Video: Vasco fan steals the show when meeting 'Gabigol da Torcida'

During the period in which Gabriel Barbosa was still negotiating his stay at Flamengo, the mobilization of the red-and-black fans was intense, and among the most engaged was the striker's lookalike, Jeferson Sales. Known as "Gabigol da Torcida", he became a constant figure in the stadiums, incorporating the look and style of the number 9 since April 2019, during the victorious campaign in the Libertadores that year.

Even with the striker's departure, Jeferson Sales declared his unconditional supporter of Flamengo. In a post on social media, the lookalike stated: "Gabriel will leave Flamengo, but I will stay. I am a Flamengo fan at heart, passionate about the team and I will not wear another shirt. I will continue to be the 'Gabigol' of the red-black fans."

Thus, even after the player's departure, the lookalike continues to be present at popular events and youth team matches, as recently occurred in a children's competition, when he appeared alongside a young Vasco fan who imitated striker Vegetti's celebration. See:

Gabigol from the fans and his permanence as a lookalike

At the time Gabi arrived, while Flamengo was trying to complete the purchase of the athlete from Inter Milan, Jeferson made a public promise: "If he renews, I'm going to get a tattoo of the Libertadores Cup on my thigh, just like the one he has," he said, expressing the anxiety felt by fans who followed every update on social media about the idol's future.

However, the situation changed in November 2024. After winning the Copa do Brasil, Gabigol announced that he would not remain at the club for the following season, with Cruzeiro being named as his new destination. The news had a strong impact among fans, especially given the timing of the announcement, right after the title won at Arena MRV.

Although vice-president of football Marcos Braz confirmed the player's deal with the Minas Gerais club, Cruzeiro CEO Alexandre Mattos noted that, up until that point, there had been no signed contract. According to him, talks were ongoing, but there was no official confirmation of the transfer.

Jeferson, who gained notoriety for his resemblance to Gabigol and for creating a group of lookalikes of players from the red-and-black squad, expressed gratitude for the striker's trajectory. "He made history. Of course we will miss him, but these are cycles that end, leaving good memories and a legacy", he declared in a farewell tone.