Soccer
Emerson Royal is experiencing a new phase at Filipe Luís's Flamengo: “he asked me…”
17 Set 2025 | 14:25
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Soccer
03 Mai 2025 | 17:29 |
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Roberto Firmino had one of those days. In the final in Riyadh, the number 10 was the main player on the field. With two assists — one of them in a sweet pass to Galeno and another in a precise cross to Kessié's head —, the Brazilian was elected the best player of the match and crowned a leading campaign in the continental tournament.
The title placed Al-Ahli as the first team to qualify for the new FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for 2029. And the performance of the 33-year-old striker from Alagoas drew attention not only for his brilliance in the final, but for his entire journey to the trophy: 12 games, six goals, seven assists and a central role in the campaign.
Firmino was also chosen as the best player in the Asian Champions League, an award that confirms the former Liverpool player's status as one of the biggest names in Saudi football in 2025. A level that justifies Flamengo's interest months ago. Behind the scenes of the transfer window that culminated in the signing of Juninho from Qarabag, Firmino's name was even discussed. The red-and-black board made initial contact and assessed the possibilities for a possible move. The idea was clear: to replace Gabigol's departure and cover for Pedro, who was still recovering from a serious injury.
Internally, Firmino's name was seen positively due to an additional factor: his versatility. Although always identified as a center forward, the striker has played as a midfielder and second striker at various stages of his career, which would allow coach Filipe Luis to explore different attacking formations with him on the field.
But, like almost everything in the transfer market, the plan ran into trouble. And reality was loud and clear: the cost of the operation to get Firmino out of Saudi Arabia was considered prohibitive for the current standard of Brazilian football, even for Flamengo . At 33 years old and with a current contract, Firmino is a central piece of Al-Ahli's sports project. In addition to the high salary, the Saudi club did not signal any willingness to negotiate with the athlete at that time — which hindered the advancement of the idea.
Mengão released a video showing how the process is progressing to realize the dream of its own arena and a realistic forecast for completion.
18 Set 2025 | 07:57 |
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In 2024, Rodolfo Landim's administration announced the purchase of the Gasômetro land and promised the delivery of the new stadium in 2029. However, during a meeting of the Deliberative Council held this Wednesday (17), president Luiz Eduardo Baptista (Bap) presented new data and stated that the arena will only be ready in 2036 .
Landim Project:
Bap Project:
Upon taking over the club in January, Bap stated that he would review all of the previous management's studies , particularly regarding deadlines and costs. At this Wednesday's meeting, the board presented the first updates.
After the meeting, the club released a statement explaining the reasons for the schedule change. The statement emphasizes that it will take at least six years to make adjustments to the Gasômetro site: "The deadlines were also revised. The original schedule ignored essential steps, such as the relocation of Naturgy, which currently occupies 55% of the site , with a gas pumping substation for the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region," Flamengo wrote.
“According to a statement from Naturgy sent to Flamengo on September 10, 2025, the estimated relocation time is four years, after obtaining a new address for the installation of the substation , which is the responsibility of the City Hall.”
Despite the seven-year delay compared to the initial forecast, the club sees no risk in the short term. This is because the Maracanã concession is guaranteed for another 19 years , ensuring Flamengo a permanent venue until its own stadium opens. Thus, by 2036, Flamengo will have two stadiums at its disposal.
Reds standout Van Dijk recalls the atmosphere created by Mengão fans in the final played in Qatar in 2019 and says he is enchanted by the Brazilians
17 Set 2025 | 21:00 |
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Flamengo's fans continue to impress world football's biggest names . In 2019, Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk came face-to-face with the might of the Red-Black Nation at the FIFA Club World Cup final in Qatar. The atmosphere of that match left a lasting impression on the Dutch defender.
Liverpool's Van Dijk on Flamengo: "Their fans were incredible"
In an interview with TNT Sports, Van Dijk was asked about his knowledge of Brazilian football. The topic arose because striker Memphis Depay , a player for Corinthians and the Dutch national team, frequently talks to the defender about Brazil.
"I know very well the passion Brazilian fans have for their teams. We faced Flamengo in the Club World Cup in Qatar, and their support was incredible . Memphis also spoke to me several times about the Corinthians fans. We know how great Brazilian football is. I'm very proud of Memphis and hope he scores many goals for the national team," said the defender.
After eliminating Al-Hilal in the semifinals, Flamengo faced Liverpool again in a repeat of the 1981 final . However, Jorge Jesus's team failed to break down the English defense and lost in extra time. In the final, Van Dijk experienced one of the greatest moments of his career and was a key player in neutralizing the Flamengo attack. Players like Gabigol struggled against the defender's solidity.
Almost six years after that duel, the Nation is preparing for another big night. Tickets for Flamengo vs Estudiantes, this Thursday (18), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals , are already sold out . More than 69 thousand fans will support Filipe Luís' team, which is looking to open up an advantage before the decisive match in La Plata.
The red-and-black team fails to overcome São Paulo's solid performance, concedes a goal from Duda Serrana and leaves the national tournament in the round of 16
17 Set 2025 | 20:45 |
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Flamengo said goodbye to the Women's Copa do Brasil after losing 1-0 to São Paulo, this Wednesday (17), at Morumbis. The Rio de Janeiro team even tried to react after falling behind on the scoreboard, but was unable to avoid elimination in the single duel of the round of 16. The decisive goal was scored by Duda Serrana, a standout for the São Paulo team.
In the first half, São Paulo dominated possession and adopted a more attacking approach , hindering Flamengo 's play. Flamengo struggled to exchange passes and impose their style. Even so, the visitors had the best chance of the first half: on a quick counterattack in the 30th minute, Duda had a good opportunity but shot wide.
Early in the second half, a poor clearance by the Flamengo defense resulted in the game-clinching goal. The defense poorly cleared the ball, and Duda Serrana fired a precise shot from outside the box, leaving Flamengo's goalkeeper with no chance . From then on, the Rio de Janeiro team pushed forward and sought to press in the final minutes, relying primarily on set pieces and crosses, but failed to create any real chances.
With this result, Flamengo ends its Women's Copa do Brasil campaign with one win and one loss. The team received approximately R$90,000 for its participation in the round of 16. After the final whistle, members of the Flamengo coaching staff complained about the refereeing in the center of the field, but the result remained unchanged.
Flamengo could take to the field with a different formation to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The duel, decisive for the club's ambitions in the continental competition, will be broadcast live on Disney+.
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