Soccer

Former Flamengo player Jorge Jesus has his first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Mengão coach arrived to command Al-Nassr, the Portuguese star, and has a relaxed contact in the first interaction

Former Flamengo player Jorge Jesus has his first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr's pre-season - Photo: Reproduction/Al-Nassr
Former Flamengo player Jorge Jesus has his first meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr's pre-season - Photo: Reproduction/Al-Nassr

25 Jul 2025 | 09:26 |

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After a period of vacation, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the squad of Al-Nassr , who are conducting their pre-season in Austria. The return marked the first meeting between the Portuguese star and his new coach, Jorge Jesus, formerly of Flamengo .


Cristiano 's arrival at the delegation hotel and then onto the field for his first ball practice sessions generated great anticipation among the players, coaching staff, and fans. Jorge Jesus, who took over the club this July after two years at Al-Hilal, personally welcomed the number 7, who is also the team captain .


The reunion of two of the biggest names in Portuguese football, now together in pursuit of titles in Saudi Arabia, was marked by smiles and enthusiasm. The preseason in Austria runs until early August . On the 4th, the Al-Nassr delegation departs for Portugal, where they will continue preparing for the 2025/26 season.


CRISTIANO RONALDO WAS FUNDAMENTAL IN THE ARRIVAL OF JORGE JESUS

Jorge Jesus ' signing was officially announced by Al-Nassr on July 14th, with a one-season contract . The Portuguese coach's arrival was a direct request from Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently renewed his contract with the club until 2027. With the striker's stay assured, the board expedited negotiations to hire the manager.


SUCCESS AT FLAMENGO AND IN ARABIA

This will be Jorge Jesus' third stint in Saudi football. In the previous two, he managed rivals Al-Hilal, where he won major titles such as the Saudi Arabian Super Cup, the King's Cup, and the Saudi League. Despite his success in the Middle East, the peak of his coaching career was in Brazil, leading Flamengo between 2019 and 2020. At the Rio de Janeiro club, Jorge Jesus won five titles:

  • Libertadores (2019)
  • Brazilian Championship (2019)
  • Brazilian Super Cup (2020)
  • South American Recopa (2020)
  • Carioca Championship (2020)

His performance in charge of Rubro-Negro was impressive: 81.6% success, with 44 wins, 10 draws and only four defeats .


Soccer

With former Flamengo player as starter, check out Cruzeiro's likely lineup

The player is expected to start in Cruzeiro's next match against Mais Querido and the coach is preparing the team with important changes.

Fabrício Bruno is expected to start against Flamengo and Gabigol will be an option on the bench - photo: reproduction
Fabrício Bruno is expected to start against Flamengo and Gabigol will be an option on the bench - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 21:30 |

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After a stint at Flamengo, Fabrício Bruno has reclaimed his place at Cruzeiro and will start in defense . He returns at a crucial point in the season and promises to be a key player in the defensive organization.


For the duel, the coach should send the following formation to the field: Anderson; William, João Marcelo, Fabrício Bruno and Marlon; Lucas Romero, Ramiro and Matheus Pereira; Robert, Arthur Gomes and Dinenno.


AND GABIGOL?


The match promises to be a thrilling affair for Flamengo fans. Flamengo's longtime idol, Gabigol, returns to Maracanã in a new phase of his career, playing for Cruzeiro. In the first half of the season, the striker was decisive, scoring the winning goal for Raposa, who won 2-1 at Mineirão Stadium.

Therefore, the Minas Gerais team will once again have Gabigol available for the match , who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.


FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.


Soccer

Cruzeiro will have an important return against Flamengo in the Brasileirão

Coach Leonardo Jardim will count on the return of defender Lucas Villalba to reinforce the defense in the duel against Mengão, this Thursday (2)

Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Cruzeiro will have the return of Lucas Villalba to face Flamengo at Maracanã in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:39 |

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Cruzeiro will have an important addition to their squad for their match against Flamengo in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. Suspended against Vasco, defender Lucas Villalba returns to the starting lineup and resumes his defensive position, replacing Jonathan Jesus. Villalba is considered a key player by coach Leonardo Jardim and is expected to be the only confirmed returnee for the match at Maracanã.


In addition to Villalba, Cruzeiro will again have Gabigol available, who served a suspension, and Luis Sinisterra, who has recovered from a right thigh muscle injury. Both were included in the squad, but they are expected to start the match as reserves.


The Minas Gerais team will still be without full-back Fagner, who is undergoing a physical transition after a fractured fibula, and Murilo Rhikman, Bruno Alves and Otávio, who are playing for the Brazilian Under-20 team.


PROBABLE LINEUP

Cruzeiro 's likely lineup for the match is: Cássio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Villalba and Kaiki; Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Christian and Matheus Pereira; Wanderson and Kaio Jorge . Coach: Leonardo Jardim.


FLAMENGO AND CRUZEIRO

The duel at Maracanã pits the top two teams in the Brasileirão against each other . Flamengo leads the competition with 54 points, while Cruzeiro is close behind with 50. A victory for the Minas Gerais team could narrow the gap in the standings and further intensify the title race.


Soccer

Flamengo is expected to make changes to its starting lineup for the match against Cruzeiro.

Teams face each other this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship and the duel brings together the leader and vice-leader of the competition

Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro at Maracanã in the 26th round of the Brasileirão in a game that could extend the red-black advantage at the top - photo: reproduction

01 Out 2025 | 20:00 |

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Flamengo comes into the match on a high after a comeback victory over Corinthians in São Paulo. With 54 points, the Red-Blacks are looking to widen their gap over Cruzeiro , who sits in second place with 50.


Coach Filipe Luís, who completed a year in charge of the team, will have only one confirmed absence: Erick Pulgar. The Chilean midfielder, recovering from foot surgery , is still recovering physically. Michael is still doubtful.


Jorginho and Pedro, who were substitutes in the last game, are expected to return to the starting lineup . Varela, Alex Sandro, and Gonzalo Plata are also expected to start, giving Flamengo a more attacking lineup.


FLAMENGO ENDS PREPARATION

The red-and-black squad held their final training session this Wednesday (1st), at 3:30 pm, at Ninho do Urubu. It was the last opportunity for Filipe Luís to confirm the team that will take to the field at Maracanã in front of more than 70 thousand fans. The probable lineup includes Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.


TECHNICAL SHEET

26th round – Brazilian Championship

📆 Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

📺 Broadcast: Premiere


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