
Soccer
10 and a sash! Arrascaeta takes center stage for Flamengo and becomes the hopeful against Estudiantes
18 Set 2025 | 12:23
Soccer
16 Jan 2025 | 12:33 |
O Flamengosurprised this Thursday (26) with a decision that shook the club's backstage: 27 professionals linked to base categories were dismissed. The measure, which had already been discussed internally, marks a significant structural reformulation in the department. Among those dismissed is Raphael Bahia, who recently led Mais Querido's under-20 team during Copinha 2025. His departure draws attention, considering the central role he played in the planning and development of young athletes.< /p>
STANDING NAMES AMONG THOSE FIRED
The cut list also included names like Gilberto, who served as technical coordinator of the under-20, and Thiago Aprígio, responsible for the under-15 to under-17 categories. Both had relevant roles in the transition of players between the club's levels. Other important professionals dismissed were Vinícius Durante and Thiago Camillis, coaches known for their work in the youth categories. Ricardo, futsal coordinator, was also dismissed, as were Victor Aurélio and Mathura, who played important roles in attracting talent.
MOTIVATION BEHIND THE DECISIONS
Sources linked to the board of Mengão point out that the decision is part of strategic planning to modernize the base department. The idea is to align the processes with the best practices in world football,seeking greater efficiency in the training of athletes and integration with the main squad.
Although the decision is seen as necessary by some sectors, it also generated questions inside and outside the club. Fans and analysts speculate about the short-term impact, especially on sporting performance. Replacements for the vacated positions have not yet been announced. However, the club is working at a fast pace to fill the gaps,focusing on professionals who bring international experience and the ability to add value to the CRF project.
In recent years, the base categories of Flamengo played a fundamental role in the rise of talents such as Vinícius Júnior and Lucas Paquetá. The current reformulation seeks to maintain this legacy, but the challenge of sustaining the level of production is significant. Young athletes in training also feel the impact of the changes. Coaches and coordinators often develop trusting relationships with players, and the transition can create momentary job instability.
Mengão announces the starting lineup for the first leg of the quarterfinals against Argentina at Maracanã; see who Filipe Luís will send onto the field
18 Set 2025 | 20:30 |
Flamengo officially announced the lineup to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. With important returns, coach Filipe Luís is betting on maximum strength to start with an advantage in the continental clash.
Defender Léo Ortiz, who missed last weekend due to suspension , returns to the starting lineup. Bruno Henrique, who also missed the match against Juventude, is confirmed in the squad. The team maintains the core of the squad that has been playing with Filipe Luís.
Filipe Luís will send onto the field against Estudiantes: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino.
The Red-Black Nation promises another great party . All tickets were sold in advance, guaranteeing the presence of over 69,000 fans . This should be Flamengo 's largest crowd in this edition of the Libertadores. The expectation is to repeat the solid performance of the round of 16, when the team eliminated Internacional with two wins and qualified 3-0 on aggregate.
Defender hangs up his boots at 38 and says he is satisfied with his career, despite not having been able to play for Mengão
18 Set 2025 | 19:00 |
Defender Gil, 38, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. In an interview with TV Record, the former defender confirmed the end of his playing career: " A new phase, I'm retiring from football. It's decided ."
Gil, ex-Corinthians, when declaring retirement: "the only thing missing was playing for Flamengo"
Gil built a remarkable relationship with Corinthians , a club he played for twice. Between 2013 and 2016, he was a key player in Tite's squad, crowning the period with the 2015 Brazilian Championship title . He returned to Corinthians in 2019 and, during his second stint, reached the impressive milestone of 400 appearances for the club.
Despite his solid history at Corinthians, Gil revealed a dream he never fulfilled: playing for Flamengo . " I did everything I wanted, the only thing missing was playing for Flamengo . Not everything is perfect. I'm grateful for the career I've built," he declared.
The final chapter of his career was at Santos, where he played in the 2024 Série B. The defender played an important role in the club's promotion to Série A , but lost his place in the squad and terminated his contract in August of the same year. Shortly thereafter, he decided to hang up his boots.
Having also played in Chinese football and enjoyed a solid career in Brazil, Gil ended his career as one of the greatest defenders of the last decade , recognized for his consistency, physical strength, and leadership on the field. In total, the former player appeared in 865 matches, scoring 43 goals and contributing 15 assists.
The red-black team faces the Argentines this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals
18 Set 2025 | 18:30 |
Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Estudiantes, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Coach Filipe Luís is betting on full strength to try to open up an advantage before the decision in Argentina.
Coach Filipe Luís is expected to field a full-strength squad against the Argentines: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro, and Samuel Lino. The game will be broadcast live on Flamengo TV and with exclusive footage on ESPN.
Alex Sandro (calf) and Jorginho (thigh) are still recovering and are working individually on the field. Pulgar is also in the transition phase with physical therapy and is expected to return to training with the group only at the end of September.