Soccer

Diego Ribas remembers Vini Jr.'s beginnings at Flamengo

Former Mengão sees the evolution of the elected best player in the world as 'incredible' and praises the Real Madrid star's humility

Diego Ribas remembered the beginning of Vini Jr's career - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
Diego Ribas remembered the beginning of Vini Jr's career - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

20 Dez 2024 | 08:57 |

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Vini Jr cemented his name in football history by win the award The Best of FIFA last Tuesday (17). However, before reaching the peak of his career, the Real Madrid star sought to learn from more experienced players. Diego Ribas, a recent Flamengo idol, revealed details of moments of exchange and learning that he shared with Vini during Mengão's time.


“I had the honor and privilege of participating in the beginning of Vinicius' career. Vini has always had a characteristic that is fundamental for winners, which is humility. He (Vini Jr) entered the field and always said: “Diego, help me”. I asked me about the positioning, where I had to stay. And at the end of it all, he did. From the beginning of the process until now, Vini has had an incredible evolution”, declared Diego Ribas, in a video published on Instagram.


The coexistence between Diego Ribas and Vini Jr at Flamengo


Diego arrived at Flamengo in 2016, the year in which Vini Jr took his first steps in the professional team. At that moment, the experienced midfielder was the undisputed starter, while the young striker was still looking for space among the reserves.

Over time, Vini Jr gained confidence and evolved quickly, becoming one of the main pieces of the red and black attack. In 2018, when he transferred to Real Madrid, the young man had already established himself as a protagonist at Mengão, carrying valuable advice and experience acquired alongside names like Diego.


Vini Jr: the best in the world

At the ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, Vini Jr reached the pinnacle of his career by being named the best player in the world in the 2023/24 season. With 24 goals and 11 assists for Real Madrid and also highlighted by the Brazilian national team, the striker became the first Brazilian in 17 years to win the coveted FIFA trophy.

This victory is not only a personal achievement, but also a source of pride for Flamengo, who had another creation of its base shiningon the stages of world football.



Soccer

Arrascaeta 'downplays' historic achievement for Flamengo: "The most important thing is..."

Rubro-Negro's number 10 makes history in the Brasileirão, contributes with two assists and celebrates collective performance in the 3-1 victory

Arrascaeta reaches 100 assists for Flamengo and stands out in the 3-1 victory over Internacional in the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Arrascaeta reaches 100 assists for Flamengo and stands out in the 3-1 victory over Internacional in the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

18 Ago 2025 | 15:26 |

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Flamengo secured an important 3-1 victory over Internacional this Sunday (17), in the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. The night was also special for Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who reached the 100 assists mark with the Manto Sagrado.


"Happy, happy. I always try to contribute as much as I can on the field to the club , to keep it up there. It's a very impressive number, a big one. I didn't know it, but I'm so happy. We came here, we did our job, which was to get the three points, the most important thing is to stay up there," Arrascaeta told Flamengo TV .


URUGUAYAN IS A HIGHLIGHT


The number 10 shone throughout the match. In the 12th minute of the first half, De Arrascaeta provided a pass for Pedro to open the scoring. In the second half, the Uruguayan left Plata in excellent position to extend the lead, demonstrating his ability to create plays and directly influence Mengão's result.

"Now, a little more on Wednesday, to get fit, to be 100%. It's a completely different competition, but reinforcing what we've been doing this year, in terms of style of play. Happy about that. First, getting the result . And, as I said, now it's time to leave everything on Wednesday," concluded the number 10.


NEXT APPOINTMENT
Flamengo will face Internacional again on Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. With Matías Viña available, the team seeks to maintain its offensive performance and guarantee qualification for the next phase of the continental tournament.



Soccer

Danilo returns and admits his mistake in Flamengo's victory over Internacional

Defender acknowledges mistake in goal conceded, values team's collective effort and details his return after right thigh injury in the Brazilian Championship

Danilo returns to Flamengo after injury and takes responsibility for the goal conceded against Internacional - photo: CRF
Danilo returns to Flamengo after injury and takes responsibility for the goal conceded against Internacional - photo: CRF

18 Ago 2025 | 15:15 |

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After recovering from an injury to his right thigh, Danilo returned to the field in Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Internacional, this Sunday (17), for the Brazilian Championship. The defender came on in the second half and, even with the Mais Querido's triumph , he recognized a mistake in the play that resulted in the opponent's goal.


"Today, first of all, it's largely my responsibility, especially due to my lack of responsiveness there. So, certainly, I should have and must have done better on that play. But it's a very high-quality defense, they're Brazilian national team-level players , and each one plays their own game," Danilo stated in an interview.


DEFENDER HIGHLIGHTS TEAM


Despite the individual error, the defender highlighted the team's collective performance, emphasizing the importance of the forwards and midfielders' pressure throughout most of the match. According to him, collective effort facilitates marking and strengthens defensive consistency.

" We also have to highlight the work of the rest of the team , because the forwards and midfielders apply relentless pressure throughout almost the entire match. This makes our job much easier, too , which is basically stopping plays when the ball isn't as clear, because our forwards, I think, and midfielders press hard and give a lot of themselves in this area. So, the credit goes to the whole team," Danilo concluded.


DURATION OF ABSENCE

The defender had not played since July 21, when he injured his right hamstring. Having recovered, Danilo came on in the 22nd minute of the second half, replacing Léo Ortiz . In the 47th minute, Bernabei crossed into the box, and Danilo, in his marking, was unable to prevent Borré from shooting , who scored Internacional's goal.


Soccer

Filipe Luís reveals why he doesn't include Viña in Flamengo's games

The Rubro-Negro coach details the reasons that led to the decision not to include the Uruguayan player in the match against Internacional and praises the healthy competition.

Matías Viña is out of Flamengo's game against Internacional, while Ayrton Lucas stands out at left back - photo: reproduction
Matías Viña is out of Flamengo's game against Internacional, while Ayrton Lucas stands out at left back - photo: reproduction

18 Ago 2025 | 14:49 |

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In the 3-1 victory over Internacional, Filipe Luís chose not to include Matías Viña among the squad. The Uruguayan full-back was left out of the match played on Sunday (17), at Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre. After the match, the coach explained the choice and commented on the competition for the position.


" Competition. Alex Sandro is doing very well, he's a starter for the national team. Ayrton Lucas was our best player at the Club World Cup. Honestly, leaving one of them out is difficult. All three are doing well. When you have so many players, the coach's heart breaks. Ayrton Lucas had a great performance. It's great to see the competition for the starting spot," Filipe Luís declared in a press conference.


Ayrton Lucas was named the starting left-back and remained on the field for the entire 90 minutes. The number 6 actively participated in the attacking plays, including the start of the move that resulted in Plata's goal, the Mais Querido's third of the match. Alex Sandro, also an option for the position, was on the bench.


MATÍAS VIÑA CONTINUES TO BE IMPORTANT

Viña has been receiving opportunities since recovering from a serious injury. The Uruguayan caught the attention of fans with his physical strength and strong performances throughout the season , establishing himself as an important player for Mengão's left back.


FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

Flamengo will face Internacional again on Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. With Matías Viña available, the team seeks to maintain its offensive performance and guarantee qualification for the next phase of the continental tournament.


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