An idol of the nation and the most decisive player of Flamengo’s historic generation, Gabigol is expected to write his last chapter as a club player this Sunday (10), against Atlético-MG, in the final of the Copa do Brasil. The “last dance”, announced by the number 99 himself, could end the “soap opera” that became the impasse between the board and the athlete’s staff over the renewal of the contract.
The match will be at 4pm (Brasília time) at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. The Copa do Brasil title, if confirmed, will be the redemption of an idol who experienced his greatest moments in the last two years. Until the arrival of Filipe Luís, the number 99 was “forgotten”.
Until Tite’s departure in October, Gabigol played 28 games this season — just four as a starter — with four goals. The scenario changed completely under the command of Filipe Luís.
The former teammate and current coach bet on number 99, starting six of the eight matches with “Filipinho”, and Gabigol lived up to his trust by scoring two goals against Atlético in the decision.
The contractual situation
Gabigol’s contract with Flamengo runs until December 31, 2024. Since 2022, the player’s staff and the board have been in an impasse over the renewal, which was close to being signed.
Businessman Junior Pedroso and President Rodolfo Landim, at various times, gave divergent versions on the subject. For now, the attacker’s future remains uncertain.
According to Landim, Flamengo’s offer for Gabigol remains “on the table”: renewal for one year with salary increase. Gabigol, who wanted a stronger bond, did not respond to the proposal.
Brazilian rivals on the lookout
During the impasse between Flamengo and Gabigol, some Brazilian rivals have already shown interest in signing the striker. These are the cases of Palmeiras, Corinthians and Cruzeiro, for example.
The numbers of the Nation’s idol
Gabigol’s decisive character can be proven in the striker’s numbers in the Flamengo shirt. There are several significant marks from shirt 99, the sixth highest scorer in the club’s history.
More than the quantity, the circumstances of the goals made Gabi one of the nation’s greatest idols. By scoring against Atlético, at Maracanã, Gabi reached 16 goals in finals.
- 304 games (1st of the current squad)
- 12 titles (1st of the current squad with Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique)
- 160 goals (1st in the current squad and 6th highest scorer in the club’s history)
- 44 assists (3rd of the current squad)
- 32 goals in the Copa do Brasil, 13 goals for Flamengo (3rd highest scorer in the history of the tournament)
