case". AP News. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ Gabriel Barbosa e Marcel Furtado embarcam com Seleção Brasileira Sub-15 para disputa de torneio nos Estados Unidos (Gabriel Barbosa and Marcel Furtado travel with Brazil under-15s for a tournament in United States) Archived 5 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine; Santos FC, 24 November 2011 (in Portuguese)
- ^ "Agora no profissional, Gabriel é chamado para Seleção Brasileira Sub-17 para disputa de torneio nos Estados Unidos" [Now in first team, Gabriel is called up to Brazil U-17 for a tournament in United States] (in Portuguese). Santos FC. 20 June 2013. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Gabriel é convocado para a seleção brasileira sub-20" [Gabriel is called up to Brazil under-20's] (in Portuguese). Santos' official website. 22 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Gabriel é campeão com a seleção brasileira sub-20" [Gabriel is crowned champion with Brazil under-20's] (in Portuguese). Santos' official website. 20 August 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Fora de final com a Seleção sub-20, Gabigol se trata para voltar no San-São" [Out of final with Seleção under-20, Gabigol treats himself to be back in San-São]. Diário Lance! (in Portuguese). 19 August 2014. Archived from the original on 23 August 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- ^ "Gallo convoca seleção brasileira que disputará o Sul-Americano sub-20" [Gallo calls up Brazil national team which will play in South American under-20] (in Portuguese). Esporte Interativo. 27 November 2014. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ^ "Brasil vence Venezuela e respira no Sul-Americano Sub-20" [Brazil defeats Venezuela and breathes in South American under-20]. Veja (in Portuguese). 20 January 2015. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
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- ^ Smith, Matt (5 February 2016). "Eight players who could be the next Neymar". Squawka. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
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- ^ Edwards, Daniel (27 April 2019). "Icardi out, Gabigol in? Why Flamengo's reborn Brazilian deserves a second chance at Inter". goal.com. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
- ^ "Michail Antonio to sign West Ham contract extension, but Hammers warned against signing Gabriel Barbosa who is 'not a natural fit for David Moyes' and 'has problems with his emotional intelligence'". 6 January 2022.
- ^ "Gabriel Barbosa". Soccerway. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Gabriel Barbosa". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
- ^ Unwin, Will (23 November 2019). "Flamengo 2–1 River Plate: Copa Libertadores final – as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
- ^ "Gabi Leads Flamengo To Libertadores Title". CONMEBOL Libertadores. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
- ^ Vickery, Tim (27 February 2020). "Flamengo's Recopa win over Independiente a stepping stone to more glory". ESPN. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "Supercopa: em jogo doido, Flamengo vence o Palmeiras nos pênaltis". One Football (in Portuguese). 11 April 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
- ^ "Gabriel ganha o prêmio 'Despertar da Força' como revelação do Brasileiro 2015" [Gabriel wins 'The Force Awakens' prize as the best newcomer of Brasileiro 2015]. Placar (in Portuguese). 7 December 2015. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 7 December 2015.
- ^ "Santos domina seleção do Paulistão; Audax emplaca dois e mais o técnico" [Santos dominate the Paulistão team of the year; Audax include two and the manager]. Globo Esporte (in Portuguese). 9 May 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2016.
- ^ "Gabigol, do Flamengo, é eleito craque do Campeonato Carioca; veja seleção" (in Portuguese). Globoesporte.com. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Campeão da Copa do Brasil, Flamengo domina seleção do torneio com oito representantes" (in Brazilian Portuguese). O Globo. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Bola de Prata: veja como ficou a seleção do Campeonato Brasileiro 2019" (in Portuguese). ESPN Brasil. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
- ^ "Choro, risos e domínio palmeirense marcam o 15º Troféu Mesa Redonda - Gazeta Esportiva". www.gazetaesportiva.com. 10 December 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ "Acompanhe os melhores momentos do Troféu Mesa Redonda - Gazeta Esportiva". www.gazetaesportiva.com. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Prêmio Craque do Brasileirão 2019: veja a seleção e quem foi premiado" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Goal.com. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ "Prêmio Brasileirão 2020: confira os eleitos para a seleção do campeonato nesta temporada" (in Portuguese). Globo. 26 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
- ^ "(FOTO) El 11 ideal de la Copa Libertadores 2022". OneFootball (in Spanish). 31 October 2022. Retrieved 2 November 2022.
External links
[edit]- Gabriel Barbosa at National-Football-Teams.com
- Gabriel Barbosa at Soccerway
- Gabriel Barbosa at Olympics.com
- Gabriel Barbosa at Olympedia
- Gabigol at the Comitê Olímpico do Brasil (in Portuguese)
Gabriel Barbosa
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Gabriel Barbosa Almeida was born on August 30, 1996, in São Bernardo do Campo, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.[10] He is the son of Valdemir Silva and Lindalva Barbosa, who raised him in a close-knit family environment.[11] Barbosa has a younger sister, Dhiovanna Barbosa, with whom he maintains a strong familial bond.[12] Growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Cafezal within the Montanhão area of São Bernardo do Campo, Barbosa experienced a humble childhood marked by economic challenges.[13] His family provided consistent support for his early interest in football, which he first pursued through informal street games in the community, often playing with local children despite limited resources.[14] Financial constraints were common; for instance, during his initial training sessions as a child, the family sometimes lacked money for bus fare, leading Barbosa to walk long distances home.[15] His parents actively encouraged his passion, recognizing his talent from around age five or six and ensuring he had opportunities to develop it amid their modest circumstances.[16] The nickname "Gabigol," a blend of his first name "Gabi" and "gol" (Portuguese for goal), emerged during his early youth football days due to his prolific scoring ability.[10] Barbosa attended local schools in São Bernardo do Campo during his early years, balancing basic education with his growing focus on sports before dedicating more time to organized football around age nine.[13]Youth career
Gabriel Barbosa joined the Santos FC youth academy in 2004 at the age of eight, progressing through the under-11, under-13, under-15, and under-17 levels over the next nine years.[17] His exceptional goal-scoring prowess during this period earned him the nickname "Gabigol," with reports indicating he netted over 600 goals across youth competitions.[18] Barbosa stood out as a top scorer in multiple Santos youth tournaments, including the 2012 São Paulo Youth Cup, where his performances highlighted his potential as a prolific forward. He also gained international youth exposure representing Brazil's under-15 and under-17 national teams in various competitions. Under the guidance of youth coach Marcelo Fernandes, Barbosa benefited from focused training that emphasized his technical skills and physical conditioning, during which he grew from 1.70 meters to 1.78 meters in height through his teenage years. In 2013, at the age of 16, Barbosa was promoted to Santos' senior squad, receiving his first exposure with bench appearances during the Campeonato Paulista that year.[19]Club career
Santos (2013–2016)
Gabriel Barbosa made his professional debut for Santos on 26 May 2013, entering as a substitute in a 0–0 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A draw against Flamengo at the age of 16.[19] He scored his first professional goal on 22 August 2013, netting the lone strike in a 1–0 Copa do Brasil round-of-16 victory over Grêmio.[20] In the 2014 season, Barbosa emerged as a key contributor, tallying 21 goals across 44 appearances in all competitions. His standout performances came in the Copa do Brasil, where he scored six goals in seven matches, including one in the second leg of the final against Cruzeiro, helping Santos to a 3–3 draw despite a 5–4 aggregate defeat.[21] Barbosa continued his prolific form in 2015, scoring 21 goals in 32 Série A matches alone, while contributing to Santos' run to the Copa do Brasil final, where they fell to Palmeiras on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate. Over the 2015–2016 period, he added to his tally with notable strikes in the Campeonato Paulista, which Santos won in both years. In total, Barbosa recorded 42 goals in 107 appearances for Santos from 2013 to 2016.[22] Primarily deployed as a second striker or left winger, Barbosa impressed with his explosive speed and clinical finishing, drawing comparisons to emerging Brazilian talents.[23] His breakthrough prompted a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan on 31 August 2016 for a reported €29.5 million fee, setting a record for a Brazilian teenager at the time.[24]Inter Milan (2016–2018)
Gabriel Barbosa joined Inter Milan from Santos on 27 August 2016, signing a five-year contract for a transfer fee of €29.5 million.[25][26] The move came after his standout performances at Santos and with Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he contributed to the gold medal win, generating significant hype around his potential as a prolific forward.[27] In the 2016–17 season, Barbosa faced adaptation challenges under head coaches Frank de Boer, who managed until November 2016, and Stefano Pioli, who took over afterward.[28] He made his Serie A debut as a substitute against Bologna on 25 September 2016 but struggled for consistent playing time, appearing in nine league matches for a total of 111 minutes and scoring just one goal—a late winner in a 1–0 victory over Bologna on 19 February 2017.[29][30] Factors contributing to his limited role included tactical mismatches with Inter's system, competition from established forwards like Mauro Icardi, and reported injuries that hampered his integration.[31] Barbosa's frustrations boiled over in May 2017 when he stormed off the substitutes' bench during a match against Sassuolo after realizing he would not be substituted in, later issuing a public apology.[32] The Italian media dubbed him "Gabi-no-gol" amid high expectations following his Olympic success, adding pressure that he later described as overwhelming during his adaptation to European football.[31][27] The 2017–18 season brought further marginalization, with Barbosa loaned to Benfica in late August 2017 after minimal involvement in pre-season.[33] Upon returning in January 2018 following a short and unproductive spell at Benfica—where he made only five appearances—the forward found himself confined to the bench under Pioli, prompting Inter to loan him back to Santos later that month to help him regain form.[34][35] Across his time with Inter's first team from 2016 to 2018, excluding loans, Barbosa recorded 10 appearances and 1 goal in all competitions, highlighting a period of unfulfilled promise despite the substantial investment in his transfer.[36]Benfica (loan) (2017–2018)
Gabriel Barbosa arrived at Benfica on a loan from Inter Milan in late August 2017, with the agreement including an option to make the deal permanent.[37] The move aimed to provide the young Brazilian forward with regular playing time in the Primeira Liga to revive his form following a challenging debut season in Italy.[38] Under coach Rui Vitória, Barbosa served as a rotational forward but struggled with limited opportunities due to competition and adaptation issues.[39] He made 5 appearances and scored 1 goal across all competitions during his brief loan, which ended early in January 2018.[36] Benfica chose not to exercise the option to purchase him permanently.[35] He subsequently returned to Inter Milan.[40]Santos (loan) (2018)
On 25 January 2018, Inter Milan loaned Gabriel Barbosa back to his former club Santos on a one-year deal until 31 December 2018.[41][42] The 21-year-old forward, who had struggled for playing time during loans at Benfica and limited appearances at Inter, returned to the club where he had previously made his professional breakthrough. Under initial coach Jorginho, Barbosa was deployed as the primary striker, forming a key attacking partnership and quickly re-establishing himself in the starting lineup.[43] During the loan spell, Barbosa featured prominently across multiple competitions, making 53 appearances and scoring 27 goals in total. In the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, he played 35 matches and netted 18 goals, emerging as the league's top scorer that season.[44] In the Campeonato Paulista, he appeared in 8 games and scored 4 goals, contributing to Santos' run to the semi-finals where they were eliminated by Corinthians. He also scored 4 goals in 3 Copa do Brasil matches and added 1 goal in 7 Copa Libertadores group stage appearances, including a notable strike against Estudiantes in April.[44][22] These performances marked a significant resurgence, with Barbosa regaining form and popularity among Santos supporters through his goal-scoring prowess and energetic play. At the conclusion of the loan in December 2018, Santos expressed interest in a permanent transfer but lacked the financial resources to meet Inter's valuation. Barbosa returned to Inter Milan, only to be loaned out again to Flamengo in January 2019.[45]Flamengo (2019–2024)
Gabriel Barbosa joined Flamengo on a one-year loan from Inter Milan in January 2019.[46] He made his debut for the club on 23 January 2019 in a 1–1 draw against Fluminense in the Campeonato Carioca.[47] Barbosa quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal for Flamengo on 24 February 2019 in a 4–1 victory over Americano, and went on a scoring streak in subsequent matches. During the 2019 season, he emerged as a key figure under coach Jorge Jesus, netting 43 goals across 59 appearances in all competitions and helping Flamengo secure the Campeonato Carioca, Copa Libertadores, and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles.[47] His standout performance came in the Copa Libertadores final on 23 November 2019, where he scored a dramatic brace in stoppage time to secure a 2–1 comeback win against River Plate, earning him the top scorer honor in the tournament with nine goals.[47] In December 2019, following his loan spell, Flamengo completed a permanent transfer for Barbosa from Inter Milan in a deal reported at €18 million, signing him to a contract until December 2024.[48] Over the subsequent years from 2020 to 2023, Barbosa solidified his status as a prolific forward and team leader, contributing significantly to further successes including the 2020 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the 2020 and 2021 Supercopa do Brasil, and the 2022 Copa Libertadores.[4] Under coaches like Jorge Jesus and later Dorival Júnior, his role evolved from a pure poacher to a more complete leader, influencing team dynamics with his positioning, finishing, and clutch performances in high-stakes matches.[49] By the end of 2023, he had become one of Flamengo's all-time leading scorers, matching records set by club legend Zico in single-season tallies.[50] In total, Barbosa scored 161 goals in 306 appearances for Flamengo between 2019 and 2024, establishing himself as the club's fifth-highest all-time scorer in competitive matches.[51] The 2024 season presented challenges, as a doping-related suspension imposed in March limited his participation, affecting his consistency and leading to a transitional period before his departure at the end of the year.[52] Despite this, his tenure marked a golden era for Flamengo, with Barbosa's contributions central to multiple continental and domestic triumphs.Cruzeiro (2025–present)
On 1 January 2025, Cruzeiro announced the signing of Gabriel Barbosa on a free transfer from Flamengo following the expiry of his contract with the Rio de Janeiro club. The 28-year-old forward agreed to a four-year deal until December 2028, marking a significant addition to Cruzeiro's attacking lineup as they aimed to bolster their squad for the 2025 season.[1][53] Barbosa's adaptation to Cruzeiro was highlighted by an enthusiastic reception from fans in Belo Horizonte, where over 44,000 supporters attended his unveiling at the Mineirão Stadium, creating a hero's welcome atmosphere. This positive fan response came amid his ongoing recovery from a doping appeal; in July 2025, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a 24-month suspension imposed by Brazil's anti-doping tribunal for alleged tampering during a test, allowing him to focus fully on his new chapter without further disruption. Under coach Leonardo Jardim, appointed in February 2025, Barbosa has established himself as the starting striker, emphasizing leadership on the pitch and consistent performances to help integrate with the team's tactical setup.[54][55][56] In the 2025 season, Barbosa has made 26 appearances in Série A, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists while accumulating approximately 1,000 minutes played as of November 17. His contributions extend to the Copa do Brasil, where he has been instrumental in key matches, including scoring crucial goals that advanced Cruzeiro in the knockout stages. With Cruzeiro positioned third in the Série A standings with 66 points as of November 17, Barbosa's form has positioned the club as contenders for the league title and further success in domestic cups, underscoring his ongoing impact in driving the team's offensive output.[57][58][59]International career
Youth international career
Gabriel Barbosa began his youth international career with the Brazil under-15 team in November 2011, earning four caps without scoring.[60] He progressed to the under-17 level in 2013, debuting at the South American U-17 Championship where he scored three goals as Brazil reached the final. Barbosa also featured in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring two goals in two appearances during the tournament in the United Arab Emirates.[61][62] At the under-20 level, Barbosa was called up in 2014 and participated in key tournaments, including the 2015 Toulon Tournament, which Brazil won; he claimed the Golden Boot with six goals. He also represented Brazil at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship, contributing to their qualification efforts for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Overall, he made seven appearances for the U-20 team.[57] Barbosa's youth career culminated with the under-23 team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where Brazil secured their first-ever Olympic gold medal in men's football under coach Rogério Micale. He played in six matches, scoring four goals, including a brace in the 4–0 group stage victory over Denmark that broke Brazil's scoring drought and a goal in the semifinal against Germany.[63][64] Across all youth levels, Barbosa amassed approximately 45 appearances and 25 goals, establishing his international pedigree under coaches like Alexandre Gallo and Carlos Amadeu before transitioning to senior duty.[57]Senior international career
Gabriel Barbosa made his senior international debut for Brazil on 29 May 2016, coming on as a substitute and scoring in a 2–0 friendly victory over Panama in Colorado, marking his first goal for the national team.[65] His competitive debut followed shortly after in the 2016 Copa América Centenario, where he appeared in three matches, including scoring in a 7–1 group stage win against Haiti on 8 June 2016.[66] Barbosa's early international career was marked by sporadic appearances amid strong competition for forward positions, often as a backup option behind established stars like Neymar. He earned his first call-up to the senior squad in May 2016 under coach Dunga, following impressive form at Santos, and featured in the 2016 Copa América, where Brazil reached the quarter-finals before elimination by Paraguay.[9] After a period of limited involvement during his time in Europe with Inter Milan and Benfica, Barbosa returned to the national team setup in September 2019 under Tite, receiving his first call-up in three years for friendlies against Senegal and Nigeria, though he did not feature in those matches.[67] His most notable senior tournament participation came during the 2021 Copa América, hosted by Brazil, where he was included in the 28-man squad and made five appearances, scoring the third goal in the 3–0 group stage opening win over Venezuela on 13 June 2021, finishing from a cross by Neymar.[68] Brazil won the tournament, defeating Argentina 1–0 in the final, with Barbosa providing depth as a substitute forward. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he accumulated eight caps and two goals, including a strike in a 4–1 home win against Uruguay on 14 October 2021 at Arena da Amazônia, contributing to Brazil's qualification for the tournament. Despite his contributions, Barbosa's international role remained secondary to primary strikers like Richarlison and Neymar, with selections influenced by his club form at Flamengo. He earned a total of 18 caps and scored 5 goals for Brazil between 2016 and 2022, with his last appearance occurring in March 2022 during World Cup qualifiers. As of November 2025, Barbosa has not received a national team call-up since 2022, focusing instead on his club career at Cruzeiro following a successful appeal against a two-year doping suspension imposed in March 2024 for attempted anti-doping fraud.[69][57]Personal life
Family and public image
Gabriel Barbosa maintains a close-knit family dynamic that has played a significant role in his personal and professional life. His parents, Valdemir Silva and Lindalva Barbosa, have provided unwavering support throughout his career, including practical assistance with relocations such as scouting housing options during his 2025 transfer to Cruzeiro.[70] The family resided near the Santos stadium during his early years, reflecting their commitment to his development from a young age.[17] In his personal relationships, Barbosa has been in a long-term, intermittent partnership with Rafaella Santos, the sister of Brazilian footballer Neymar, since the mid-2010s; the couple reconciled publicly in January 2025 after multiple breakups.[71][72] As of 2025, they have no children. Barbosa's public image is that of a charismatic figure, amplified by his active social media presence, where he has amassed over 12 million Instagram followers by 2025, often sharing glimpses of his lifestyle and career highlights.[73] This persona has attracted endorsements from major brands, including Nike for footwear and apparel since his early professional days, as well as partnerships with KONAMI for video game promotions and the betting platform Stake.[74][75][76] During his tenure with Flamengo from 2019 to 2024, Barbosa resided in a luxurious mansion in Rio de Janeiro's upscale Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, purchased for around R$13 million in 2023; the property features five suites, a heated pool, sauna, gourmet space, wine cellar, home theater, and a game room with personalized murals of football idols.[77][78] His nickname "Gabigol," a blend of his childhood moniker "Gabi" and his prolific goal-scoring in youth ranks, originated within his family circle.[79]Doping case and controversies
In April 2023, during an out-of-competition anti-doping test at Flamengo's training ground in Rio de Janeiro, Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, was accused of tampering with the process by delaying the provision of a urine sample, allegedly ignoring an initial request while his teammates complied earlier that day.[69][80] The incident occurred on April 8, 2023, the day before a Campeonato Carioca match, leading to a notification of a potential anti-doping rule violation for fraud on May 30, 2023.[81][82] On March 25, 2024, Brazil's Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice imposed a two-year suspension on Barbosa for attempted anti-doping fraud, with the ban backdated to the date of the violation and set to expire in April 2025; the decision passed by a 5-4 vote.[69] Barbosa denied any wrongdoing and immediately appealed, receiving a provisional authorization from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on April 30, 2024, to resume playing pending the final ruling.[84][85] The suspension initially caused Barbosa to miss nine matches for Flamengo in early 2024, including three in the Copa Libertadores, before the provisional stay allowed his return.[86] On July 4, 2025, CAS overturned the ban entirely, ruling that Barbosa's actions did not constitute tampering or manipulation of the doping control process due to insufficient evidence.[55][87] This clearance facilitated his transfer to Cruzeiro later in 2025, where he continues to play.[88] No criminal charges were filed in connection with the case.[89] Beyond the doping matter, Barbosa has faced prior disciplinary issues, including a one-match ban from CONMEBOL in December 2019 for social media comments criticizing a referee during the Copa Libertadores.[90] These incidents highlight a pattern of occasional conduct concerns, but none resulted in long-term suspensions prior to the 2024 case.Style of play
Technical attributes
Gabriel Barbosa primarily operates as a left-footed centre-forward or second striker, standing at 1.78 meters tall and weighing approximately 70 kilograms.[1] His physical profile supports a versatile role in attack, allowing him to drop deep or drift wide, particularly on the right flank despite his left-footed preference.[1] Among his key strengths, Barbosa excels in clinical finishing, with a career shot-to-goal conversion rate of approximately 25% in Brazilian competitions, enabling him to capitalize on limited opportunities.[3] Despite his modest height, he demonstrates notable aerial ability, winning headers through timing and positioning rather than sheer power. His quick acceleration makes him a potent threat on counterattacks, where he can exploit spaces behind defenses with explosive bursts of speed.[91] In terms of ball-handling, Barbosa is effective in one-on-one dribbling situations, using close control and feints to beat defenders, often playing the ball off the ground to maintain momentum. He contributes to build-up play with short, precise passes and possesses good vision to spot runs in the final third, favoring the left channel to cut inside onto his stronger foot.[91] However, Barbosa's weaknesses include inconsistency in offside positioning, which has occasionally disrupted his runs into the box, and limited defensive contributions off the ball. His temperament can also be a factor, leading to yellow cards for dissent amid heated moments on the pitch.[91][47] Over his career, Barbosa has evolved from a raw, speed-reliant youth prospect at Santos, focused on direct runs and flair, into a more complete finisher at Flamengo, where he refined his positioning and finishing under structured coaching to become a reliable goal scorer in high-stakes matches.[47] This development has carried into his international adaptations, where he adjusts as a supporting forward alongside main strikers.[47] Since joining Cruzeiro in 2025, he has continued to demonstrate his finishing prowess, scoring 6 goals in the Brazilian Série A as of November 2025.[3]Reception
Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, rose to hero status in Brazilian football after his dramatic brace in the 89th minute and stoppage time during the 2019 Copa Libertadores final, propelling Flamengo to a 2-1 comeback victory over River Plate and ending a 38-year drought for the club.[92] His ability to deliver in clutch moments has led to frequent comparisons with Romário, praised for embodying the same predatory instinct in decisive games.[93] Among fans, Gabigol has solidified his idol status at Santos, where he emerged as a prodigy, and especially at Flamengo, where his charismatic celebrations and loyalty endeared him to supporters, often described as overwhelming in their fervor.[94] Critics, however, have pointed to inconsistencies during his European stints at Inter Milan and Benfica, where he struggled to adapt to the tactical demands and physicality, earning the derisive nickname "Gabi-no-gol" for his limited impact despite high expectations.[31] Discipline issues, including reported clashes with coaches around 2020 amid concerns over training commitment, further tarnished his reputation at times.[30] Additionally, some analysts have criticized his over-reliance on penalties to boost goal tallies in certain seasons, questioning the sustainability of his scoring prowess beyond spot-kicks.[3] Brazilian media outlets have lauded Gabigol's "redemption arc" following his underwhelming 2018 performances in Europe, highlighting his resurgence at Flamengo as a narrative of revival through prolific scoring and major titles.[79] Internationally, there remains skepticism about his fit for top European leagues, with reports emphasizing his failure to replicate club success at the senior international level for Brazil.[95] Gabigol's legacy stands as a symbol of Brazilian flair, blending technical skill with showmanship.[1] He joined Cruzeiro on 1 January 2025 on a contract until December 2028.[1] Among his accolades, Gabigol has secured multiple Bola de Prata awards, recognizing his standout performances in the Brasileirão.[96]Career statistics
Club
Gabriel Barbosa's club career has been marked by consistent goal-scoring prowess, particularly in Brazilian competitions. As of November 8, 2025, he has accumulated 566 appearances, 258 goals, and 60 assists across all club levels, with total minutes played surpassing 35,000. His peak performance came in 2015 with Santos, where he scored 34 goals in 57 appearances across multiple competitions. In the 2025 season with Cruzeiro, Barbosa has recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in 25 Série A matches, totaling 796 minutes.[3] The breakdown by club highlights his longevity at Flamengo and early impact at Santos:| Club | Period | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes (approx.) | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santos | 2013–2016, 2018 | 207 | 83 | 13 | 14,500 | 25 | 1 |
| Inter Milan | 2016–2017 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 450 | 1 | 0 |
| Benfica (loan) | 2017–2018 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 164 | 0 | 0 |
| Flamengo | 2019–2024 | 306 | 161 | 43 | 20,500 | 30 | 1 |
| Peñarol (loan) | 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cruzeiro | 2025–present | 41 | 13 | 4 | 2,800 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 569 | 259 | 60 | ~38,414 | 60 | 2 |
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Série A (Brazil) | 288 | 119 | 33 |
| Copa do Brasil | 68 | 32 | 3 |
| Copa Libertadores | 45 | 22 | 5 |
| Serie A (Italy) | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Primeira Liga (Portugal) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other (Carioca, Paulista, etc.) | 157 | 85 | 19 |
International
Gabriel Barbosa represented Brazil at various youth levels, accumulating 45 caps and scoring 25 goals across under-15, under-17, under-20, and under-23 teams. His youth international career highlighted his scoring prowess, particularly in tournaments leading to major competitions. At the senior level, Barbosa earned 18 caps and netted 5 goals for the Brazil national team as of November 2025. His last cap was in 2021; he received no call-ups from 2022 onward. The following table summarizes his international appearances and goals by age group and key competitions:| Category | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth (U15-U23) | Total | 45 | 25 |
| Youth (U23/Olympics) | 2016 Summer Olympics | 6 | 4 |
| Senior | Friendlies and Qualifiers | 9 | 3 |
| Senior | 2019 Copa América | 4 | 2 |
| Senior | Other Tournaments | 2 | 2 |
| Senior Total | - | 18 | 5 |
Honours
Club honours
Gabriel Barbosa has amassed a collection of 16 club trophies throughout his professional career, primarily with Santos and Flamengo, where he played pivotal roles in several victories, including scoring decisive goals in high-stakes finals.[98]Santos
- Campeonato Paulista: 2015, 2016. Barbosa contributed significantly to both triumphs, emerging as a key attacking talent in the 2015 edition with multiple goals during the campaign.[99]
Flamengo
Barbosa joined Flamengo on loan in 2019 and made the move permanent thereafter, becoming a cornerstone of the club's dominant era with 14 major titles. His standout contributions include a dramatic brace in the 2019 Copa Libertadores final against River Plate, securing a 2–1 victory and the continental crown.[7]- Campeonato Carioca: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024. He was the top scorer in the 2019 edition with 7 goals and repeated the feat in 2022–23 with 9 goals.[4]
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2019, 2020. Barbosa led the scoring charts in 2019 with 25 goals, earning the Bola de Ouro award.[100]
- Copa Libertadores: 2019, 2022. In addition to his 2019 final heroics, he netted 11 goals in the 2020–21 edition, though the title came in 2022.[4]
- Supercopa do Brasil: 2020, 2021.[101]
- Recopa Sudamericana: 2020.[101]
- Copa do Brasil: 2022, 2024. Flamengo defeated Corinthians 2–1 on aggregate in the 2022 final and Atlético Mineiro 4–1 on aggregate in the 2024 final.[4]
Benfica
No major club titles won during his 2017–18 loan spell.[1]Cruzeiro
No major club titles as of November 2025.[1]International honours
Gabriel Barbosa has earned one notable international honour during his youth career with Brazil's national teams, highlighting his early promise as a forward. The following year, Barbosa contributed to Brazil's historic first Olympic football gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games, appearing in six matches and scoring two goals as the team overcame Germany in the final via penalties after a 1–1 draw.[102] At the senior level, despite debuting in 2016 and accumulating eight caps across two Copa América tournaments, Barbosa has yet to secure any major titles with the full Brazil squad.[103]References
- https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/soccer/story/_/id/39808761/flamengo-gabriel-barbosa-suspended-doping-case
