With two Flamengo athletes, COB announces finalists for the 2024 Olympic Brazil Award

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid, MVP of the 2022/23 NBA season, once again demonstrated his affection for Flamengo . Last Thursday (21), the Cameroonian player was spotted in an official club store, in Cabo Frio (RJ) , where he made a point of purchasing several red-black products.

A SURPRISING VISIT

Although unusual, Embiid's presence in the Lakes Region has a reason. Married to Brazilian model Anne de Paula, the athlete often visits the city, where his father-in-law lives, during the holidays. This time, he took the opportunity to explore the "Nação Rubro-Negra" store and expand his Flamengo memorabilia collection.

ENTHUSIASM IN THE STORE

The star's arrival took everyone by surprise and caused great excitement among the employees. Salesman Kauan said he was so nervous when he met the player that he forgot to remove the alarm from a piece of furniture, creating an unusual moment: " His father-in-law even joked with me afterward. It was an unforgettable experience ," he revealed.

GENEROUS SHOPPING

Embiid didn't hold back. He brought jerseys for himself, his wife, his father-in-law, and his son , as well as accessories like shorts and thermoses. The visit even helped meet the store's sales goals. The center also obliged some fans and store owners by agreeing to take photos with them.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FLAMENGO

Embiid's connection with Flamengo isn't new. In 2023, during an interview with the NBA Freestyle program, he revealed that he started supporting Flamengo because of his wife's family: " Actually, I'm a Flamengo fan because my girlfriend's father is a fan . Since we started dating, I've been following the team," he said.

MEETING WITH PLAYERS

In January 2024, when Flamengo held a preseason training camp in Philadelphia, Embiid met Léo Pereira and Matheus Gonçalves . The defender even posted a photo with the star: " Nice to meet you, brother ." Thus, the relationship between Joel Embiid and Flamengo continues to grow, uniting basketball and soccer in a connection that already transcends borders.

The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) announced this Tuesday (19) the 14 athletes called up to represent the country in the Women's Volleyball World Championship. Under the command of José Roberto Guimarães, the coach maintains part of the group that won the silver medal in the Nations League, including four players from Sesc Flamengo.

The red-and-black quartet consists of outside hitter Helena, middle blocker Lorena, libero Laís, and opposite Tainara . In addition, Serbian center Masa Kirov, recently signed by Flamengo , will also participate in the tournament representing her country.

CAST HIGHLIGHTS

Tainara, Brazil's sixth-highest scorer in the VNL , edged out Jheovana for a spot on the final roster. Helena returns to the professional squad after participating in the Nations League and winning bronze at the U-21 World Cup. Lorena is guaranteed a spot in the squad after strong performances, while Laís is vying for a starting spot with Marcelle.

SELECTION TEAM

Setters: Macris and Roberta

Opposites: Kisy, Rosamaria and Tainara

Outside hitters: Gabi Guimarães, Helena and Julia Bergmann

Centers: Diana, Julia Kudiess, Lorena and Luzia

Liberos: Laís and Marcelle

PREMIERE AND GROUPS

The Women's Volleyball World Cup will be held between August 22 and September 7 in Thailand. Brazil debuts this Friday (22), at 9:30 am, against Greece. The country's group also includes France and Puerto Rico, and the top two in each group advance to the round of 16.

Sesc Flamengo continues to strengthen itself for the 2025/2026 season and announced the arrival of American winger Simone Lee . The 28-year-old athlete landed in Rio de Janeiro this Friday (15), accompanied by her husband, and shared a video on social media recording her arrival in the Marvelous City.

Preparations for the new cycle are already underway. Simone Lee will soon report to coach Bernardinho at the Army Physical Education School (EsEFEx) in Rio's South Zone, where the red-and-black team trains.

SESC FLAMENGO SQUAD FOR 2025/2026

• Setters: Clara, Giovana and Vivian
• Outside hitters: Helena, Karina, Mikaela and Simone Lee
• Opposites: Camila Mesquita and Tainara
• Central: Adria, Juju, Lorena and Masa Kirov
• Liberos: Laís and Victoria

MESSAGE TO THE FANS

Officially announced on June 2, Simone Lee is one of five signings for the upcoming season. Upon confirming her arrival, the winger sent a message to the nation expressing her enthusiasm for playing for Flamengo :

"Hello Nation! I'm so excited to be joining the Sesc Flamengo team this upcoming season. I'm looking forward to working hard with my new teammates , my coaches, and the entire coaching staff. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in the gym and meeting these wonderful fans. So, let's get started! I can't wait to get started."