
Soccer
20 Jan 2025 | 11:16 |
Defender João Victor, just 18 years old, was one of the Boys from the Nest who they had the opportunity in the friendly against São Paulo, for the FC Series. The young defender, who had already made his professional debut for Flamengoagainst Criciúma, in the final stretch of the 2024 Brasileirão, emerges as one of the promises of the base and should gain more space with coach Filipe Luís throughout 2025.
Currently, the search for reinforcements for the defense is a priority for Flamengo in the transfer market. Football director José Boto has already highlighted the need to replace the departures of Fabrício Bruno and David Luiz, with the arrival of one or two new defenders. Among the names evaluated by the club are Vitão, from Internacional, and Danilo, from Juventus.
While Flamengo continues to monitor the market, João Victor demonstrated potential in the first test of the season and received praise from coach Filipe Luís after the match.
Compliments from Filipe Luís
"I was a little more tense for the defense, because, as I said, it's not that easy for a defender to debut in the professional, as was the case with João today. In the same way that Abel talked about Victor Reis, that he talked too much, I also don't want to talk too much, because I know that João doesn't. It's going to last a long time here in Brazil", commented Filipe Luís.
"He's a different player b>, which passed through the base of the Flamengo. I have full confidence in him, in his development, in what this boy is capable of and he will develop a lot further", added the coach.
Filipe mentioned Victor Reis, former Palmeiras defender, who was sold to Manchester City, in England, for 35 million euros, in a movement similar to what believes could happen with João Victor in the future.
Reinforcements are still needed
Despite João Victor's promising performance, Filipe Luís reinforced the need for signings to strengthen the defensive sector and meet the demands of a demanding season.
"For a championship as complicated and high level as the Brasileirão, at Libertadores, we need to go to the market, as Boto himself said, looking for a defender to replace the losses of David and Fabrício. With the arrival of reinforcements, we will have a highly qualified squad to compete in competitions", said Filipe.
With the pre-season underway, Flamengo seeks to balance the use of the base's promises with the arrival of experienced players to compose the cast.
The Rio de Janeiro team heads into the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with confirmed absences and doubts about De La Cruz, looking for an advantage at the Maracanã
12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |
The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.
Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.
Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.
In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).
The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.
The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.
Teams take to the field this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, looking for a decisive advantage for the return game and keeping the continental dream alive
12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |
Wednesday night (13) promises strong emotions at Maracanã. Flamengo and Internacional face each other at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Both teams are looking to build a significant advantage for the return leg, keeping alive the objective of continuing in the fight for the continental title.
The Rio de Janeiro club arrives buoyed by its lead in the Brasileirão , despite having played a game less, after beating Mirassol 2-1 last weekend. The result helped improve the mood within the squad, which was coming off an early elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG.
Coach Filipe Luís will have a significant absence: Arrascaeta, suspended, is out of the match. On the other hand, Nico De La Cruz is expected to return to the starting lineup. Thus, Flamengo 's likely starting lineup is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, Plata; Pedro.
Internacional, on the Colorado side, arrives confident after a 3-1 away win over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil to Fluminense, Roger Machado's team is showing signs of improvement. The likely lineup is: Rochet; Bernabei, Victor Gabriel, Vitão, Aguirre; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique, Wesley, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata; Borré.
WHERE TO WATCH LIVE
Fans will be able to watch the match on broadcast TV, on Globo, and also on ESPN and Disney+. A full house is expected at Maracanã, with overwhelming support from the red-and-black fans, with over 60,000 people in attendance.
Negotiations could yield more than R$600 million over three years, surpassing previous agreements and strengthening the club's financial stability.
12 Ago 2025 | 17:21 |
The current sponsorship agreement calls for PixBet to pay R$105 million in 2024 and R$115 million in 2025 , with the possibility of automatic renewal until 2027, when the annual amount would reach R$125 million . At the same time, FlaBet, the PixBet division authorized to use the club's brand , will also cease its activities, with expected payments of R$10 million in 2024, R$22.5 million in 2025, and R$25 million in 2026 and 2027.
SuperBet, the new bidder for the mastercard space, is negotiating a contract estimated at over R$600 million over the next three years. If signed, the deal would become the largest ever signed in Brazilian football, guaranteeing significant revenue for the Rio de Janeiro club.
The transition between sponsors is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Flamengo 's financial health. The board intends to direct part of the resources toward strengthening the squad and investing in infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in national and international competitions.
Even with negotiations at an advanced stage, the club remains cautious to maintain a good relationship with PixBet until the official termination of the contract. The goal is to complete the transition smoothly , ensuring a planned and safe transition.
If finalized, the deal with SuperBet will not only represent the largest sponsorship contract in the country , but will also give Mengão a prominent position in the South American sports scene. The arrival of a new sponsor at this level should further boost investment potential, increasing the team's ability to retain star players and attract key reinforcements.