Santos FC struggles to afford Gabigol's salary as contract expires

Santos FC is unlikely to keep striker Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) beyond the 2026 season because the club cannot meet the financial demands of his contract. Under the current loan from Cruzeiro, Santos pays 25% of Gabigol's salary—about R$1 million per month—and has already delayed player wages. Club officials warned, "Santos hoje tem dificuldades de pagar 25% do salário de Gabigol. Imagine se tiver que pagar 100% a partir do ano que vem," and noted the situation is "muito difícil" for the player.

Gabigol remains the team’s top scorer, netting 14 goals in 27 matches, an average of 0.52 goals per game, identical to his 2018 output. He hopes to stay, but the financial strain and an election year make a permanent stay doubtful.