Soccer

MEET MARCOS ANTÔNIO, STAR SPECULATED BY FLAMENGO

The surprising journey of Marcos Antônio, from Athletico-PR to Europe, now generates interest from Flamengo

Marcos Antônio, popularly known as “Bahia”, began his football journey in Poções, Bahia, before venturing into the Athletico-PR academy at the age of 11. Despite not playing professionally for the Curitiba club, his skill and determination took him far, even participating in the Brazilian under-15 and under-17 teams and winning South American titles in these categories.

From Brazil to the world, Marcos Antônio moved to Europe, where he began his professional career in Estoril, Portugal. Soon his talent took him to Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, where he shone for three seasons, before a spell at Lazio and a loan to Paok in Greece. His journey is marked by challenges and triumphs in different clubs and countries.

At Shakhtar Donetsk, “Bahia” stood out markedly, playing in more than 100 matches, which catapulted him to a transfer worth 8 million euros to Lazio. However, he faced difficulties establishing himself in competitive Italian football, which led to his loan to Paok. Despite the obstacles, his technique and vision of the game were always recognized.

At Lazio, despite having participated in 22 games, Marcos Antônio found a very rigid tactical environment, a striking characteristic of Italian football. This reality, together with the coaches' predilection for a more pragmatic approach, complicated their full adaptation. However, periods under the command of coaches such as Roberto De Zerbi and Maurizio Sarri allowed him to demonstrate his potential on several occasions.

Recently, Flamengo showed significant interest in incorporating “Bahia” into their squad. Negotiations for a loan with an option to buy are underway, highlighting the Brazilian club's desire to take advantage of his abilities in midfield. Flamengo is willing to invest between 5 and 6 million euros, plus bonuses, in the eventual purchase of the athlete.

The clause being discussed between the parties implies that, if Marcos Antônio plays in 50% of the games during During the loan period, Flamengo will be forced to buy the player's pass. This operation signals how Marcos' talent and resilience can add significant value to the Red and Black midfield.

Soccer

Despite the nickname "smooth wire", Flamengo's attack dominates the offensive aspect in series A

Rubro-Negro dominates the offensive presence category, leading both in touches in the final third and in expected goals (xG)

Flamengo creates, on average, 3.6 big goal chances per game, although it still wastes two clear opportunities per match, something that, if adjusted

Flamengo continues to demonstrate why it is considered the most feared team in the 2025 Brasileirão. According to a survey by the "DataFut" profile, the Rubro-Negro dominates the offensive presence category, leading both in touches in the final third and in expected goals (xG). In practice, this efficiency translates into the best attack in the competition, with 11 goals scored so far.

The graph reveals that Flamengo is the team that exchanges the most passes in the attacking sector, but the biggest highlight is its ability to transform this possession into real goal opportunities. Rubro-Negro has an impressive 2.2 goals per game, with numbers that reinforce its high offensive quality.

10 of the 11 goals came from shots inside the box;
1 goal was scored from outside the area;
The team also scored 3 headed goals, showing versatility;
The right foot was the main weapon, with 5 goals scored, against 3 with the left leg.

*data collected from Sofascore

Even with a better attack, Flamengo wastes many chances

Flamengo creates, on average, 3.6 big scoring chances per game, although they still waste two clear opportunities per match, something that, if adjusted, could make the team even more lethal.

With 15.2 shots per game (6.2 of which were on target), Filipe Luís' team demonstrates aggression and consistency. The intense offensive movement is also reflected in the number of fouls suffered (11.6 direct shots per game).

Flamengo not only dominates possession and occupies the opponent's field, but also transforms this offensive presence into concrete numbers. Still, the Rubro-Negro can be even more objective due to the number of chances it creates. If this is corrected, it will be very difficult for the Mais Querido to have results like the 0x0 against Vasco.

This Sunday (27), Mengão will have the opportunity to show its offensive power in front of a completely packed Maracanã, with all tickets sold for the duel against Corinthians, at 4 pm, for the sixth round of the Brasileirão.

Soccer

Raul Plassmann reveals behind the scenes of his arrival at Flamengo in its golden age

Former goalkeeper told MengoCast how the unexpected invitation from the Rio de Janeiro club became the key to his career even after his decision to retire

Raul Plassmann recalls in MengoCast how an unexpected call from President Márcio Braga changed his trajectory (Photo / CRF)

An idol of Flamengo during the historic victories of the early 1980s, Raul Plassmann relived one of the most curious moments of his career in football. In an appearance on "MengoCast", the former goalkeeper revealed that he had already retired from his sports career when he received, without prior warning, the news that he would be the new signing for the Rio de Janeiro club . The announcement was made on national television, while he was having dinner with his parents in Curitiba.

The phone will ring soon. Five minutes later, it rang.” - said Raul about his announcement at Flamengo

PLAYER HAD RETURNED TO HIS PARENTS' HOME AFTER QUITTING FOOTBALL

The story begins in 1978. Raul, then 32 years old, decided to end his career after playing for Coritiba, São Paulo and Cruzeiro. According to him, the decision came at a time when he was feeling discouraged about football. “I stopped. Back in Belo Horizonte, I said: 'I don't want to do it anymore'. I took my car and left for Curitiba. I went to live with my parents”, he recalled. Despite his successful career, Raul said that he never dreamed of being a professional player — his initial goal was just to be able to buy a car.

NEWS CATCHES RAUL BY SURPRISE DURING FAMILY DINNER

At home, away from the field, Raul was surprised by a news story while watching Jornal Nacional. “ Fernando Vanucci came on air and said: ‘Raul is Flamengo’s new goalkeeper’” . According to him, silence took over the room. His mother, surprised, asked questions. His father, in shock, just watched. Raul, however, realized that it was not a joke. “I said: ‘The phone is going to ring soon’. Five minutes later, it rang”.

On the other end of the line, Márcio Braga, then president of Flamengo , was direct: “I bought your pass. You show up tomorrow.” Raul , still reluctant, said that he had already stopped playing. But the director insisted, stating that the goalkeeper was now a player for the club. At first, Raul rejected the offer. In addition to his lack of interest, he thought the salary was low and was uncomfortable with the idea of living with the youth players in São Conrado.