Gabriel Barbosa: The Journey of Gabigol
Gabriel Barbosa Almeida, affectionately known as Gabigol, is one of the most iconic names in Brazilian football. With a career defined by decisive goals, controversies, and an infectious passion for the sport, he has won the hearts of fans and established himself as one of Brazil’s top strikers. This is the story of his life, from his first steps in São Bernardo do Campo to his consecration as an idol at Flamengo and, more recently, as a player for Cruzeiro.
Childhood and First Steps in Football
Born on August 30, 1996, in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Gabriel Barbosa grew up in a humble environment where football was more than a pastime—it was a national passion. From a young age, he displayed talent with the ball, playing in the streets and local pitches of his hometown. At age 8, in 2004, Gabriel joined the youth academy of Santos FC, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, renowned for producing legends like Pelé and Neymar.
The Nickname “Gabigol”
At Santos’ youth academy, Gabriel quickly stood out for his skill and goal-scoring prowess. He scored goals in abundance, earning the nickname Gabigol—a blend of his name and “goal.” The nickname wasn’t just a reflection of his talent but also a promise of what was to come. His dedication and competitiveness made him a gem in the youth ranks, soon catching the eye of scouts.
Professional Contract
On September 25, 2012, at just 16 years old, Gabriel signed his first professional contract with Santos, which included a €50 million release clause. This figure reflected the immense potential the club saw in the young striker. His debut for the senior team came on January 17, 2013, in a friendly against Grêmio Barueri, marking the start of his professional journey.
Rise at Santos
The year 2013 was a learning period for Gabriel, who alternated between the senior team and the youth squad. Under coaches like Muricy Ramalho, he began to show his potential in matches of the Campeonato Paulista and the Brazilian Série A.
Breakthrough in 2015
After the departure of club icon Robinho in 2015, Gabriel took on the responsibility of being Santos’ main striker. He did not disappoint. In the 2015 Brazilian Championship, he scored 10 goals, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s breakout stars. In the Copa do Brasil, he was the top scorer with 8 goals, delivering memorable performances with braces against Sport Recife, Joinville, and Atlético Mineiro, as well as the decisive goal in the first leg of the final against Palmeiras. His performances earned him a spot on the Spanish magazine Don Balón’s list of the 101 best young talents in world football in 2015.
2016: The Year of Consolidation
In 2016, Gabriel continued to shine. He scored twice in back-to-back matches early in the season against São Bernardo and Ponte Preta and was a key figure in Santos’ Campeonato Paulista campaign. A standout moment was a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, where he scored twice and helped Santos advance to the tournament’s finals. His consistency and goal-scoring instinct attracted international attention, paving the way for the next phase of his career.
European Adventure
With his success in Brazil, Gabriel drew interest from European clubs. On August 27, 2016, he signed with Inter Milan in Italy for €29.5 million on a five-year contract. The transfer was a milestone, but it also marked the beginning of a challenging period.
Struggles at Inter Milan
In Italy, Gabriel faced difficulties adapting. The language barrier, differences in playing style, and intense competition within Inter’s squad limited his opportunities. He played just nine matches and scored one goal, far from the brilliance he displayed in Brazil. The Italian fans, who initially welcomed him with enthusiasm, soon grew impatient, and Gabriel was loaned to Benfica in Portugal in 2017.
Stint at Benfica
At Benfica, the story was much the same. Gabriel had few chances to play and failed to replicate his Santos success. Renowned South American journalist Tim Vickery described this phase as an “absolute disaster,” noting that despite his talent, Gabriel seemed unprepared for the rigors of European football. After a frustrating spell, he returned to Brazil in 2018, determined to rebuild his confidence.
Rebirth at Flamengo
Back in Brazil, Gabriel was loaned to Flamengo in 2019, a decision that would transform his career. At the Rio club, he found the perfect environment to shine. Under coach Jorge Jesus, Gabriel evolved into a complete striker, combining positioning, finishing, and physical strength.
2019: The Magical Year
The year 2019 was undoubtedly the peak of Gabigol’s career. He was the hero of Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores triumph, scoring two goals in the final minutes of the final against River Plate to secure a historic 2-1 comeback victory. Those goals not only won the title for Flamengo but also cemented Gabriel as an idol for the club’s fans. The chant “Hoje tem gol do Gabigol” (“Today there’s a goal from Gabigol”) echoed through the Maracanã, reflecting the fans’ adoration.
Beyond the Libertadores, Gabriel was instrumental in Flamengo’s 2019 Brazilian Championship win, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. He ended the year with the prestigious Bola de Ouro award from Placar magazine and was named South American Player of the Year by the Uruguayan newspaper El País.
Permanent Transfer and Historic Milestones
On January 27, 2020, Flamengo announced Gabriel’s permanent signing for €17.5 million, with a contract until December 2024. He continued to make history at the club. On September 4, 2022, he became the youngest player to reach 100 goals in the Brazilian Série A during a 1-1 draw against Ceará. On July 1, 2023, he scored his 150th goal for Flamengo in a 2-0 win over Fortaleza, becoming the ninth player in the club’s history to reach that milestone.
The Doping Controversy
On March 24, 2024, Gabriel faced a major setback. The Brazilian Doping Control Authority suspended him for two years for attempting to tamper with an anti-doping test conducted before a Campeonato Carioca match. Gabriel denied the allegations, stating, “I have always followed the rules of the game and never used banned substances.” Flamengo announced it would support his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the suspension sidelined him for the 2024 season. He returned to action in 2025 after serving the ban and signed with Cruzeiro.
International Career
Gabriel also made his mark with the Brazilian national team. He was called up to the U-20 squad in 2014, becoming the top scorer in the L’Alcúdia International Tournament. In 2015, he played in the South American U-20 Championship, scoring against Venezuela. That same year, he shone for the U-23 team, netting six goals in four friendlies.
Olympic Gold in 2016
One of the most memorable moments of his career was winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics under coach Rogério Micale. Gabriel scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Denmark in the group stage, contributing to Brazil’s first-ever Olympic football gold. On March 26, 2016, he replaced Neymar in a 2018 World Cup qualifier, marking his debut for the senior national team.
Playing Style and Evolution
Gabriel began his career as a versatile forward, capable of playing with his back to goal or on the wings. Over time, particularly at Flamengo, he transformed into a classic center-forward, focused on finding space in the box and finishing with precision. His physical development was also notable, enabling him to win more aerial duels and become a dominant presence in attack.
Compared to Mauro Icardi, his former Inter Milan teammate, Gabriel combines opportunism with refined technique. Despite criticism in Europe for perceived overconfidence, in Brazil, he channeled that energy to become a leader on the pitch.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Gabigol is more than a player; he is a cultural phenomenon. His signature celebration, pointing to the sky, has become a symbol for Flamengo fans. He is also known for his extroverted personality, often seen as controversial but reflective of his authenticity. Phrases like “If he were chocolate, he’d eat himself,” from Tim Vickery, capture the confidence Gabriel exudes both on and off the field.
Move to Cruzeiro
In 2025, Gabriel signed with Cruzeiro, embarking on a new chapter in his career. The Cruzeiro fans welcomed him with enthusiasm, hoping he would bring the same brilliance he displayed at Flamengo. With a contract until December 2028, Gabriel has the chance to continue writing his story in Brazilian football.
Conclusion
Gabriel Barbosa, Gabigol, embodies talent and resilience in Brazilian football. From a Santos prodigy to a Flamengo hero, he has faced highs and lows but never stopped believing in his potential. His journey, marked by historic goals, titles, and moments of overcoming adversity, inspires young players and fans across Brazil. With his new chapter at Cruzeiro, Gabriel continues to show that in football, passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. Will there be a goal from Gabigol today? The answer, as always, lies at the feet of this star.
