Former Flamengo player Ronaldinho Gaúcho praises Vinícius Júnior and talks about injustice in the Ballon d'Or

The CBF announced last Saturday (23) changes to the Brazilian football calendar. The decision displeased Flamengo , which declared itself disadvantaged in relation to the other clubs. Faced with criticism, the president of the entity, Samir Xaud, spoke out to justify the change .

CBF President on Flamengo's criticism: "The favoritism is for Brazilian football"

"The favoritism is for Brazilian football. We're here representing an institution, we have to make important decisions , and we saw the possibility of adjusting our dates to conclude the Brazilian Championship this year. I've received a lot of support from other clubs and the press, and what we want is to improve and adjust the Brazilian calendar, which didn't begin under my management," said Xaud.

He added: "We're working daily. Everyone knows that the Brazilian calendar is tight, due to the FIFA and CONMEBOL deadlines, and next year we'll still have the World Cup . We needed to make a decision, and we believe it was the right one. It wasn't to benefit A or B, but rather Brazilian football."

WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE CALENDAR?

The last round of the Brasileirão , previously scheduled for December 21, was brought forward to the 7th. As a result, the semifinals and finals of the Copa do Brasil were rescheduled for December 10, 14, 17 and 21. There is also the possibility that the first game of the final four will take place on November 26.

WAS FLAMENGO HARMED?

According to Flamengo's board, the change reduces preparation time for the rest of the season. Eliminated early from the Copa do Brasil, the team would have had five weeks off to train, recover players, and adjust the squad . Now, with the new schedule, Flamengo will have only one week off.

Behind the scenes, directors also believe that the decision could favor Cruzeiro, a direct rival in the fight for the Brazilian title alongside Palmeiras and Flamengo , which will have the Libertadores dates free, unlike Mengão and the alviverde, who remain in the competition.

The U-20 Club World Cup title , won last Saturday (23) against Barcelona (ESP), put Flamengo's young players in the spotlight on the international stage. One of the protagonists was Lorran, number 11 of the team, who scored a goal in the final and, soon after, had his future defined: the striker was loaned to Pisa (ITA) .

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement provides for a payment of 500 thousand euros (a little over R$ 3 million) to Flamengo for the loan , in addition to a purchase clause set at 4 million euros (around R$ 25.2 million). Rubro-Negro , however, kept 50% of the player's economic rights, aiming for a return in case of future appreciation.

PISA HAD ALREADY TRIED TO HIRE

Newly promoted to the Italian top flight after 34 years, Pisa is seeking reinforcements to avoid immediate relegation . The club had already attempted to sign Lorran in July, offering a loan with an obligation to buy. Negotiations, however, failed at that time.

LORRAN BETWEEN BASE AND PROFESSIONAL

In the 2025 season, Lorran has been alternating between the U-20 team and the senior squad. With no room for Filipe Luís, the striker played in the World Youth Championship final and opened the scoring in the final against Barcelona . After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, Flamengo won on penalties and secured the title.

The youngster nearly left the club on two other occasions this year: first, there were advanced negotiations with CSKA Moscow (RUS), which ultimately fell through. Then, Fortaleza attempted to loan him out, but the club chose to hold on to him.

During Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo this Sunday (24), at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Flamengo's young player, Vini Jr, and Kylian Mbappé were targets of racist attacks from the stands . The images, shown by the Spanish program El Día Después, from Movistar, recorded screams with monkey sounds at two different moments of the match.

WHAT HAPPENED

The first incident occurred shortly after Mbappé 's goal, when the Frenchman celebrated by kneeling on the pitch. Although it wasn't a collective chant, the insults were clearly captured by the match's broadcast cameras .

In the second half, when he came on to replace Rodrygo, Vini Jr. was also the target of racist chants and insults from a significant segment of the home crowd . The hostility escalated throughout the match, to the point where the Brazilian argued with some fans.

IN THE GAME, VINI JR. AND MBAPPÉ DECIDED

On the field, Real Madrid had no trouble defeating Oviedo with authority. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 37th minute of the first half. In the second half, Vini Jr., a Flamengo talent, shone, contributing to the next two goals .

The number 7 made a great play and assisted the Frenchman to extend the lead. In stoppage time, in the 48th minute of the second half, Brahim Díaz led a counterattack on the right, reversed the play, and found Vini Jr. The striker charged at the defense, burst into the box, and finished with class , scoring a stunning goal that sealed the 3-0 victory.