From criticized to absolute starter, Wesley is the leader in defensive statistics at Flamengo in 2024

Flamengo secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores with a solid performance at Beira-Rio, where they beat Internacional 2-0 on Wednesday night (20). In addition to the impressive result, the highlight was Spanish midfielder Saúl , whose performance was praised by coach Filipe Luís.

Filipe Luís on the duo between Saúl and Jorginho at Flamengo: "They understood each other well"

COMPLIMENTS FROM THE COMMANDER

At the press conference, Filipe didn't mince words when acknowledging the importance of the newly arrived player, who has also become a favorite among the Mengão fans. "What a game Saúl played today! Another one, right? I'm so happy for him ," the coach celebrated.

The coach also noted that the Spaniard returned to the field after a long layoff. " He hadn't played for three months, on vacation . He debuted in three training sessions and today completed his second full match, 90 minutes, at a very high level," he explained.

INTENSITY WITH JORGINHO

Another highlight was the quick rapport with Jorginho, his midfield partner. Filipe assessed that the duo complemented each other almost immediately and was crucial in controlling the game: "This relationship with Jorginho was very quick. They understood each other well, and that was crucial in neutralizing the opponent ," he analyzed.

GROWTH POTENTIAL

Despite his strong performance, the coach believes Saúl still has room for improvement. " His game was already better today than in his debut , and the Saúl I know still has a lot more to offer," projected the red-and-black coach.

After only two starts, the Spaniard is already emerging as a key player in Flamengo 's system. His immediate adaptation has excited the coaching staff and fans , who are dreaming of another successful Libertadores campaign.

Flamengo TV launches this Thursday (21) a new special attraction for the Rubro-Negra Nation: “Resenha do Galinho”, hosted by Zico. The program’s proposal is to unite generations, relive great memories and bring together the past and present of the club’s history.

In the premiere, the guest is coach Filipe Luís , in a relaxed chat with the greatest idol in the club's history. Zico has never hidden his admiration for the Mengão coach, ever since his time as a player . Check out the program:

PROGRAM FORMAT

The first episode aired this Thursday and the second is scheduled for next Tuesday (26). From then on, the program will be shown every two weeks . Unlike the premiere, in which Filipe Luís participates alone, the next episodes will always feature pairs of guests.

THE CHAT WITH FILIPE LUÍS

During the conversation, Zico even questioned the coach's sleep routine, revealing that he wakes up in the middle of the night with ideas to implement with the team. With good humor, Filipe replied: " Yes, I have, thanks, but it's a shame. Because I don't get any rest ," he said, drawing laughter from Galinho.

UPCOMING GUESTS

After the premiere, “ Resenha do Galinho ” returns next Tuesday (26) with Léo Ortiz and Mozer, symbols of the red-black defense in different eras . The current number 3, in fact, was recently praised by Zico and was even honored by the idol at Ninho do Urubu.

Flamengo confirmed its spot in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals by eliminating Internacional at the Beira-Rio stadium. Besides remaining firmly in the fight for its fourth continental championship, the club also increased its bonuses this season. The total is already approaching R$200 million, solidifying the international weight of the red-and-black squad.

MILLION DOLLAR FIGURES IN 2025

Progress in the continental tournament reinforces a significant financial landscape. With the Club World Cup, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores, Flamengo has already earned R$197.45 million in fees and bonuses for participation, victories, and qualification . The amount was calculated based on official competition data, converted to reais, and compared to the club's budget for the season.

COMPETITION AWARDS

Club World Cup

• Participation: US$ 15.21 million (R$ 83.85 million)
• Group stage: 2 wins (US$4 million – R$22.04 million) + 1 draw (US$1 million – R$5.51 million)
• Qualification for the round of 16: US$ 7.5 million (R$ 41.35 million)
• Total: US$27.71 million (R$152.75 million)

Libertadores

• Participation in the group stage: US$ 3 million (R$ 16.9 million)
• Win bonus: 3 wins (US$990,000 – R$5.6 million)
• Qualification for the round of 16: US$ 1.25 million (R$ 7 million)
• Quarterfinals Qualification: US$1.7 million (R$9.6 million)
• Total: US$6.94 million (R$38.8 million)

Brazil Cup

Eliminated in the round of 16 by Atlético-MG, Flamengo accumulated R$5,953,500 :

• Third phase: R$ 2,315,250
• Round of 16: R$ 3,638,250

Carioca Championship

The two-time state champion, the club, received no prize money, as the tournament maintains a model that distributes only TV revenue . The title, therefore, generated sporting impact, but not financial impact. The Carioca has not offered any prize money to the competition's winner since 2020.

BUDGET IN FOCUS

The club's board of directors projected bold but realistic goals in its 2025 budget: reaching the Club World Cup group stage, the Copa do Brasil semifinals, the Libertadores semifinals, and finishing runner-up in the Brasileirão . With the current campaign, the club has already met some of its expectations and maintains its ambition to end the year with even higher numbers—and, who knows, with more trophies.