Gabigol’s message for Cruzeiro doubters | OneFootball

Gabriel Barbosa, more commonly known as Gabigol, has quickly established himself as a key attacking presence for Cruzeiro, despite a challenging start to his time at the club, according to Globo. Since joining in January, the striker has found himself both competing for a starting role and making decisive contributions on the scoresheet.

Gabigol arrived at Cruzeiro with recent silverware to his name, fresh off a Copa do Brasil triumph, and carried with him significant expectations. However, the opening months were anything but straightforward, marked by Cruzeiro's elimination in the state championship semi-finals and a managerial change that saw Leonardo Jardim take charge.

Under Jardim, Gabigol has not always been the first name on the teamsheet. Nevertheless, his effectiveness in front of goal has remained consistent. In official matches, Barbosa leads the squad for combined goals and assists, having scored nine goals and set up a further four. This output puts him ahead of Kaio Jorge—the nearest challenger for attacking output—who has ten goals and two assists from fewer overall appearances.

Competition for the central striker role has intensified, with Gabigol and Kaio Jorge each featuring 17 times since Jardim’s appointment. Of those, Gabigol started ten matches, while being brought off the bench or replaced in six, typically sharing responsibilities with the likes of Matheus Pereira. The tactical setup has at times seen Gabigol operate in a slightly more withdrawn role or rotated with Pereira, who himself has contributed five goal involvements across the campaign.

Gabigol has spoken openly about his place in Cruzeiro’s longer-term project, raising ambitions that extend to participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. The striker outlined his vision during an appearance on the PodPah podcast, stating, “The process will take Cruzeiro there (to the Club World Cup).” He added that interest around Cruzeiro is growing among his peers, saying, “Players are already asking me what it’s like to play in Cruzeiro, about the stadium, the city. The interest wasn’t like this before; it’s only increasing now.”

Looking ahead, manager Jardim is expected to further tinker with the team, especially in upcoming fixtures such as the Vitória Cup clashes with Defensa y Justicia and Banfield. With new additions like Marquinhos and Rodriguinho pushing for integration, Gabigol’s adaptability may prove crucial as Cruzeiro seek to maintain their form and depth across competitions.

The club remains clear in their objectives for the season, with qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores seen as a primary target. For Gabigol, both personal and collective goals are in sharp focus as he navigates the demands of contributing decisively—whether as starter or impact substitute—in a side with renewed ambition.

Original source: Globo.

Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images