Soccer

Di María praises former Flamengo player for impact on his career: “It took me to another level”

World champion for Argentina, midfielder recalls his time at Benfica and attributes his professional development to the trust he received from his Mengão idol

Di María thanks Jorge Jesus for his trust and decisive role in his career, highlighting the impact of the former Flamengo player - photo: reproduction
Di María thanks Jorge Jesus for his trust and decisive role in his career, highlighting the impact of the former Flamengo player - photo: reproduction

02 Jul 2025 | 12:45 |

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Coach Jorge Jesus' influence on South American football is widely recognized, especially after his remarkable stint at Flamengo in 2019. However, his impact goes beyond Brazil's borders. Ángel Di María, currently at Benfica (POR), made a point of thanking the Portuguese coach for a decisive moment in his career as a player.




Di Maria recalls the confidence of Jorge Jesus, ex-Flamengo: "He gave me the opportunity to play"


In a recent interview, the Argentine, who won the World Cup with the Argentine national team, recalled with gratitude the period in which he was coached by Jorge Jesus in Portugal: "When Jorge Jesus arrived, he gave me the opportunity to play, he made me an undisputed starter, he gave me the confidence I needed and, thanks to him, I made the leap and was able to go to Real Madrid (ESP). I think he was a coach who brought out the best in me and made me explode that year," said Di María.

WITH A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN IN 2019


Jorge Jesus arrived in Brazil in June 2019 to take over the Mais Querido , after the departure of Abel Braga. His time there was short, but highly impactful: the coach won five titles and lost only four games . Among his most notable achievements are the Copa Libertadores da América trophy and the record of 90 points in the Brasileirão with 20 clubs, a historic mark in the competition.

That year's campaign enchanted the red-and-black fans and consolidated the Portuguese coach as one of the greatest names in the club's history . The offensive and intense playing philosophy was quickly assimilated by the squad, which dominated national and South American football during the season.

RETURN TO RUBRO-NEGRO

After his departure in 2020, Jorge Jesus was considered to return to the Mengão team. At the time, red-black directors, such as Marcos Braz and Bruno Spindel, traveled to Portugal to negotiate directly with the coach. However, Jesus chose not to break his contract with Benfica at that time.


Soccer

Bap says Flamengo's stadium won't be completed on time - understand

The year was used as a target by Rodolfo Landim's administration, but the current leader says that the possibility of completion in 4 years is unfeasible.

Bap talks again about Flamengo's stadium and says that opening in 2029 is impossible - Photo: Reproduction
Bap talks again about Flamengo's stadium and says that opening in 2029 is impossible - Photo: Reproduction

03 Set 2025 | 12:00 |

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Last week, Flamengo met with the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and reaffirmed its commitment to building its own stadium on the Gasômetro site, located in the Porto Maravilha region. However, the club ruled out the possibility of opening in 2029 , as initially planned.


BAP EXPLAINS THE PROJECT'S OBSTACLES

Bap on Flamengo's stadium in 2029: "It wouldn't be possible"


In an interview with Flamengo TV , president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, explained that the requirements of the public notice were the main obstacle to accelerating the project's feasibility phase. The president also emphasized that the pending issues are not as simple to resolve as the previous board tried to make them out to be:


"There were a series of conditions imposed in the bidding documents for us to move forward. As we evaluated the preconditions presented as premises in the initial project, we encountered several difficulties . Things weren't as simple, quick, or easy to implement. It wouldn't be possible for Flamengo to build this stadium and open it in 2029."

THE STADIUM WILL BE A REALITY, BUT WITHOUT RUSH


Despite the postponement of the deadline, Bap guaranteed that the Gasômetro stadium will be built , emphasizing that the project will not compromise the club's coffers nor will it require transformation into a SAF, a possibility that was considered under the previous management:

"When we went through the economic feasibility aspect, considering the current interest rates in Brazil, it became clear that to build the stadium within the agreed deadline, we would have to compromise on sporting performance. It would probably be necessary to convert Flamengo into a public utility company. We made a proposal to the City Hall and understand that the dream remains . Flamengo will have its own stadium, but not as quickly as expected."

FEASIBILITY STUDIES IN PROGRESS

The club continues its technical and economic analysis, which is considered essential to making the project a reality. According to management, the studies began about eight months ago , when Bap took over as president.

To this end, Flamengo relies on the support of specialized companies, such as FGV, Arena Venues + Events, Soloeste Engenharia Ltda. and AECOM , which assist in evaluating all aspects involved in the stadium's development.


Soccer

Video of Samuel Lino in the Brazilian National Team worries Flamengo fans

During the FIFA Date, the biggest concern on the part of the Nation is that Mengão athletes return without injuries after playing for their countries.

Flamengo's Samuel Lino was tackled during Brazilian National Team training and worried fans - Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Flamengo's Samuel Lino was tackled during Brazilian National Team training and worried fans - Photo: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

03 Set 2025 | 11:00 |

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For Flamengo fans, when it comes to the Brazilian National Team there is a constant concern whenever a Flamengo player is called up , the fear of a possible injury grows . This time, the situation fell on Samuel Lino, who suffered a tackle during Brazil's training session this Tuesday (2).


Flamengo 's number 16 was called up to replace the injured Matheus Cunha of Manchester United (ENG) . During the training session, he received a more forceful approach from midfielder Casemiro, lost his balance and showed signs of pain, but continued training normally.



FANS' REACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Red-Black Nation did not hide its apprehension on social media:


  • “They’re trying to injure Lino, give him back now, CBF ,” wrote one fan.
  • May Samuel Lino return in one piece from this FIFA Date,” said another user.
  • “For the love of God, give Lino back IN FULL ,” asked a Flamengo fan.
THE TRAUMA WITH PEDRO

The fans' fears have a recent history. In 2024, Pedro was enjoying one of the best phases of his career when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during a training session with the national team. The striker was sidelined for months and only returned to the field in 2025.

WILL SAMUEL LINO BE OUT OF BRAZIL'S SQUAD?

Despite the concern, the CBF did not report any physical problems with Samuel Lino . Thus, the striker remains available to Carlo Ancelotti for the match this Thursday (4), when Brazil faces Chile, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.


Soccer

Flamengo lives the penultimate day before returning to activities

The squad was given four days off after a draw against Grêmio due to the FIFA Date, where six Mengão players were called up

Flamengo reaches the penultimate day off before returning to activities during the FIFA Date break - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
Flamengo reaches the penultimate day off before returning to activities during the FIFA Date break - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

03 Set 2025 | 10:17 |

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Flamengo drew 1-1 with Grêmio last Sunday (31), in a match valid for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. The duel was played at a packed Maracanã and, after the final whistle, the red-black squad received four days of rest . This Wednesday (3), the players complete the penultimate day off .


The break is due to the FIFA Date, which began last Monday (1). With this, the national calendar is interrupted while the teams play another round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.


According to the schedule released by the club, the squad will return next Friday (5), at Ninho do Urubu. From then on, coach Filipe Luís will continue preparing for the final stretch of the season, with the marathon of games between Brasileirão and Libertadores.


SITUATION IN THE TABLE

Despite the draw against Grêmio, Flamengo remains atop the Brasileirão. "The Most Beloved" has 47 points and maintains an advantage over its direct rivals . Cruzeiro moved into second place with 44 points, while Palmeiras, which tied with Corinthians, dropped to third place with 43.


PLAYERS CALLED UP FOR THE FIFA DATE

Flamengo had six players called up by their national teams for this September FIFA International Day. They are:

  • Brazil: Samuel Lino
  • Ecuador: Gonzalo Plata
  • Colombia: Jorge Carrascal
  • Uruguay: Arrascaeta, Viña and Varela

Games of the South American teams with red-and-black athletes called up:

September 4th (Thursday)

  • 8:30 pm: Paraguay vs Ecuador
  • 8:30 pm: Colombia vs. Bolivia
  • 8:30 pm: Uruguay vs. Peru
  • 9:30 pm: Brazil vs. Chile

September 8th (Monday)

  • 8pm: Ecuador vs Argentina
  • 8:30 pm: Bolivia vs. Brazil
  • 8:30 pm: Venezuela vs. Colombia
  • 9:30 pm: Chile vs. Uruguay
    • (All times in Brasilia)


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