Soccer

Former Flamengo player cites football "references" in his sporting and footballing career with coach

Argentine coach recalls legends of the sport and cites five names that marked an era, including Pelé and Messi in his career in football as references

 Sampaoli cites Pelé and Messi among the five greatest players in football history in a recent interview. (Flamengo /Photo)
Sampaoli cites Pelé and Messi among the five greatest players in football history in a recent interview. (Flamengo /Photo)

30 Mar 2025 | 12:35 |

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Jorge Sampaoli, former Flamengo coach, revealed his selection of the five greatest players in the history of football. During a recent interview, the Argentine coach highlighted names that, according to him, were fundamental to the evolution of the sport. In his list, the coach included Lionel Messi and Pelé, iconic figures in world football. In addition to them, he mentioned three other athletes who, for him, also have indisputable legacies on the pitch.


LIONEL MESSI AND PELÉ TOP THE LIST


When justifying Messi's presence, Sampaoli highlighted the longevity and impact of the number 10 in the history of modern football. For the coach, the Argentine star managed to reinvent himself over the years and established himself as one of the greatest of all time. Regarding Pelé, the former coach of the Mais Querido highlighted the supremacy of the King of Football in his time and his influence in popularizing the sport globally. The Brazilian was a three-time world champion and accumulated records that still impress experts and fans today.


THE OTHER NAMES CHOSEN BY SAMPAOLI

Although he did not reveal his full list at first, Sampaoli mentioned that Diego Maradona is also among the top five. The former Argentina number 10 is remembered for his unique technique and historic achievements, such as the 1986 World Cup. The other two players chosen by the coach were not immediately revealed, but it is speculated that they could be names such as Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stéfano or Cristiano Ronaldo, who left their mark on international football.


During the interview, Sampaoli also commented on the tactical and physical changes in football over the decades. According to him, the sport has evolved considerably, becoming more dynamic and competitive, which requires greater physical and technical preparation from athletes. Despite the changes, the Argentine believes that the players on his list would be capable of shining in any era, given their individual quality and tactical intelligence.

Sampaoli had a short but memorable stint at CRF. The Argentine took over the team in 2023, but failed to win any major titles. Despite the difficulties, he was responsible for some changes in the team's tactical formation and left his mark on Brazilian football.


Soccer

Everton Cebolinha is going through a difficult time at Flamengo - see the numbers

The striker started 2024 as one of the highlights under Tite, but after returning from a serious injury, he was unable to perform as well at Mengão.

Everton Cebolinha is in a bad phase at Flamengo after being one of the highlights in 2024 - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
Everton Cebolinha is in a bad phase at Flamengo after being one of the highlights in 2024 - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

12 Set 2025 | 10:30 |

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Signed in July 2022 for approximately R$72 million, Everton Cebolinha is one of the ten most expensive acquisitions in Flamengo's history . Expectations for his performance have always been high, but the striker's career at the club has been marked by ups and downs, and the 2025 season has only heightened his inconsistency .


FROM A GOOD 2024 TO A PROBLEMATIC 2025


The striker was coming off a consistent 2024 season, playing 30 official matches, scoring five goals, and providing five assists, averaging 0.33 direct goal contributions per game . He was a key player in the attacking scheme until he suffered a serious ankle injury.


In 2025, however, the scenario changed. In the same 30 games, Cebolinha scored just four goals and provided two assists . His average dropped to 0.20 per game, a reduction of almost 40% compared to the previous year. Despite recovering physically, he was unable to capitalize on the opportunities given to him by Filipe Luís and is now a reserve.

GRÊMIO MONITORS THE SITUATION


Cebolinha's future at Flamengo beyond 2026 is uncertain. According to journalist Diogo Rossi, Grêmio is interested in bringing the striker back, who also welcomes a return to the Arena , having already publicly stated his intention to return to the club.

The negotiation, however, isn't straightforward. Flamengo invested heavily in his signing, and the contract runs until December 2026. Therefore, if no agreement is reached before then, Everton could sign a pre-contract with another team starting mid-next year.



Soccer

Former Flamengo player Willian Arão could leave Santos after 2 months - understand

The midfielder who made history at Mengão arrived at Peixe after his contract ended in Greece, but could already be close to leaving Baixada Santista.

Willian Arão, ex-Flamengo, may be leaving Santos after less than 3 months at the club - Photo: Reproduction/Santos
Willian Arão, ex-Flamengo, may be leaving Santos after less than 3 months at the club - Photo: Reproduction/Santos

12 Set 2025 | 09:30 |

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A regular starter for Flamengo in 2019, Willian Arão returned to Brazilian football in July 2025 to play for Santos. However, his time at Vila Belmiro may be nearing its end : the 33-year-old midfielder has only played seven minutes on the pitch and the club is already considering terminating his contract.


Arão's only appearance for Peixe came against Flamengo, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory, with Neymar scoring at Vila Belmiro. Since then, he has struggled with physical problems and has had to make repeated visits to the medical department , without playing any regular games.


According to journalist Lucas Musetti, the so-called "Arão case" has become a mystery behind the scenes. The player showed up with calf pain and, even though no injuries were detected in the tests , continues to complain of discomfort that prevents him from training and playing.


WILL ARÃO PLAY AGAINST ATLÉTICO-MG?

Santos faces Atlético-MG this Sunday (14), in Belo Horizonte, but Arão is already vetoed. The expectation was that he would train this Thursday (11), which did not happen . Now, the technical committee is working to have him available only next week. Meanwhile, the discussion about the possible termination of the contract grows.


'COLD WAR' BEHIND THE SCENES

According to Musetti, the situation is generating internal friction. The player believes he's being misjudged , while the medical department assures him there's no injury. Furthermore, Arão's decision to hire a private physiotherapist has caused unease within the club.


Soccer

Flamengo intensifies preparations for clash with Juventude

Mengão travels this Saturday (13) in the afternoon towards Caxias do Sul, where they will face Jaconero in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão

Flamengo trains this Friday (12) for the clash with Juventude in the Brasileirão - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Flamengo trains this Friday (12) for the clash with Juventude in the Brasileirão - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

12 Set 2025 | 08:55 |

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After almost two weeks without games due to the September FIFA Date, Flamengo is getting closer to returning to the field . This Friday (12), the squad will hold the penultimate training session at Ninho do Urubu before the duel with Juventude . The activity led by Filipe Luís is scheduled for 9:30 am (Brasília time).


On Saturday (13), the squad trains again in the morning and then embarks for Rio Grande do Sul. The match against Juventude takes place on Sunday (14) , at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship.


LEADERSHIP MAINTAINED


Flamengo leads the table with 47 points. Cruzeiro moved into second place with 44, while Palmeiras, which has 43 , dropped to third after a draw with Corinthians. The "Mais Querido" (The Most Beloved), however, has played one game less than the Minas Gerais team, but one game more than the "alviverde" (Green and White).

ALMOST FULL CAST


With the end of the FIFA Date, most of the players called up are already back. Arrascaeta and Varela returned on Wednesday (10), followed by Viña, Samuel Lino and Carrascal , on Thursday (11). The only exception is Gonzalo Plata , who was given time off to visit his family.

Alex Sandro, Erick Pulgar, Jorginho and Varela remain in the Medical Department. On Wednesday (10), the club released a bulletin updating the situation of each athlete . Of these, only the right-back appears to be able to play against Jaconero.



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