Soccer

Ancelotti heaps praise on Flamengo star on eve of Brazil debut

Italian coach highlights the quality of the Mais Querido player in a press conference before the debut against Ecuador in the Qualifiers

The Brazilian National Team coach heaped praise on Gerson in a press conference, analyzing the way the midfielder performs for Flamengo (Photo /CRF)
The Brazilian National Team coach heaped praise on Gerson in a press conference, analyzing the way the midfielder performs for Flamengo (Photo /CRF)

04 Jun 2025 | 17:51 |

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Carlo Ancelotti, a multiple champion wherever he went, officially begins his career as Brazil's coach this Wednesday (5), against Ecuador, in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup . And right at the first official press conference as the National Team's coach, Gerson's name appeared prominently.


Without revealing the starting eleven, the coach made it clear that the midfield will be one of the most valued areas of his system, and Gerson seems to be in the plans. “This team is characterized by a lot of quality in the middle. Gerson has a lot of quality not only in the build-up play, but also in the play between the lines,” said Ancelotti.




Ancelotti on Flamengo's Gerson: "He knows when to accelerate and when to pause. That's rare"



The statement may seem formal, but in the context of the cycle that is beginning, it carries weight. Gerson returned to the national team in good form with Flamengo and, even though he is not unanimous among fans and part of the press, he has shown himself to be a trustworthy name in the new committee. Ancelotti also mentioned Bruno Guimarães, another name in the sector, which indicates that the idea is to set up a more technical team.

A STEERING WHEEL AND CAPTAIN WITH MORALS

Internally, Flamengo is closely monitoring this movement. The club understands that a possible consolidation of Gerson in the national team could increase European interest in the next window. However, at the same time, the board of directors is positive about the appreciation of an asset that is already considered a technical and behavioral leader in the squad.

SELECTION PROMISES A LOT

The atmosphere in the national team is positive. The committee has praised the player's behavior in training and his ability to adapt to different roles. During the Tite era, Gerson was tested as a more fixed second midfielder. Now, there is an expectation to see him in a more free-flowing midfielder role, exploring his potential to reach the area and pass between the lines — something that Ancelotti highlighted in every way . "He understands the game intelligently, knows when to accelerate and when to pause. That is rare," added the coach, who had contact with Gerson while he was still in Europe, when the number 8 played for Roma.



Soccer

Flamengo hero Léo Nannetti has a million-dollar fine from the club

The 18-year-old goalkeeper saves two shots in the final against Barcelona, renews his contract until 2029 and establishes himself as a jewel of the red-black youth team.

Léo Nannetti shines against Barcelona, secures his second U-20 World Cup title and renews his million-dollar contract with Flamengo - photo: reproduction
Léo Nannetti shines against Barcelona, secures his second U-20 World Cup title and renews his million-dollar contract with Flamengo - photo: reproduction

23 Ago 2025 | 19:18 |

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This Saturday (23), in front of more than 45 thousand fans at Maracanã, Flamengo repeated last year's feat and lifted the U-20 World Cup trophy for the second consecutive time. The victory against Barcelona, achieved on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time, had as its hero goalkeeper Léo Nannetti, just 18 years old.


The match was marked by twists and turns. Flamengo opened the scoring, but suffered a comeback from the Spanish side. In stoppage time, they tied the match in a dramatic move, sending the match to penalties. It was at this point that Nannetti shone, saving two decisive penalties that secured the victory.


GOALKEEPER GUARANTEES TITLE


During regulation time, Nannetti had already distinguished himself with key saves that prevented Barcelona from extending their lead . In the penalty shootout, he showed composure and reflexes, saving two shots, sealing the 6-5 victory for the red-and-blacks.

With solid performances, the goalkeeper confirms his status as a promising young player. He will have played 17 official matches in 2025 and has established himself as one of the most promising players of the 2007 generation.


LÉO NANNETTI RENEWS WITH MILLION DOLLAR FINE

Having come through the club's youth ranks since the under-9s, Nannetti recently renewed his contract until the end of 2029. The new contract includes a release clause of around 70 million euros (approximately R$445 million), an amount considered "European level" by the board.


Soccer

Flamengo beats Barcelona and becomes two-time world champion

In a thrilling game at Maracanã, Mengão and Barcelona draw 2-2 in normal time, and the decision goes to penalties, with a Brazilian victory of 6-5.

Flamengo lifts the U-20 Intercontinental Cup after beating Barcelona on penalties in a thrilling final at the Maracanã - photo: reproduction
Flamengo lifts the U-20 Intercontinental Cup after beating Barcelona on penalties in a thrilling final at the Maracanã - photo: reproduction

23 Ago 2025 | 19:03 |

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Flamengo won the U-20 Intercontinental Championship title this Saturday, defeating Barcelona on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The final, held at the Maracanã Stadium, featured dramatic moments , comebacks, and individual brilliance from the young players.


The Brazilian team took the lead in the first half, but suffered a comeback in the final stage before equalizing in stoppage time and taking the decision to penalties. In the shootout, the Rubro-Negro won 6-5, securing another trophy for their gallery.


LORRAN OPENS THE SCORE


Flamengo started the game pressing their opponents and opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Lorran, who capitalized on a loose ball in the box after a Barcelona clearance error. The Brazilian team maintained control for much of the first half , creating chances through Joshua and Pablo Lúcio, but were unable to extend their lead.

In the second half, Barcelona came back more aggressive and equalized in the 25th minute with a stunning goal from Virgili, who dribbled past the defense and finished with style. Shortly thereafter, in the 49th minute, Cortés turned the game around for the Spanish side. Just when everything seemed to be pointing to Barça's victory, Iago rose highest after a through ball and headed home the equalizer in the 51st minute, sending the match to penalties.


PENALTIES DECIDE THE TITLE

In the penalty shootout, the match remained evenly matched until the final kicks. Flamengo goalkeeper Léo Nannetti saved shots from Juan Hernández and Parriego , securing the advantage for the Brazilian team. For Mengão, Carbone converted the decisive penalty, making the score 6-5 and sealing the victory.

The series was exciting from start to finish: Lorran, Felipe Teresa, Pablo Lúcio, Iago and João Victor scored for Flamengo , while Nomoko, Kluivert, Cortés, Oduro and Virgili converted for Barcelona , while Parriego lost to the Spanish team.


Soccer

"It's the best team in our football," Vitória striker predicts match against Flamengo

Osvaldo recalls Vitória's good record against Rubro-Negro at Maracanã and predicts a balanced clash in the 21st round of the Brasileirão

Vitória is banking on its positive record at the Maracanã to face the Brasileirão leader. Osvaldo is confident - photo: reproduction
Vitória is banking on its positive record at the Maracanã to face the Brasileirão leader. Osvaldo is confident - photo: reproduction

23 Ago 2025 | 17:14 |

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Vitória is preparing for a challenging clash in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The Bahian team faces Flamengo this Monday (25), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. Despite the two teams' different moments in the table, striker Osvaldo showed confidence in seeking a good result in Rio de Janeiro.


"We're going to Maracanã and trying to play a great game. We haven't lost at Maracanã in a few games, so I think we can build on that to put in a great performance. Flamengo is a tough opponent; they're the best team in our football world , and they've been achieving great results," the striker declared, before adding:


"But on the field, it's 11 against 11, especially against Vitória, who have a history of playing great games and surprising in several matches. I think we have what it takes to get there and get a great result . We know how difficult the game will be," Osvaldo concluded.


FLAMENGO IS THE LEADER OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo takes the field to defend its sole lead in the Brasileirão , with 43 points. Filipe Luís's team is enjoying an excellent run of form , having gone six games unbeaten in the competition.


In addition to a solid run in the national championship, the Rio de Janeiro team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores last week by eliminating Internacional. Prior to that, they had already beaten the same opponent 3-1 at Beira-Rio, cementing their good run.


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