(Gabigol) What is the story behind this trend in Social Media today?
17-09-2026
Gabigol, the Brazilian striker currently on loan at Santos from Cruzeiro, has been at the center of social media conversation because of a combination of an outspoken interview, fan backlash, a public clarification, a new tribute song, and a high-stakes match that just ended.In early September he gave a long interview in which he spoke openly about his past at Flamengo, saying the club still moves him and that he once recorded a renewal video that was never released. He also said staying at Santos beyond the current loan would be financially difficult and that he still believes his story at Cruzeiro could work out. Santos supporters reacted angrily, feeling he was already looking past the club that is paying part of his wages and where he is currently playing. Commentators piled on as well.A few days later Gabigol recorded a video released by Santos in which he said parts of the interview had been taken out of context, that Santos is the club of his heart, and that he wants to stay there for a long time. He also appeared in a newly released rap track honoring Santos history and its idols, including clips of his own goals.On 16 September Santos traveled to Belo Horizonte for the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Atlético-MG. Gabigol scored one of Santos’s two goals in a 4-2 defeat that sent the tie to penalties. He missed his spot-kick and Santos were eliminated. That result, coming so soon after the interview controversy and the apology, kept his name circulating.The conversation therefore mixes old loyalties (Flamengo), current contract reality (Cruzeiro still owns him), present-day performance at Santos, and the usual mix of praise, memes, and criticism that follows him whenever he speaks or plays in a big game.