
Soccer
27 Jul 2025 | 15:00 |
Portuguese midfielder João Félix, who was speculated to be joining Flamengo in the last transfer window, is close to signing with Al-Nassr, from Saudi Arabia, where he will be coached by Jorge Jesus , the former Flamengo manager.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano , João Félix has already accepted the Saudi club's offer . Now, talks between Al-Nassr and Chelsea—the club that owns the player's rights—are progressing rapidly, and an official announcement could come in the coming days.
Before Al-Nassr's advance, Benfica, the club where João Félix emerged in European football, considered a possible return for the player . However, the undisclosed fees involved in the negotiations were deemed too high, which cooled the Portuguese club's interest.
At Flamengo , João Félix's name was even discussed internally, especially by José Boto, the club's director and one of the main supporters of the signing. However, the 25-year-old himself showed no interest in playing in South American football , ending any possibility of a deal with the Rubro-Negro.
During the Club World Cup, José Boto spoke about the brief attempt to take João Félix to Flamengo: “It was an idea we had and it died very quickly, because it was not João's objective to come and play in Brazil . (...) This is a fantastic player who needs to find the right place to develop his potential again”, he declared to the English newspaper Mail Online.
Without progress with João Félix, Flamengo turned its efforts to another name: Jorge Carrascal, who is close to strengthening the squad led by Filipe Luís. Recently, Mengão announced the signings of Saúl and Emerson Royal , while reaching an agreement with Atlético de Madrid for Samuel Lino.
Mengão faces Raposa at full strength at Maracanã, in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão and Gabigol's reunion with the Minas Gerais team
02 Out 2025 | 19:25 |
Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, to face Cruzeiro in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship. The match opens the 26th round of the competition and will have a full house, with tickets sold out.
After resting some players in the victory over Corinthians, coach Filipe Luís opted for a full-strength squad . Ayrton Lucas returns from suspension, while Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, cleared by the medical department, are available.
The Rubro-Negro formation for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship with 54 points, trailing Cruzeiro with 50 and Palmeiras, who beat Vasco 3-0 and have 52 points. The match at Maracanã is considered a "six-point" game , which could either increase or reduce the advantage at the top of the table.
In addition to the battle for the top spot, the match marks Gabigol's reunion with his former club. Currently at Cruzeiro, the striker will face the Flamengo fans, who idolized him during his time at the club between 2019 and 2024. Gabigol left Flamengo after a year of ups and downs, ending a run full of goals, titles, and a strong connection with the club.
Mengão faces Raposa this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship
02 Out 2025 | 18:30 |
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by SporTV and Premiere, without showing on open TV.
The Rubro-Negro 's probable lineup for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Number 10 negotiates renewal with Mengão until 2029, while Filipe Luís and Rossi also discuss new contracts at the Rio de Janeiro club
02 Out 2025 | 18:00 |
Flamengo continues working behind the scenes to secure the retention of key players. With the transfer window now closed, the club has begun talks to extend the contracts of coach Filipe Luís, goalkeeper Rossi, and, most notably, Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta.
The club's board, represented by José Boto, is seeking to extend Arrascaeta's contract until 2029. The player's agent, Daniel Fonseca, is expected to meet with the club's leadership soon to finalize the final details. According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, proposals have already been exchanged between the parties, with only final adjustments remaining before the signing.
The number 10 is expected to receive a pay raise as part of the deal. Arrascaeta is considered a key player in Filipe Luís' squad, racking up 14 goals and 10 assists in 22 Brasileirão matches this season. The star's goal is to play for Mengão until the end of his career. In 2029, he will be 35 years old.
In addition to Arrascaeta, the board is working to retain Filipe Luís. The coach, who took over after retiring as a player, has publicly stated his desire to stay for the long term. His current contract runs until December, and a smooth renewal is expected.
While negotiating behind the scenes, the team focuses on the Brasileirão. Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the competition. The duel is direct in the fight for leadership and can increase the red-black advantage at the top of the table.