Recent addition to Cruzeiro, Gabigol is having a promising start with the team. After a period on the bench and without opportunities in some matches, the number 9 returned as a starter in the 4-0 victory over Juventude, in the last round of the Brazilian Championship. In that game, he scored two goals, reaching a total of 117 goals in the tournament and entering the top 10 of the competition's all-time leading scorers. The solid performance of the striker did not go unnoticed by national football idols. World champion in 2002, Rivaldo publicly praised the player's performance and highlighted the evolution of the team in the competition.

During an interview with Betfair, the official sponsor of Cruzeiro, Rivaldo praised Gabigol's attitude in the face of the season's adversities. According to the former Brazilian national team player, the number 9 demonstrated commitment even in moments of pressure. "Gabigol deserves congratulations for his attitude. He endured and waited for this moment of not playing, and now he's doing what he knows. He showed personality going through these difficult moments, like seeing the team being eliminated from the South American Cup."

Rivaldo also stated that the adaptation to the style of play imposed by Léo Jardim was fundamental for the striker's return to good form. "He was adjusting to the coach's work and how that changed the playing style of all the players."

As he assesses the individual growth of the striker, Rivaldo also analyzes the moment experienced by Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão. The team leads the competition with 33 points in 15 rounds, holding an unbeaten streak of 15 games, considering all competitions. During this period, the club won 11 matches and drew four, with an 81% winning rate. Rivaldo believes that Cruzeiro has concrete conditions to fight for the national title. "Cruzeiro is in a great phase and has a sequence of important games. With this consistency and being in the lead, I see them as one of the top favorites for the title."

Finally, the former Barcelona midfielder and Cruzeiro player recommended that Gabigol take full advantage of this good moment to consolidate his time at Toca da Raposa. "He needs to make the most of this moment with the opportunities that are being given and continue building something important with Cruzeiro."