Soccer
Former Flamengo player Gabigol could be leaving Cruzeiro after less than a season
15 Ago 2025 | 08:26
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Soccer
12 Jul 2025 | 10:57 |
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Matheus Gonçalves ' move to Cruzeiro was being treated behind the scenes as a done deal. However, according to an investigation by journalist Bruno Lemos, Flamengo no longer views the attacking midfielder's transfer as a positive option at this time. Flamengo's board is rethinking the negotiations and, internally, is already considering the possibility of keeping the player.
The 19-year-old was close to wearing the blue jersey. Cruzeiro 's offer was around R$22.5 million upfront for 50% of the player's economic rights. Flamengo would keep the other half , betting on future appreciation. The player was pleased with the offer from Minas Gerais. Matheus welcomes a move to gain more playing time, something in short supply in Flamengo's first team .
However, the board is wary of reinforcing a direct rival in major national competitions. With Cruzeiro rapidly improving under Fernando Seabra, the possibility of strengthening a direct competitor has become a matter of concern at Gávea. Internally, Flamengo officials argue that an international loan, even without immediate returns, would be a less damaging solution.
Behind the scenes at Toca da Raposa, the negotiations were considered well underway. The player's staff had already signaled a positive response, and there was optimism about a quick outcome. Now, with the impasse created by Flamengo's withdrawal, the club's board awaits an official statement. This isn't the first time Minas Gerais clubs have attempted to lure Matheus Gonçalves away from Flamengo.
Atlético-MG also expressed interest previously, but without formalizing an official offer. The competition reinforces the club's status in the national market. With a contract until the end of 2027, Matheus Gonçalves has been a consistent standout in the U-20 category. Whenever he returns to the youth academy, he usually excels with goals and assists, but he has yet to make a run at the senior level under Tite.
Midfielder is in Raposa's sights after failing to sign Matheus Gonçalves from Mengão, but an agreement seems unlikely
15 Ago 2025 | 10:04 |
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Cruzeiro has opened talks to try to sign Matheus França , a 21-year-old attacking midfielder who came through Flamengo's ranks and is currently playing for Crystal Palace in England. Despite the interest, the club's board believes the fees involved are outside the standards adopted at Toca da Raposa II , according to Goal.
The main obstacle is the player's high salary request, combined with the demands made by the English club . Matheus França was acquired by Crystal Palace in August 2023 for around €20 million—approximately R$126 million at the current exchange rate—a similar amount to the amount paid at the time of the transfer.
If Cruzeiro accepts the requested figures, the attacking midfielder would become one of the three highest-paid players in the squad , behind only Gabriel Barbosa and Matheus Pereira. However, the club currently considers this amount unaffordable.
Matheus França played 52 matches for Flamengo between 2021 and 2023, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. Despite his short tenure, he demonstrated his ability to decide matches and participate in decisive moments , gaining experience in national and continental tournaments.
The player also shone in the youth ranks of the Brazilian national team. His professional debut for the red-and-black team came in 2022 , when he scored six goals and played an important role in the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil victories.
Mengão striker was seen having dinner with the Brazilian National Team coach and rumors of a possible call-up are growing
15 Ago 2025 | 09:13 |
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Flamengo's standout player in recent matches, Samuel Lino could be close to his first call-up to the Brazilian National Team . On Thursday night (14), the striker met with coach Carlo Ancelotti at Mocellin Steakhouse , in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. The news was first reported by Coluna do Fla.
Ancelotti had already seen Samuel in action the day before at the Maracanã, when Flamengo beat Internacional 1-0 in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. On that occasion, the striker gave full-back Aguirre a hard time, creating good plays down the left flank.
In the previous duel, against Mirassol for the Brasileirão, Samu had provided the assist for Léo Pereira to open the scoring in the 2-1 victory. Recently signed from Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Samuel Lino has played five games with the Manto Sagrado, without yet scoring goals , but with performances that have been attracting attention.
The next Brazilian national team roster will be announced by Carlo Ancelotti on August 25th at 3:30 pm (Brasília time) at the CBF headquarters. The 23 players will be announced for the matches against Chile at the Maracanã and Bolivia in El Alto, on September 4th and 9th, respectively, in the final rounds of the World Cup qualifiers. Brazil has already secured a spot in the World Cup and is looking to improve on its current third-place finish.
There is an expectation that other Flamengo athletes will be called up, as happened in Ancelotti's first call-up , when Léo Ortiz, Danilo and Alex Sandro, in addition to Wesley and Gerson — then Flamengo players —, were included in the list.
HISTORY AGAINST ANCELOTTI
In Europe, Samuel Lino and Carlo Ancelotti have faced each other several times. The striker, playing for Valencia and Atlético de Madrid, recorded four wins, three losses, and four draws against the coach , who was then in charge of Real Madrid. Samu scored twice in matches against teams managed by the Italian.
Mengão beat Internacional 1-0 with a goal from the striker and the coach returned to address the player's trial, which has not yet been scheduled.
15 Ago 2025 | 08:51 |
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Bruno Henrique started last Wednesday (13) and scored the winning goal for Flamengo over Internacional, 1-0, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores. The lineup generated debates, as days before new developments emerged in the accusation of fraud in sports results involving the striker.
Filipe Luís on Flamengo's Bruno Henrique: "Until he is tried and convicted, he is innocent"
"My treatment of him is the same. He's presumed innocent . Until he's tried and convicted, he's innocent," said coach Filipe Luís at a press conference at Maracanã. This isn't the first time the coach has addressed the issue, and he's stated that he will continue using the player.
The investigation began in November 2023, when Bruno Henrique received a yellow card and, later, a red card in Flamengo 's match against Santos . Three bookmakers registered suspicious activity linked to the possibility of the player being cautioned.
Conversations extracted from the attacker's cell phone, in which he and his brother Wander discuss the possibility of receiving a card, became key pieces of evidence in the case . The case, which had been stalled, resumed progress in 2025.
On August 12, a petition called for Bruno Henrique and his brother to be charged with alleged fraud , in addition to fraud. Judge Fernando Brandini Barbagalo, however, upheld the decision not to arrest them, stating that there was no risk of flight.
If convicted, the brothers could face sentences of two to six years in prison, plus a fine. While the case continues, Bruno Henrique remains at Filipe Luís's disposal . If convicted, the striker could be suspended from football for up to two years.
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