
Soccer
10 Nov 2023 | 07:56 |
Change of coach, decisive final stretch and a Chilean in midfield. Such are the recent comparisons made by most fans between the Flamengo of 2009 and that of 2023. In the sixth Brazilian championship, Rubro-Negro had Maldonado. This season, it's Erick Pulgar's turn.
Due to some coincidences, Coluna do Fla had a chat with Maldonado, one of Flamengo's main players in 2009. During the conversation, the Chilean revealed that he knew Erick Pulgar even before the athlete comes to Rubro-Negro. Furthermore, the former number 13 of Fla made a point of praising the current number 5 of Mais Querido.
“I already knew Erick Pulgar since the time he was at Deportes Antofagasta (CHI). In 2018, I was a technical assistant at Colo Colo (CHI). We like him a lot. We liked it so much that we wanted him to go to Colo Colo, but he ended up going to Universidad Católica (CHI)", he declared, before concluding:
"Even with the changes that Flamengo had, Erick Pulgar always it was a fundamental piece. He (Erick) has been showing his potential and also all the experience he acquired during his time in European football”, he concluded.
After Erick Pulgar's good performance against Palmeiras, a good part of Flamengo's fans remembered the times in which Maldonado commanded the red-black 'meiuca'. In this way, the former player highlighted some similarities with Fla's current number 5.
“The main similarities are the marking and the vision of the game. Erick is a very simple player, but very efficient. Pulgar is responsible for providing the team's defensive and offensive balance. He is doing this very efficiently”, he concluded.
On a record level, in the Brazilian Sixth Championship campaign, Flamengo also had a ‘trial by fire’ in the final stretch of the championship against Palmeiras. With two goals from Petkovic, Rubro-Negro beat the São Paulo team and, with that, ‘turned the key’ in the competition. In 2023, Mais Querido beat Alviverde 3-0.
Amid this comparison, Chilean Maldonado revealed details of that victory achieved at the former Palestra Itália, home of Palmeiras. Furthermore, the former athlete saw last Wednesday's triumph (08) as fuel for the current Flamengo to go in search of Brasileirão 2023. Finally, he took the opportunity to send a message to the players.
“I do believe it could be a key change. Flamengo's squad is very qualified and of great quality. He has everything to be able to fight for the Brasileirão. My message to the players is to never stop believing in collective work, especially as a team. As well as individually focused for this final stretch”, highlighted Maldonado.
Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (11) to face Fluminense, in the 34th round of the Brasileirão. The classic will be played at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã.
Mengão player is in the process of obtaining Brazilian citizenship and could be called up to the Brazilian National Team if he obtains naturalization
03 Out 2025 | 15:35 |
Argentine goalkeeper Agustín Rossi , who has played for Flamengo since 2023, is in the process of obtaining Brazilian citizenship, raising the possibility of playing for the Brazilian national team in the future. The situation raises questions about the player's eligibility and FIFA's rules for changing nationality.
If Rossi obtains naturalization, he would be eligible to represent Brazil under current sports legislation. The player has not yet played any official matches for the Argentine national team, which would prevent him from making the switch.
In 2020, FIFA relaxed its rules for changing nationality, allowing athletes to play for national teams other than their home country, provided they meet certain criteria. A player can represent another country if, before the age of 21, he or she has played in a maximum of three official matches for the senior national team and has not competed in a World Cup.
Rossi was named in Argentina's official match against Bolivia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in September 2021, but did not take the field. According to FIFA's governance and eligibility rules:
The striker once again showed his rapport and friendship with his former teammates at Mengão, but the fans were on his back during the match.
03 Out 2025 | 15:25 |
In the goalless draw between Flamengo and Cruzeiro , last Thursday (02), striker Gabigol experienced a special reunion with the red-black fans at Maracanã . Even with few minutes on the field, the former Fla player relived memorable moments of his time at the club.
Before the ball rolled, Gabigol greeted players and members of the Rio de Janeiro team. Among the photos, a hug with Filipe Luís, Flamengo 's current coach and former locker roommate, stood out. The number 9 also posed smiling alongside Arrascaeta and hugged old friends like Rodrigo Caio and Léo Pereira.
During the game, when visiting his former teammates on the bench, the striker even reproduced the famous “ fusion ” celebration, which marked the successful partnership with Bruno Henrique in Flamengo's golden days.
Gabigol only entered the field in the 42nd minute of the second half, right after William was sent off for Cruzeiro. After the final whistle, he made a point of praising the result on social media: " +1 point, thank you blue nation for the support! Now we'll see you at home ."
After the draw with Cruzeiro, with Gabigo, Flamengo does not have much time to rest . On Sunday (05), the team faces Bahia, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere.
Alviverde signs former Mengão athlete for the under-20 team until 2027; striker arrives at no cost and with a history of international titles
03 Out 2025 | 15:04 |
Palmeiras announced the signing of 19-year-old striker Felipe Teresa from Flamengo. The young player was released by the Rio de Janeiro club on September 22, 2025, after behavioral issues stemming from dissatisfaction with losing his starting spot in the under-20 team.
According to Rádio Itatiaia, the striker's contract with Alviverde will last two seasons, and the São Paulo club will retain 70% of the player's economic rights . Felipe Teresa 's arrival is seen as a strategic reinforcement for the attacking sector and comes at no cost.
Discovered by Independente de Limeira, Felipe Teresa joined Flamengo in 2022, at just 15 years old. In 2023, he was promoted to the main squad, scoring a goal against Grêmio in the Brazilian Championship. Along the way, he accumulated significant titles, including two U-20 Libertadores Cups (2024 and 2025) and two U-20 Club World Cups (2024 and 2025), in addition to the 2025 Carioca Championship.
With notable spells at Flamengo , Felipe Teresa arrives at Palmeiras as a competitive option for the attack , being able to compete for position with the main names of the under-20 team and contribute with mobility and efficiency in finishing.