Flamengo has the most expensive squad in America and 43rd in the world, study shows

Flamengo continues to demonstrate why it is considered the most feared team in the 2025 Brasileirão. According to a survey by the "DataFut" profile, the Rubro-Negro dominates the offensive presence category, leading both in touches in the final third and in expected goals (xG). In practice, this efficiency translates into the best attack in the competition, with 11 goals scored so far.

The graph reveals that Flamengo is the team that exchanges the most passes in the attacking sector, but the biggest highlight is its ability to transform this possession into real goal opportunities. Rubro-Negro has an impressive 2.2 goals per game, with numbers that reinforce its high offensive quality.

• 10 of the 11 goals came from shots inside the box;
• 1 goal was scored from outside the area;
• The team also scored 3 headed goals, showing versatility;
• The right foot was the main weapon, with 5 goals scored, against 3 with the left leg.

*data collected from Sofascore

Even with a better attack, Flamengo wastes many chances

Flamengo creates, on average, 3.6 big scoring chances per game, although they still waste two clear opportunities per match, something that, if adjusted, could make the team even more lethal.

With 15.2 shots per game (6.2 of which were on target), Filipe Luís' team demonstrates aggression and consistency. The intense offensive movement is also reflected in the number of fouls suffered (11.6 direct shots per game).

Flamengo not only dominates possession and occupies the opponent's field, but also transforms this offensive presence into concrete numbers. Still, the Rubro-Negro can be even more objective due to the number of chances it creates. If this is corrected, it will be very difficult for the Mais Querido to have results like the 0x0 against Vasco.

This Sunday (27), Mengão will have the opportunity to show its offensive power in front of a completely packed Maracanã, with all tickets sold for the duel against Corinthians, at 4 pm, for the sixth round of the Brasileirão.

An idol of Flamengo during the historic victories of the early 1980s, Raul Plassmann relived one of the most curious moments of his career in football. In an appearance on "MengoCast", the former goalkeeper revealed that he had already retired from his sports career when he received, without prior warning, the news that he would be the new signing for the Rio de Janeiro club . The announcement was made on national television, while he was having dinner with his parents in Curitiba.

The phone will ring soon. Five minutes later, it rang.” - said Raul about his announcement at Flamengo

PLAYER HAD RETURNED TO HIS PARENTS' HOME AFTER QUITTING FOOTBALL

The story begins in 1978. Raul, then 32 years old, decided to end his career after playing for Coritiba, São Paulo and Cruzeiro. According to him, the decision came at a time when he was feeling discouraged about football. “I stopped. Back in Belo Horizonte, I said: 'I don't want to do it anymore'. I took my car and left for Curitiba. I went to live with my parents”, he recalled. Despite his successful career, Raul said that he never dreamed of being a professional player — his initial goal was just to be able to buy a car.

NEWS CATCHES RAUL BY SURPRISE DURING FAMILY DINNER

At home, away from the field, Raul was surprised by a news story while watching Jornal Nacional. “ Fernando Vanucci came on air and said: ‘Raul is Flamengo’s new goalkeeper’” . According to him, silence took over the room. His mother, surprised, asked questions. His father, in shock, just watched. Raul, however, realized that it was not a joke. “I said: ‘The phone is going to ring soon’. Five minutes later, it rang”.

On the other end of the line, Márcio Braga, then president of Flamengo , was direct: “I bought your pass. You show up tomorrow.” Raul , still reluctant, said that he had already stopped playing. But the director insisted, stating that the goalkeeper was now a player for the club. At first, Raul rejected the offer. In addition to his lack of interest, he thought the salary was low and was uncomfortable with the idea of living with the youth players in São Conrado.

Flamengo closed 2024 as the club in the Americas with the highest operating revenue, according to a report by consultancy firm Sports Value released this Thursday (24). The Rio de Janeiro club reached the mark of US$ 212 million, equivalent to around R$ 1.2 billion, surpassing big names in North American football, such as Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC.

COMMERCIAL GROWTH OFFSETS DECLINES ON OTHER FRONTS

Despite facing reduced revenue from player transfers, ticket sales and membership fees, Mengão managed to maintain its position at the top thanks to strong commercial performance. Strategic partnerships and marketing initiatives ensured the club's finances remained buoyant in a challenging year off the pitch.

INTER MIAMI RISES UP THE RANKINGS WITH MESSI EFFECT

Inter Miami came in second place in the survey, earning US$190 million. Boosted by the arrival of Lionel Messi, the North American club made a considerable leap compared to the previous year, when it was only in fifth place. The presence of the Argentine star transformed the level of exposure and revenue of the Florida team.

The ranking compiled by Sports Value also points to Palmeiras, with US$144 million, and Los Angeles FC, with US$142 million, right behind. The São Paulo team stood out in the negotiations for players, raising around US$76 million in transfers during the period . Atlanta United rounds out the top 5, with US$131 million.

According to the consultancy, operating revenue corresponds to the total obtained from the sale of products and services, before discounts and taxes. In the case of Mais Querido, the positive performance in this regard highlights a management focused on diversifying sources of income, beyond the sports field.