Soccer

Bandeira de Mello praises Filipe Luís and projects Flamengo's Super World Cup

Former director of Mais Querido highlights the coach's work and praises the reconstruction initiated during his management, which aimed at international competitions

Flamengo delegation heads to the Club World Cup in the USA; debut will be against Espérance - photo: reproduction
Flamengo delegation heads to the Club World Cup in the USA; debut will be against Espérance - photo: reproduction

08 Jun 2025 | 13:56 |

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After participating in 2019 and 2022, Flamengo is preparing to compete in an unprecedented edition of the FIFA Club World Cup , which will be held in the United States. The tournament brings together continental champion clubs in a new format, and expectations are high among fans and directors . Eduardo Bandeira de Mello , former president of the club, spoke about the team's current situation and recalled the legacy of his management, which prioritized the financial and ethical restructuring of the Mais Querido.




Bandeira de Mello praises Filipe Luís at Flamengo: "Doing an excellent job"


In an interview with the newspaper Lance!, the former director showed enthusiasm for the club's participation in the competition and praised coach Filipe Luís, highlighting his potential as a coach. "He is doing an excellent job. He is on his way to becoming one of the greatest coaches in international football ," he said. Bandeira also recalled the critical context in which he took over the Rubro-Negro, emphasizing the focus on responsibility and institutional reconstruction.

FLAMENGO MOVES TOWARDS NEW JERSEY


The red-and-black delegation will board the plane on Wednesday night (11), at 11 pm , bound for the United States. Arrival is scheduled for 7:35 am (local time), in Atlantic, New Jersey, where the club will undergo final acclimatization for its debut in the tournament. Mengão will have a few days to adapt before the first match, scheduled for June 16, against Espérance, from Tunisia, at 10 pm (Brasília time).

In addition to the opening match against Espérance, Mais Querido will face Chelsea from England on the 19th at 3pm (Brasília time). The last match of the group stage will be against Los Angeles FC on the 22nd at 10pm. The two best-placed teams in the group will advance to the round of 16 of the tournament. The competition promises high-level technical clashes and global attention to the performance of the South American clubs.

MELLO FLAG MANAGEMENT

According to Bandeira de Mello, the work that began in 2013 was aimed at restoring the club’s status as a protagonist in international tournaments. “ We were doing groundwork, focusing on the long term. The club was in a catastrophic situation. We were concerned not only about the financial liabilities, but also about ethics and morals,” he highlighted. The structural change served as the basis for subsequent achievements and for the current participation in the FIFA tournament.


Soccer

Flamengo product Vini Jr. loses market value and falls in the rankings

Real Madrid striker remains the most valued Brazilian in world football, but let his place on the podium slip away after a disappointing season

Flamengo's Vini Jr. market value drops and Brazilian leaves podium among athletes - Photo: Reproduction
Flamengo's Vini Jr. market value drops and Brazilian leaves podium among athletes - Photo: Reproduction

04 Out 2025 | 16:00 |

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A Flamengo product and now a top star at Real Madrid, striker Vinicius Júnior has seen his market value drop again . According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, the Real Madrid number 7 is now valued at €150 million , marking a cumulative loss of €50 million in 2025 alone.


The drop is significant for an athlete who, not long ago, was at the top of world football as the most valuable player on the planet , valued at an impressive €200 million, a figure that continues to represent the top spot, but this time it is Lamine Yamal.


YEAR OF OSCILLATION FOR THE “BOY IN THE NEST”


The year 2025 has been challenging for the Brazilian. Vini Jr. 's devaluation occurred in two stages: first, a €30 million drop, followed by a further €20 million reduction in the most recent update . Even so, the striker remains a key player at Real Madrid and one of the great technical icons of his generation.

VINICIUS IS STILL THE MOST VALUABLE BRAZILIAN IN THE WORLD


Despite the loss, Vini Jr. remains the most valuable Brazilian player on the planet , ahead of names like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli. This brand reinforces his prestige on the international stage and his consolidation as a leading player in European football.

NEW GENERATION DOMINATES THE TOP OF THE RANKING

With the fall, Vini Jr. left the podium of the world's most expensive players. Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal took the top spot with €200 million , followed by Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, all valued at €180 million.

Check out Transfermarkt's updated top 10:

  1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – €200 million
  2. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – €180 million
  3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – €180 million
  4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – €180 million
  5. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – €150 million
  6. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) – €150 million
  7. Pedri (Barcelona) – €140 million
  8. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) – €140 million
  9. Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – €140 million
  10. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – €130 million


Soccer

What will the pitch look like for Bahia vs. Flamengo? Arena director gives his opinion

Campo da Fonte Nova has been heavily criticized recently and is a cause for concern for Mengão's coach ahead of the clash against the Tricolor.

Arena Fonte Nova's pitch is expected to be in better condition for Bahia vs Flamengo - Photo: Reproduction/Bahia
Arena Fonte Nova's pitch is expected to be in better condition for Bahia vs Flamengo - Photo: Reproduction/Bahia

04 Out 2025 | 15:00 |

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After public criticism from Abel Ferreira and Rogério Ceni about the state of the Arena Fonte Nova pitch , the stadium will once again be the stage for a big game this Sunday (05), when Flamengo faces Bahia in the 27th round of the Brasileirão . The arena's management assured that the pitch will be technically fit for the match, even without the usual shade of green.


Arena Fonte Nova manager on the pitch for Bahia vs. Flamengo: "It will be ready for the game"
ADMINISTRATION EXPLAINS LAWN CONDITIONS


In an interview, Milena Andrade, operations manager at Fonte Nova, detailed the care taken in preparing the pitch and stated that all technical parameters are within ideal standards: "The pitch will be ready for the Flamengo game, meeting all technical parameters, such as traction, moisture, cutting height, and compaction . The appearance may not be its usual green, but what we evaluate are the technical aspects, not the aesthetic ones," she explained.


Milena also emphasized that the use of sports dye is a safe alternative and widely used in national and international competitions, if necessary: " The technical quality remains unchanged. In October, we will have a favorable window to intensify maintenance and fully restore the lawn's green color," she added.

FILIPE LUÍS AND SAÚL DOWNTOWN THE SITUATION


After the 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro, Filipe Luís and Saúl were questioned about the pitch conditions in Salvador . The red-and-black coach adopted a calm tone, stating that any irregularities will affect both teams equally.

"I don't know if the pitch will improve much since the last game, but it's a problem for both Bahia and Flamengo . We're used to playing on different pitches and conditions. The important thing is to adapt and go for the win ," said Filipe Luís.

Spanish midfielder Saúl echoed the coach's words, emphasizing that the team needs to focus on its own performance: "We don't think about that. It's something we can't control. We have to adapt to the pitch , the weather, and whatever comes our way. If we can't play our style, we'll play differently to win," he declared.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

In search of maintaining the leadership of the Brasileirão, Flamengo faces Bahia this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere (pay-per-view).



Soccer

Flamengo will not have Saúl against Bahia; Check the list of related players

Midfielder felt pain in his left ankle and will miss the trip to Salvador, where Mengão will face Tricolor in the Brasileirão

Saúl Ñíguez was not included in the Bahia vs Flamengo Brasileirão match due to ankle pain - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Saúl Ñíguez was not included in the Bahia vs Flamengo Brasileirão match due to ankle pain - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

04 Out 2025 | 14:00 |

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In search of maintaining the lead in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo faces Bahia this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. Before boarding for the capital of Bahia, coach Filipe Luís defined the list of players related to the match .


PLAYERS RELATED BY FLAMENGO
  • Goalkeepers: Dyogo Alves, Matheus Cunha, Rossi
  • Full-backs: Ayrton Lucas, Emerson Royal, Guillermo Varela, Matías Viña
  • Defenders: Cleiton, Danilo, Léo Ortiz
  • Midfielders: Allan, Carrascal, De Arrascaeta, De La Cruz, Everton Araujo, Jorginho
  • Forwards: Bruno Henrique, Everton Cebolinha, Juninho, Luiz Araújo, Pedro, Plata, Samuel Lino, Wallace Yan
CONFIRMED SHORTAGES


Flamengo travels with four players unavailable for the match. Midfielder Saúl Ñíguez is out due to left ankle pain. Defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar is still undergoing physical reconditioning work after recovering from an injury to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.


In addition to them, defender Léo Pereira and left-back Alex Sandro are serving an automatic suspension for having received their third yellow card in the goalless draw in the direct confrontation with Cruzeiro, last Thursday (02).

HOW THE TEAMS ARRIVE


Flamengo , the sole leader of the Brasileirão, has 55 points, with 16 wins, 7 draws, and only 2 losses. A victory in Salvador could further increase the Rubro-Negro's lead at the top of the table . Bahia, meanwhile, is aiming to break into the top four. Rogério Ceni's team sits in sixth place with 40 points, after 11 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses.

WHERE TO WATCH

The ball rolls at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) this Sunday (05), at Arena Fonte Nova. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere (pay-per-view) . The match will be commanded by the referee from Pernambuco, Rodrigo Lima.


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