Soccer

EX-FLAMENGO REVEALS THAT THE DECISION TO LEAVE THE CLUB WAS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF HIS CAREER: "I NEEDED IT"

The player participated in Podcast 10 e Faixa, by Diego Ribas

Photo: Reproduction
Photo: Reproduction

17 Jul 2024 | 09:41 |

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Multi-champion with Flamengo, full-back Rafinha participated in Podcast 10 e Faixa, by Diego Ribas, and spoke about his departure from Mais Querido. The player revealed that the proposal he received from Olympiacos was worth "five years of Rubro-Negro", but that it was one of the decisions of his life.


“I don't regret it (having left). I could have stayed at Flamengo a little longer. I was 35 years old, an athlete's career lasts 10, 15 years, the longer you can make your portfolio (money), great, then we'll live for 50 years. They called me on a Wednesday, I remember, they said they wanted to hire me. I said “now is not the time, I just got back from Germany, I’m living like a king here, we were champions, the team is in shape, I can’t, I don’t want to”. They asked how much I would pay and I said a ridiculous number. At the weekend, the president of Olympiacos called me and said he would deposit half of the contract in advance", said Rafinha, before continuing.


IRRECUSABLE PROPOSAL


Rafinha still highlights that he didn't want to leaving Mais Querido, but that Olympiacos' offer was very high and that he could not refuse, as it was rare for a full-back to receive a salary equal to that of a striker. He also says that it was a difficult decision to leave the club.

“At the same time I wanted to go, because for my life and career it was a lot, receiving an offer for that amount, a full-back is not the same as a striker . I had a good salary, but that amount was about five years at Flamengo. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. The president deposited the money before I signed the contract. My family cried a lot, everyone was disappointed, I had just returned. But you think about everything, due to the financial situation, I couldn't not go, four bacuris (children), seven brothers, 50 family members, uncle, aunt, two IPVA's per month, I had to get the card.”PASSAGE TO FLAMENGO


Rafinha arrived at Flamengo in July 2019. With the sacred mantle, the full-back won the 2019 and 2020 Brasileirão, a Guanabara Cup (2020), a Super Cup (2020 ) and a Carioca (2020). The player was one of the fundamental pieces of the team led by Jorge Jesusu.


Soccer

Real Madrid monitors Flamengo's R$300 million transfer fee

The 17-year-old striker has been standing out in the red-black youth academy, with impressive performances and interest from the Spanish club, Barcelona and Ajax

Ryan Roberto, Flamengo's youth striker, impresses with his technique and goals and sparks interest from Real Madrid - photo: reproduction
Ryan Roberto, Flamengo's youth striker, impresses with his technique and goals and sparks interest from Real Madrid - photo: reproduction

15 Set 2025 | 13:31 |

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Flamengo has been consolidating its youth academy strength with impressive achievements, including two consecutive U-20 World Cup titles. In one of these championships, Flamengo defeated Barcelona on penalties , reinforcing the quality of its young talent.


Ryan Roberto , a 17-year-old striker, is currently considered one of Flamengo's top prospects. With 21 goals in 39 matches, according to Globo Esporte, the youngster is attracting interest from European soccer giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Ajax.


Flamengo is protecting its talents, but knows that retaining Ryan long-term could be challenging given his potential. The youngster's refined technique, speed, and efficient finishing impress both at home and abroad.


BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS

The athlete holds 50% of the economic rights with Flamengo , and there is an option to purchase an additional 20%, valued at approximately R$1.5 million . Ryan arrived at Rubro-Negro in 2023, won the Brasil Soccer Cup U-15 and stood out in several tournaments, including the Adidas Cup at Ninho do Urubu.


PROMISING CAREER

In addition to his club achievements, Ryan Roberto was called up to the Brazilian youth national team in 2023. His release clause abroad is €50 million (R$316 million), reflecting the value Flamengo places on its jewel.


Soccer

Flamengo doesn't just lead the Brasileirão table: see statistics

Mengão stands out in the Championship not only because it is at the top of the competition, but also because it has outstanding numbers in all phases of the game.

Flamengo leads the vast majority of the Brasileirão 2025 statistics, in addition to the table - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Flamengo leads the vast majority of the Brasileirão 2025 statistics, in addition to the table - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

15 Set 2025 | 13:23 |

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Flamengo remains firmly in the lead of the 2025 Brasileirão , supported by numbers that prove its strength across the board. The red-and-black team is the competition's top scorer, with 47 goals scored, and also the fewest goals conceded, having conceded only 10 so far . This balance between attack and defense has been a hallmark of the campaign.


DOMINANCE IN STATISTICS


In the creative department, Flamengo also stands out as the team that created the most clear-cut chances , totaling 54. Possession is another strong point, averaging 62.8% per game, demonstrating the team's control and tactical organization.


Their passing accuracy reinforces their superiority: they have 519 successful passes per match, a number unmatchable for their rivals . On offense, their average of six successful shots per game makes Flamengo a constant threat to any defense.

IRON DEFENSE


In addition to their offensive prowess, the team has gone 13 games without conceding a goal, demonstrating consistency and defensive solidity . Their collective performance is also reflected in their ratings: their average Sofascore rating is 7.12, the highest in the league.

NEXT CHALLENGE

Even though they are competing in the Libertadores, Flamengo's main objective is to win the Brazilian title . The next commitment, however, will be in the continental competition: on Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), Mais Querido faces Estudiantes (ARG) at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals.


Soccer

Tickets for Flamengo vs Vasco are sold out in almost all sectors of the Maracanã

The Brasileirão classic between Mais Querido and Cruzmaltino, scheduled for September 21, will be the fifth meeting between the teams in 2025 and promises a full house.

Tickets for the Flamengo vs Vasco derby for the 2025 Brasileirão are almost sold out, with only tickets remaining at Maracanã Mais - photo: reproduction
Tickets for the Flamengo vs Vasco derby for the 2025 Brasileirão are almost sold out, with only tickets remaining at Maracanã Mais - photo: reproduction

15 Set 2025 | 13:17 |

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Flamengo faces Vasco on September 21st , at 5:30 pm, at Maracanã, in a match valid for the 24th round of the Brazilian Championship . This will be the fifth meeting between the rivals in 2025. In the Campeonato Carioca, the Mais Querido won all three duels, 2-0 in the initial phase, 1-0 and 2-1 in the semifinals.


In the first round of the Brasileirão, the derby ended in a goalless draw. Therefore, a massive crowd is expected, as all sections of the stadium are sold out , leaving only a small number of tickets remaining for Maracanã Mais.


TICKET PRICES


North (Flamengo): from R$25.00 to R$100.00 (half price from R$50.00).

Upper East (Mixed): from R$30.00 to R$120.00 (half price from R$60.00).


Lower East (Mixed): from R$35.00 to R$140.00 (half price from R$70.00).

Lower West (Mixed): from R$45.00 to R$180.00 (half price from R$90.00).

South B (Visitor): from R$ 181.25 to R$ 500.00 (half price from R$ 287.50).

Currently, only tickets for Maracanã Mais are available, costing R$500.00 (half R$287.50) for the general public.

FLAMENGO HAS AN IMPORTANT WEEK

The red-and-black team is coming off a victory over Juventude, which ended a 28-year drought away from home. Now, the focus is divided between the Libertadores and the Brasileirão . On Thursday (18), Mengão faces Estudiantes at Maracanã, in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the continental competition. Three days later, they face Vasco in another decisive classic.

The training schedule at CT George Helal includes activities on Tuesday (16/09) at 9:30 am, Wednesday (17/09) at 3:30 pm, Friday (19/09) at 3:30 pm and Saturday (20/09) at 9:30 am. There will be no activities on Monday (15/09).


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