
Soccer
17 Mai 2025 | 17:17 |
The classic between Flamengo and Botafogo , scheduled for this Sunday (18), at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã, stirs technical debates and individual comparisons. In one of these analyses, commentator Alex, from SporTV, surprised by pointing out Igor Jesus, Botafogo's striker, as the ideal name for the current moment, even recognizing Pedro's technical superiority.
During the Troca de Passes program, Alex was direct. The statement immediately resonated among fans and analysts. After all, Pedro is on a scoring streak: he has scored four goals in the last five games he has played in the Brazilian Championship. Igor Jesus, on the other hand, has scored three goals in eight games.
"Today, Igor Jesus. I think Pedro is a better player, I don't even compare that, Pedro has much more tools, talent and everything. But if I had to choose at the moment: Igor Jesus." - said Alex
The comparison gains weight in the context of the classic. With squads at different stages of construction and rotating players due to physical needs, Flamengo and Botafogo come into the duel with doubts about who will start in attack. Pedro, despite being Flamengo's top scorer this season, should start on the bench, with Bruno Henrique being improvised as a center forward. Michael and Luiz Araújo should make up the flanks of the red-black attack.
On the black and white side, Igor Jesus is Renato Paiva's main center forward and has maintained his starting position even with competition from names like Rwan and Jeffinho. The choice for him is more about physical performance and movement than necessarily the number of goals. Alex's argument, although based on the moment, does not ignore the athletes' history . Pedro has a World Cup on his resume, was the top scorer in the Libertadores and has had a solid streak at Flamengo since 2020. Igor Jesus, in turn, is still seeking affirmation on the national scene.
On social media, Flamengo fans disagreed with the assessment. Many pointed out that Pedro, despite playing less in this Brazilian Championship, has a greater impact in the minutes he has been on the field. Others, however, admit that Igor Jesus's pace of play could weigh in Botafogo's favor on Sunday.
The striker had his name linked with Mengão, but he should receive an offer to stay in England aiming for more minutes on the field
05 Out 2025 | 18:30 |
Gabriel Jesus' future is once again stirring up the European market and also sparking interest in Brazil. The Arsenal striker has landed on Flamengo's radar , but the high fees involved make any move extremely difficult for the Rio de Janeiro club. In England, Everton has emerged as the main interested party for the 2026 season .
Everton are looking for a top center forward and consider Gabriel Jesus the ideal candidate to lead their rebuild. Arsenal, however, aren't going to make things easy: the London club is asking £30 million (approximately R$217 million) for the player's release . Despite the high price, the Toffees aren't ruling out a move, as long as the striker agrees to adjust his salary terms.
In Brazil, Flamengo is monitoring the situation remotely. The board believes that a proposal would only be possible if the player's fees were significantly reduced or if Arsenal changed its stance, as it has so far ruled out any loan offer and insisted on a permanent sale.
Gabriel Jesus earns approximately £13.7 million per season, equivalent to R$99 million annually, or about R$8.2 million per month . This salary level is unaffordable for almost all clubs outside of Europe's elite. Everton is considering moving forward only if the striker agrees to a salary reduction, as they cannot match Arsenal's current pay.
To play for Flamengo, the Brazilian would have to accept a drastic salary cut . Even though he's a highly popular player, the board believes it would be impossible to handle such a large payroll without compromising financial planning.
At 28 years old, Gabriel Jesus still attracts interest from several markets. Everton appears to be the most realistic destination, while Flamengo remains alert to a possible unlikely opportunity . Arsenal, meanwhile, is awaiting official offers to finalize the striker's future in the January window.
Mengão players will have to be wary of a possible third yellow card against Tricolor to avoid being left out of the classic against Botafogo
05 Out 2025 | 17:26 |
Flamengo takes to the field this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. However, in addition to the concern about the result, Filipe Luís' team needs to manage the risk of important suspensions for the next match, against Botafogo.
The main name among those suspended is Arrascaeta, Flamengo 's technical standout this season and a key player in the red-and-black formation . The Uruguayan will need to act cautiously to avoid receiving a third yellow card.
Another player under scrutiny is Colombian Carrascal , who also has two cards and could be out if he receives another warning. Rounding out the list is midfielder Allan, who divides opinion among fans, who is the third player at risk of suspension.
In addition to the available trio, midfielder Erick Pulgar is also suspended, although he remains out due to injury . The Chilean is recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot and has no confirmed return date yet.
Of the suspended players, only Arrascaeta is expected to start. Flamengo 's likely starting lineup for the match in Salvador is: Rossi; Varela (Royal), Danilo, Léo Ortiz, and Ayrton Lucas; De la Cruz, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino (Cebolinha), and Pedro .
After the clash at Fonte Nova, Flamengo returns to the field on Wednesday (15) to face Botafogo, at 7:30 pm, at Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) . With three athletes at risk of suspension, Filipe Luís must guide the squad to act with discipline to avoid absences in the classic.
Coach Filipe Luís sends Mengão's full strength to the duel with Tricolor aiming to maintain the lead in the Brazilian Championship before the FIFA Date
05 Out 2025 | 17:25 |
Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. With that, coach Filipe Luís released the lineup for the confrontation , while Tricolor de Aço will have to deal with a series of absences.
Rossi; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Léo Ortiz, Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz, Jorginho, Arracaeta; Carrascal, Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Flamengo midfielder Saúl felt pain in his left ankle and is out of the match . Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro are also serving suspensions and will also be out. Pulgar, who is recovering from a broken foot, remains unavailable.
Bahia, meanwhile, is suffering from 12 absences . The good news for Ceni is the return of Acevedo, who returns from suspension, and the possible return of David Duarte, who trained with the squad and may return early; his return was only expected after the FIFA International Day.
Bahia's absences: Luciano Juba, Gabriel Xavier, Santi Arias, Sanabria and Rodrigo Nestor (suspended); Erick, Ruan Pablo and Caio Alexandre (transition); Kanu (physical reconditioning); João Paulo, Ramos Mingo and Erick Pulga (injured).
The match between Bahia and Flamengo will be played this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm, at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere (pay-per-view) . The referee will be Rodrigo Lima (PE).