Gabigol celebrates first-ever win at São Januário and reaffirms his bond with Flamengo
Forward Gabigol, now playing for Santos, celebrated a special victory over Vasco at São Januário this past Sunday (16). It was the first time the player had featured at the rival’s stadium, the setting for many memorable clashes during his time at Flamengo.
The match marked a distinct moment for the striker, who, despite finding the back of the net and contributing to the Santos triumph, maintained his strong identification with the club where he became a legend.
“It’s my first time playing here. With Flamengo, we weren’t able to play here, so it was cool,” commented Gabigol, highlighting the importance of the win for his team’s confidence.
Winning feeling and fan taunts
Although he was provoked by Vasco supporters who called him a “mulambo” – a derogatory term often used against Flamengo fans – Gabigol was unfazed. On the contrary, the striker seemed to take the situation with good humor and reinforced his connection to Flamengo.
“They called me a mulambo. But I am one, so there’s no problem at all (laughs),” he declared. The goal he scored, his first at São Januário, was crucial to Santos‘ positive result.
A favorable record against Vasco
Gabigol‘s record against Vasco is overwhelmingly positive. In 24 games, he has accumulated 17 wins, five draws, and only two losses, with nine goals scored—five of which came while wearing the Flamengo jersey. This Sunday’s victory, however, carries a special flavor for having taken place at the legendary São Januário.
Journalist Pedro Paulo Catonho, from Coluna do Fla, reinforces the significance of the result for Rubro-Negro fans: “It is impossible for a Flamengo fan not to have cheered for Gabigol‘s goal at São Januário.” He also points out that the Santos victory, combined with Flamengo‘s thrashing of Mirassol, made for a perfect Sunday for the fans.
With this win, Santos gains momentum in the competition, while Vasco finds itself in an even more delicate position near the bottom of the table. For Gabigol, the goal and his performance at São Januário represent yet another chapter in his successful career in Brazilian soccer.
