Soccer

Former Flamengo player calls out Vini Jr after thrashing PSG

After Real Madrid's 4-0 loss to PSG, former Flamengo player is the target of criticism from the press and fans; Rafinha calls for action from the Spanish coach

Vinícius Júnior is going through an unstable phase at Real Madrid and was the target of criticism after a 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup - photo: reproduction
Vinícius Júnior is going through an unstable phase at Real Madrid and was the target of criticism after a 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup - photo: reproduction

10 Jul 2025 | 13:17 |

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Real Madrid suffered a tough 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (9) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, in a match valid for the Club World Cup semi-final. The result exposed the Spanish team's weaknesses, especially in the offensive sector, and placed striker Vinícius Júnior, revealed by Flamengo , at the center of criticism from the press and fans.


The Merengues' number 7, a Flamengo product, had a lackluster performance, with few effective attacking contributions. PSG , in turn, controlled the game from start to finish, shutting down the opponent's key attacking players.


RAFINHA HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF DIALOGUE


During the broadcast on SporTV, former full-back Rafinha, also a member of Mais Querido , analyzed the player's current situation and suggested a closer approach from coach Xabi Alonso . According to him, it's crucial that the manager speak directly with Vini Jr. to help him regain his peak performance.



Former Flamengo player demands that Xabi and Vini Jr. play "It's not for him"

" Now, at this point, it's important for the coach to come and call Vinícius (for a chat). Show him the videos, the things he does and what the coach wants him to do. Set up a plan to help him. Of course, it's not about playing for himself, but collective achievement generates individual benefits," Rafinha stated.

SPANISH PRESS QUESTIONS MOMENT

The Spanish newspaper Marca also covered the rout and dedicated part of its analysis to the form of Brazilians Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. The newspaper highlighted that Vinícius's current situation is worrying and demands honesty from the player with the coaching staff.

"The current situation of Vinicius is particularly worrying; he's a player who's far from his former self. He's not the only one, but it's clear that the Brazilian is attracting attention (due to his lack of brilliance). (Real Madrid's directors) are seeking honesty and to know what's going on in Vinicius Júnior's head," the newspaper reported.

"Xabi Alonso made it clear, but Vinicius needs to be honest and say exactly what's going on . The feeling the striker is giving off isn't good. The good work he does day-to-day doesn't reflect what's happening on the field. They want him to be honest and make clear what he wants for the future. Nothing is off the table," the outlet concluded.


Soccer

When does Flamengo play? Check out the schedule

After losing 1-0 to Bahia, Mengão is looking to get back to winning ways in the next five rounds of the Brasileirão

Flamengo seeks recovery after defeat to Bahia and projects five decisive games in Brasileirão and Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Flamengo seeks recovery after defeat to Bahia and projects five decisive games in Brasileirão and Libertadores - photo: reproduction

07 Out 2025 | 15:49 |

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Flamengo suffered a 1-0 loss to Bahia, a result that complicated its position in the Brasileirão standings. In its last five matches, the "Mais Querido" has won only one , drawn three, and now has lost one, highlighting the team's need for an immediate response.


Coach Filipe Luís will have ten days to adjust the team before the next match, scheduled for October 15th against Botafogo. The FIFA break will be crucial, as most of Mengão's key players are not involved in international call-ups and can participate fully in training.


Flamengo reached agreements with the federations to protect its players. The club's medical department sent reports detailing the physical strain caused by the backlog of matches , particularly regarding players who could have been called up by Uruguay.


FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAMES
  • 15/10 – Botafogo x Flamengo (Brazilian Championship)
  • 19/10 – Flamengo x Palmeiras (Brazilian Championship)
  • 22/10 – Flamengo x Racing (Libertadores)
  • 25/10 – Fortaleza x Flamengo (Brazilian Championship)
  • 29/10 – Racing x Flamengo (Libertadores)
NEXT CHALLENGE

Therefore, the red-black team returns to the field on October 15th, for the 28th round of the Brasileirão , against Botafogo, at 7:30 pm, at Nilton Santos Stadium. After the loss to Bahia, Flamengo occupies second place in the table with 55 points , tied with Palmeiras, who has the advantage in the number of victories.



Soccer

Michael may leave Flamengo and agree to transfer to a Qatari club

The striker is experiencing a period of little participation at Mengão and is awaiting an offer from Al-Duhail to regain prominence in his international career.

Michael in action for Flamengo during the 2025 Copa Libertadores match; the striker awaits a proposal from Al-Duhail - photo: reproduction
Michael in action for Flamengo during the 2025 Copa Libertadores match; the striker awaits a proposal from Al-Duhail - photo: reproduction

07 Out 2025 | 15:08 |

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Striker Michael is facing a difficult period at Flamengo and may be close to a change of scenery. Not in coach Filipe Luís's plans, the player is awaiting an offer from Al-Duhail of Qatar, which is expected to resume negotiations in January. His staff believes that playing outside of Brazil is the best path for his career.


Michael hasn't played since June 24, when he came on for 31 minutes against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup. Despite recovering from ankle pain and training normally , he hasn't even been named on the bench.


In the last transfer window, Mengão included the striker on the list of available players. The only concrete offer came from Al-Ula, offering a one-year loan for $2.5 million with an option to buy at the end, but it was rejected by the Flamengo player himself.


OPPORTUNITY IN AL-DUHAIL

Al-Duhail is interested in signing Michael for the 2026 season, betting he can regain the prominence he had at Al-Hilal before returning to Brazil. The team expects an official offer to be made early next year.


FILIPE LUÍS PRIORITIZES OTHER NAMES

At Mengão, Michael is finding it difficult to play, as Bruno Henrique, Pedro, Plata, and Wallace Yan have been prioritized up front. The coach stated that the selections are purely technical and that the striker maintains good performance in training, but opportunities remain limited.


Soccer

José Boto reveals the struggle to sign Saúl Ñíguez at Flamengo

Mengão's football director details negotiations with Spanish midfielder and time zone challenges to close deal with European club

Flamengo director José Boto reveals behind the scenes of Saúl Ñíguez's signing by the club - photo: reproduction
Flamengo director José Boto reveals behind the scenes of Saúl Ñíguez's signing by the club - photo: reproduction

07 Out 2025 | 14:44 |

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Flamengo's football director, José Boto , revealed previously unpublished details about the signing of midfielder Saúl Ñíguez. In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Record , the director said he had to stay up all night to get the player off a private flight from a Turkish club and secure his arrival in Rio de Janeiro.


According to Boto , the negotiations faced an additional complication: the time difference between Brazil and Spain. " When you do business with Europe, you have the time zone issue. In this case, it was a five-hour time difference to Spain, and that forced me, right after a game, to stay up all night to close the deal at almost five in the morning in Brazil," he said.


SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ HAS ALREADY BECOME HOLDER


Even without scoring his first goal for the Red-Blacks, the Spanish midfielder has already established himself as a solid presence in the team. He has played 13 games, the first three as a substitute and the following ten as a starter , earning two cautions and one assist. His performance has helped solidify the central midfield.

LOSS IN THE LAST GAME


Midfielder Saúl Ñíguez was left out of the match against Bahia last Sunday (5), due to pain in his left ankle. Despite the absence, the coaching staff is not afraid that the player will be left out of the team's next match.

FLAMENGO X BOTAFOGO

With Saúl available, Flamengo returns to action on October 15th, facing Botafogo at 7:30 pm at Nilton Santos Stadium in the 28th round of the competition. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere (a cable channel).


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