<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> has seen a major boost to his Santos squad with the arrival of Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa from Cruzeiro, as the club looks to push for an even stronger 2026 season in both domestic and continental competitions. With both forwards positioned as the team’s main stars, head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda issued a clear message to Neymar and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gabigol/">Gabigol</a>: “Don’t share anything.”



The announcement of Neymar’s contract renewal at the end of 2025 proved to be a huge lift for both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a> and the player, who is aiming to regain peak form ahead of the 2026 World Cup. To further strengthen the squad, Gabigol (who is also Neymar’s sister Rafaella Santos’ partner) completed a loan move to the Peixe, with Vojvoda expecting the pair to form a lethal attacking partnership.



During a press conference last Sunday, Vojvoda addressed the expectations surrounding the duo: “Neymar and Gabigol know the club very well, and they know each other as well. But they’re going to want what’s best for Santos. Last year, there were people who doubted Neymar, and in difficult moments, physically diminished, he showed a commitment mindset.“



However, when asked whether the two forwards would share responsibility in attack, his response was unequivocal. “No. I want the maximum from Neymar and Gabigol. I don’t want them to share anything. I want them to add and multiply for the good of Santos. I will demand that because they are capable of it. Then it’s up to the coaching staff to find the mechanisms for them to perform at the highest level.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Santista, cruel e de volta pra sua casa. Que reestreia, <a href="https://twitter.com/gabigol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gabigol</a>! 🤍🖤 <a href="https://t.co/MT7WRiRWYP">pic.twitter.com/MT7WRiRWYP</a>— Santos FC (@SantosFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SantosFC/status/2010126392659452107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Fortunately for Vojvoda, while Neymar remains sidelined, Gabigol has already made an immediate impact upon returning to the club where he began his professional career. In Santos’ Paulista Championship opener on Saturday, the striker scored one of the goals in a comeback win over Novorizontino and was named man of the match, fueling optimism for what lies ahead.


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<h2>Neymar continuing a strong recovery</h2>



After his heroic performances to help keep Santos out of relegation despite playing through a meniscus injury, Neymar ultimately underwent surgery, with his recovery sidelining him for the entire month of January. Although his return is expected in February, that timeline could be accelerated, with Vojvoda encouraged by the forward’s progress in training.



Speaking about Neymar’s rehabilitation, the Argentine coach expressed optimism: “I’m happy because I see him happy. I think I mentioned it to my kids or to the staff. He was doing bicycle exercises, and I went to watch, and he was sweating a lot, doing very intense work. He’s preparing well. All of Brazil is waiting for Neymar, but I want him for Santos.“



Vojvoda concluded by taking a cautious approach regarding Neymar’s return to the pitch. “We’ll take it day by day. He’s at a good pace. When he’s ready, he’ll be the first to raise his hand and say he wants to be on the bench, that he wants to play. That’s the image of Neymar,” Vojvoda added.

Santos’ boss Vojvoda issues clear message to Neymar and star signing Gabigol: ‘Don’t share anything’

Santos' boss Vojvoda issues clear message to Neymar and star signing Gabigol: 'Don't share anything' - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

It has been nearly two and a half years since <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> last played an official match for Brazil, and time is becoming increasingly limited ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, a Brazilian star delivered a clear message about Neymar’s role with the national team.



During a recent press conference, Gabriel Barbosa spoke about his arrival at Santos, where he will be teammates with Neymar, and delivered a strong statement on the subject. “I want to help him get to 100%, we need him for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a>. And help Santos fight for titles,” the 29-year-old forward said, according to ESPN.



“Everyone knows that Neymar is my idol and friend, I was able to play with him on the national team. We were very happy,” added <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gabigol/">Gabigol</a>. Both players share the same roots, having come through Santos’ youth system. However, they did not play together there, as Barbosa made his debut in 2013, when Neymar was already on his way to Barcelona.



They later had the opportunity to play together at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games, where <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazil">Brazil</a> won their first-ever gold medal. Neymar was the tournament’s standout star, while Gabigol competed for the center forward spot with Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/02000300/gabigol-1920x1080.webp" alt="gabigol" class="wp-image-613271"></figure><figcaption>Gabriel Barbosa played last season for Cruzeiro.</figcaption></figure>



At the senior national team level, Barbosa had sporadic involvement under head coach Tite, appearing in only one major tournament, the 2021 Copa America. Neymar was also part of that squad, and Brazil finished as runners-up after losing the final to Argentina.


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<h2>Neymar and Gabigol face a major challenge with Santos</h2>



Beyond Neymar’s international ambitions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he also faces the challenge of helping <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos">Santos</a> return to a prominent position in Brazil’s Serie A and South America.



In 2025, the club struggled to produce consistent results and narrowly avoided relegation in the final rounds of the season. Now qualified for the Copa Sudamericana, they will aim for a stronger campaign and to compete for meaningful objectives.



“There’s no way to promise titles, but you have to be close,” Gabigol reflected during the same press conference. He also spoke about how strong collective play will help both him and Neymar shine: “Both he and I need the team much more than the team needs us. We need to have a strong team. Whatever is needed from me, with more than 200 games in a Santos shirt, I will be willing to help.”

Neymar under the spotlight following Brazil star’s bold claim: ‘We need him for the World Cup’

Neymar under the spotlight following Brazil star’s bold claim: ‘We need him for the World Cup’ - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> has never stopped being the emotional axis around which Santos revolves, and as the club looks ahead to 2026, that gravity is only growing stronger. With his future secured and his focus sharpened by the looming World Cup, Santos has dared to dream again—this time by reuniting two of the most emblematic forwards of a generation. The announcement sent shockwaves through Brazilian soccer, reviving memories of flair, goals, and unfinished stories.



At the heart of it all are&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gabigol/">Gabigol</a>, two names inseparable from Santos’ modern identity, now sharing a pitch once more as the club tries to transform nostalgia into competitive momentum. The Peixe confirmed the return of&nbsp;Gabriel Barbosa, widely known as Gabigol, on loan from&nbsp;Cruzeiro&nbsp;until the end of the 2026 season. There is no purchase option attached, but the symbolism of the deal goes far beyond contractual clauses.



The striker’s comeback marks his&nbsp;third spell&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a>, the club where his professional journey began and where his reputation as a ruthless finisher was forged. Across all competitions, Gabigol has already amassed&nbsp;210 appearances and 84 goals, including a Brazilian Serie A top-scorer crown in 2018.



From Cruzeiro’s perspective, the decision was rooted in pragmatism rather than sentiment. The 29-year-old’s time at the club became increasingly complicated over the past year. Despite contributing&nbsp;17 goals across 43 appearances, he struggled to maintain a consistent starting role, eventually losing ground to younger, in-form attackers.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">De volta para casa! O primeiro dia de Gabigol no retorno ao Peixão! 🎥💪🏽 <a href="https://t.co/EGFurOfiMY">pic.twitter.com/EGFurOfiMY</a>— Santos FC (@SantosFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SantosFC/status/2007473367520104823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



A missed penalty in a decisive cup tie, combined with a coaching change and strained relationships, pushed the situation toward a natural conclusion. Allowing the loan eased financial pressure and resolved a sporting impasse, while granting the forward the reset he openly sought.


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<h2>Nostalgia meets ambition</h2>



For Santos supporters, the reunion carries deep emotional weight. Gabigol’s first senior season in 2013 coincided with&nbsp;Neymar’s farewell year before his move to Europe. More than a decade later, the two are reunited at Vila Belmiro—this time as seasoned stars rather than prodigies.



On paper, the pairing instantly becomes one of the most glamorous attacking duos in Brazilian soccer. More importantly, it signals Santos’ intent to move beyond survival and back toward relevance, both domestically and continentally.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Santos Futebol Clube. <a href="https://t.co/hNFsBbhaKu">pic.twitter.com/hNFsBbhaKu</a>— Santos FC (@SantosFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SantosFC/status/2007432729432936521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>How Neymar can help Gabigol</h2>



Thus, Neymar’s role is no longer limited to goals and assists. With his contract extended through December 2026 and his eyes fixed firmly on the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">World Cup</a>, he has embraced a broader responsibility within the squad. Gabigol’s return places him alongside someone who understands the pressures of expectation, recovery, and reinvention better than almost anyone.


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Their connection goes beyond tactics or shared history. The two previously formed the attacking spine of Brazil’s&nbsp;Olympic gold medal-winning team in 2016, and their bond has remained visible ever since. Now, that familiarity becomes a tool—one Santos believes can help the striker rediscover rhythm, confidence, and decisiveness.

Neymar’s 2026 FIFA World Cup plan takes shape: Brazil veteran takes up new role at Santos following Gabigol’s arrival

Neymar’s 2026 FIFA World Cup plan takes shape: Brazil veteran takes up new role at Santos following Gabigol’s arrival - World Soccer Talk

The sense of renewal around&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;Santos&nbsp;has been building for months, and it is now unmistakable. After a turbulent period marked by injuries, speculation, and survival battles, the forward’s decision to commit his immediate future has given the club clarity and belief. With the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> looming large, Santos is moving decisively to surround its icon with the kind of attacking support that can turn stability into ambition. And while the headlines speak of a major reinforcement, one who once struggled badly in Europe.



The plan is simple but bold: protect Neymar’s body, maximize his influence, and share the goalscoring burden with a proven finisher who knows Brazilian soccer inside out. For a club that only recently stared relegation in the face, this represents a sharp shift in tone: from survival to intent.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a> confirmed that the 33-year-old veteran has extended his contract through&nbsp;December 2026, choosing continuity over temptation. His previous deal was set to expire in June, neatly aligned with the World Cup, but both sides agreed that a longer runway made more sense. The club teased the decision with a symbolic video of Vila Belmiro marked with the date “31/12/2026,” a quiet but powerful message that the talisman is staying put.



The context matters. Neymar’s return to Santos in 2025 was emotionally charged but physically frustrating. Injuries, including a torn meniscus that required surgery in December, limited his rhythm. Yet when the pressure peaked, he delivered.&nbsp;Five goals in the final five league rounds, including a hat-trick, dragged Santos away from relegation danger and into mid-table safety. In total, he finished the league campaign with&nbsp;eight goals and one assist in 20 appearances, numbers that only hint at his true impact.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Tá chegando a hora. ⏰ <a href="https://t.co/EryjX2YRPf">pic.twitter.com/EryjX2YRPf</a>— Santos FC (@SantosFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SantosFC/status/2006462219484070181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



That late surge reshaped everything. The Peixe avoided relegation, secured a continental place, and reopened talks with their biggest star. For Neymar, the calculation was equally clear: Santos offered familiarity, careful load management, and a platform to rebuild confidence ahead of a World Cup that could define his legacy.



<h2>The mysterious reinforcement revealed</h2>



Just before the first major squad move of this new chapter, the Brazilian giant turned its attention to the attack. According to reports confirmed by Brazilian outlet&nbsp;UOL&nbsp;and transfer journalist&nbsp;Fabrizio Romano, Santos is closing in on a one-year loan deal&nbsp;for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/gabigol/">Gabriel Barbosa</a>, widely known as&nbsp;Gabigol, with a&nbsp;fixed buy option&nbsp;included. The financial structure reflects ambition tempered by realism:&nbsp;Santos and Cruzeiro will split the salary, which exceeds&nbsp;$365,000 per month, allowing the Peixe to land an elite domestic scorer without jeopardizing their wage balance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20260102_WST_613182_gabigol_af93d1b0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="gabigol" class="wp-image-613271"></figure><figcaption>Gabriel Barbosa of Cruzeiro</figcaption></figure>



With Neymar’s extension secured, Santos’ hierarchy reportedly wants a forward capable of leading the line, absorbing defensive attention, and converting chances at volume—freeing the veteran superstar to influence games creatively rather than carrying the entire attacking load.



<h2>From European disappointment to Brazilian dominance</h2>



Gabigol’s career arc is one of soccer’s sharpest contrasts. His high-profile move to&nbsp;Inter&nbsp;in 2016 promised stardom, but Europe proved unforgiving. Limited minutes, a single competitive goal, and a difficult loan at&nbsp;Benfica&nbsp;painted him as a cautionary tale rather than a prodigy.



Returning home changed everything for the 29-year-old striker. At&nbsp;Flamengo, Gabigol exploded. He became the face of a golden era,&nbsp;winning the Brazilian Serie A and Copa Libertadores, and etched his name into history with&nbsp;two late goals in the 2019 Libertadores final. Goals, trophies, and cult-hero status followed, transforming his reputation from European flop to South American specialist.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="TODOS OS GOLS DO GABIGOL EM FINAIS PELO FLAMENGO | Listas | ge.globo" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlSwUL9fdrQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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After his peak years, he joined&nbsp;Cruzeiro&nbsp;in 2025, continuing to score and remain relevant despite off-field controversies. Now, a return to Santos offers something different: leadership responsibility, emotional resonance, and a chance to align his prime years with Neymar’s final push toward global glory.

Neymar to finally get serious help: Santos closes in on prolific striker seeking redemption after flopping in Europe

Neymar to finally get serious help: Santos closes in on prolific striker seeking redemption after flopping in Europe - World Soccer Talk

Flamengo striker Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa has been suspended following a doping investigation in Brazil. Soccer authorities in the South American nation narrowly voted to implement the penalty in the doping fraud case. Brazil’s Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice elected to ban Gabigol from playing professionally in a 5-4 vote.



The case surrounds a surprise drug test back on April 8th, 2023. Soccer officials went to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/flamengo-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-the-united-states/">Flamengo</a>‘s training facilities on the day to issue tests to the entire team. While the rest of the club’s players willingly underwent testing, Gabigol reportedly stalled. According to league officials, the striker attempted to avoid the drug tests, but ultimately caved hours after his teammates.



<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39808761/flamengo-gabriel-barbosa-suspended-doping-case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a> is reporting that Gabigol’s lawyers claim that the player’s behavior had nothing to do with the actual drug test. The attorneys went on to say that a blood test should have been conducted to help clear their client. Nevertheless, the Brazilian forward can now not play professionally until April of 2025.



<h2>Striker claims to have ‘always followed the rules’ during career</h2>



Flamengo issued a <a href="https://www.flamengo.com.br/noticias/futebol/nota-oficial---gabriel-barbosa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a> Monday night proclaiming that they will assist Gabigol in appealing the decision. The Brazilian side also denied any fraud took place by the club or the player in the drug test. They even went as far as saying that there was “not even an attempted fraud” by the forward.



Along with the team, Gabigol also took to social media to respond to the penalty. “Since the beginning of my career as a football player, I have always followed the rules of the game and never used prohibited substances,” the striker <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39808761/flamengo-gabriel-barbosa-suspended-doping-case" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> on Instagram.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240326_WST_497488_Gabigol-case-1200x670_041c75f6.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497506" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Gabigol-case-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Gabigol-case-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Gabigol-case-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Gabigol-case.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“I have already been subjected to dozens of tests, all of which were always negative, which reinforces my commitment to my club and to the Brazilian fans.



“I am disappointed with the outcome of the trial, but I will continue to cooperate with the sports authorities and am confident that my innocence will be proven and re-established by the higher court.”



<h2>Gabigol has flourished in Brazil despite European struggles</h2>



Gabigol, now 27, was previously a rising star in Brazil. Following a successful spell with Santos, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter Milan</a> purchased the striker for just over $30 million back in 2016. The move, however, was a failure and the youngster only spent one season with the Italian side. Gabigol only managed a single goal in 10 total appearances throughout the 2016/17 campaign.



Inter subsequently loaned the forward to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/benfica-tv-schedule/">Benfica</a> for the following season. Despite being one of the top teams in all of Europe to develop, Gabigol struggled. Benfica sent him back to Brazil after only six months in Portugal. Although he failed to make a good impression in Europe, the striker excelled back in his home country. Gabigol scored 27 goals for Santos in 2018 before Flamenco bought him. The Brazilian club made the forward’s transfer permanent in 2020 for around $19 million.



The doping news regarding Gabigol comes just weeks after <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> star Paul Pogba also received a lengthy ban for a similar incident. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> international was handed a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/pogba-receives-four-year-ban-what-now-for-juventus-star-20240229-WST-492193.html">four-year suspension</a> earlier this month for failing two separate drug tests in the fall of 2023. 



Due to his age, Pogba’s career could be over following the punishment. Gabigol, on the other hand, could return to the Brazilian top flight in 2025. The striker will, however, be out of contract at the time he will be available to play again.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Flamengo star striker suspended in doping fraud case

Brazilian officials have banned Flamengo star Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa for two years after a doping fraud case.

Flamengo star striker suspended in doping fraud case - World Soccer Talk

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