Conmebol defines uniforms for Flamengo vs Estudiantes in the Libertadores

The search for a key center forward for the Brazilian national team has been a challenge in recent years. Several names have been tested, such as João Pedro, Gabriel Jesus, and others , but none have managed to establish themselves as a regular starter.

In an interview with Romário, Adriano Imperador weighed in on the matter and named Flamengo striker Pedro as the best option to take over the position. " He's my number 9 on the Brazilian national team. He's a true center forward ," the former player said, recalling his own experiences as a goalscorer.

RECENT HISTORY OF CENTER FORWARDS

Pedro was called up by Tite for the 2022 World Cup, but didn't get significant opportunities, as Richarlison was chosen as the starter. Before him, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison shared the attacking role in the last two World Cups , while Roberto Firmino also had starting opportunities at times during the cycle.

Currently, the list of attacking options includes prominent players from Europe and Brazil. Chelsea's João Pedro has been attracting attention in England. Endrick, who already plays for Real Madrid, is also among the players with a future. Cruzeiro's Kaio Jorge and Igor Jesus, formerly of Botafogo and now at Nottingham Forest, have also been named in recent call-ups.

PEDRO GAINS SPACE AGAIN AFTER INJURY

The Mengão center forward suffered a serious injury in September 2024, which delayed his bid for a starting spot. However, in recent weeks, he has returned to performing well and remains a possibility of being called up again . Adriano Imperador's public opinion fuels the debate surrounding Pedro as an option for Carlo Ancelotti in the national team.

Despite his short time at Flamengo, Jorginho is back on the Italian national team's radar. According to the "ge" website, Gennaro Gattuso's coaching staff considered calling up the midfielder for the matches against Estonia and Israel.

The opportunity, however, was postponed due to muscle fatigue that ruled the player out of the initial list . Still, the athlete is still being evaluated and could appear in the October squad, during the next FIFA International Day.

STEERING WHEEL RECOVERED FROM PAIN

Jorginho missed Flamengo's match against Grêmio due to pain in his left thigh, but tests revealed no injury. The defensive midfielder is already participating regularly in group activities and should be available for the team's upcoming matches . Since his arrival in July, the midfielder has become a key player in Filipe Luís 's formation, bringing experience and quality in passing the ball.

TRAJECTORY IN THE AZZURRA

Naturalized Italian, Jorginho has been called up since 2016. His peak came during the 2020 Euro Cup triumph, when he was one of the campaign's standout performers. His last appearance for the national team was in June 2024, in the Euros.

With the change of command and the arrival of Gattuso, the 33-year-old midfielder keeps alive the hope of playing in the 2026 World Cup , taking advantage of the good phase experienced by Brazilian football.

Internacional's board of directors has filed an appeal against the CNRD (National Chamber for Dispute Resolution) decision in the case involving the transfer of midfielder Thiago Maia. The ruling was considered harsh by the club's directors , who are now seeking a review of the case.

According to information released by journalist Venê Casagrande, in addition to the contractual obligations related to the player's negotiation, the Rio Grande do Sul club will have to pay R$9,318,200.00 in fines , attorney's fees, and court costs. The interpretation within Mais Querido is that Inter's measure is intended to buy time in the face of charges.

SALE TO ARAB FOOTBALL

The sale of Thiago Maia to Saudi Arabian football was seen as a positive development by the Colorado board, particularly due to the internal discourse of the need to "raise cash" amid financial difficulties. Even so, the legal proceedings involving the player have become yet another obstacle for the Beira-Rio club.

DUELS AGAINST RUBRO-NEGRO

In addition to the legal obstacles, Internacional also accumulated frustrations on the field against Flamengo . In 2025, the teams faced each other four times, with three victories in Rio . One of these defeats had even greater impact, as Colorado was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores da América by Filipe Luís's team.

ABOUT THAT…

With the Libertadores only in the middle of next week and without the certainty of Pulgar's presence in training, Flamengo continues its preparations to face Juventude in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão this Sunday (14) at 4 pm (Brasília time). The Mais Querido travels to Caxias do Sul, the location of the match, on Saturday.