
Soccer
26 Mai 2025 | 12:31 |
Even though he is not 100% physically fit, Gonzalo Plata has been called up by the Ecuadorian National Team for the FIFA World Cup friendlies in June. The information was confirmed by coach Sebastián Beccacece this Saturday (24), during a press conference. The Flamengo striker is still recovering from an injury to his right knee and, according to the club's planning, he should only return to the field at the Club World Cup.
Beccacece was clear in acknowledging that Plata, like Enner Valencia, is still struggling physically. Despite this, the Argentine believes that both have a real chance of being fit for the matches against Brazil and Peru, on June 5 and 10. Ecuador's official list will be released later this week, but Plata's presence has already been publicly confirmed by Beccacece.
Sebastián Beccacece: "Both Gonzalo and Enner are in a difficult situation"
On May 13, Flamengo announced that Gonzalo Plata would not return to action until the pain in his knee had completely subsided. Since then, the athlete has been following a specific recovery schedule, focusing on strengthening the muscles in the affected area. The Rubro-Negro's latest medical report, also released this Saturday (24), maintained the cautious tone. According to the club, Plata is still carrying out internal activities and is not participating in training with the main squad.
Internally, the expectation is that the forward will only be 100% physically fit in time to play in the World Cup. There is a fear that using him too early, either by the national team or by Flamengo itself, could worsen his clinical condition. Plata's injury began with bone edema in his right knee, which forced him out of the match against LDU, in Quito, for the Conmebol Libertadores. The Ecuadorian returned to the field a few days later, against Corinthians, and played for 80 minutes in the following game, against Botafogo-PB.
Since then, he has not played again. There are seven consecutive matches without the number 19 among the players. The coaching staff is avoiding rushing his recovery to avoid further physical setbacks at the most decisive moment of the season. Since joining the club in August 2024, coming from Al Sadd, Gonzalo Plata has played 34 matches wearing the red-and-black shirt. He has scored four goals and provided four assists.
The steering wheel is a request from coach Jorge Sampaoli to the Galo board and can return to the club he was at before heading to Mengão
04 Out 2025 | 21:00 |
Flamengo has already outlined the criteria for negotiating midfielder Allan in the next transfer window. Despite gaining more market share under Filipe Luís, the player remains under surveillance and could leave the club in January 2026. The board, however, has no intention of facilitating his departure.
The club has established that it will only accept proposals starting at R$34.4 million , an amount that represents 80% of the investment made with Atlético-MG in 2023. Furthermore, any transaction must be made with payment in cash or with bank guarantees considered safe by the board.
The measure aims to avoid financial risks in transactions with long terms or conditional clauses. Flamengo believes Allan still has a market and can generate financial returns , but demands that the negotiation be transparent and immediate.
Behind the scenes, coach Jorge Sampaoli, currently at Atlético-MG, has emerged as one of the main players interested in signing Allan again . The Argentine was responsible for requesting the midfielder's signing in 2023, when he was managing Flamengo , and now he welcomes a reunion with Galo for the 2026 season.
This season, Allan has played 33 matches, without scoring or providing any assists . Still, he regained his place under Filipe Luís after a start marked by criticism from the fans. Internally, he is seen as a useful, but not indispensable, asset to the squad.
The last transfer window, which closed in September, was a busy one for Flamengo, bringing in players like Saúl Ñíguez, Emerson Royal, and Samuel Lino . The next transfer window will open in January, when Allan can officially be traded.
Until a concrete offer arrives, the midfielder remains part of the Flamengo squad and is expected to be used until the end of the season . His future, however, will depend on the clubs' interest and ability to meet Flamengo's financial demands.
The greatest idol in the history of Mengão, Galinho gave tips to the coach before the former full-back took over the role leading the squad.
04 Out 2025 | 20:00 |
Last Thursday (2), Filipe Luís completed one year in charge of Flamengo. The date coincided with the 0-0 draw against Cruzeiro, in the Brasileirão. Since taking command in October last year, the former full-back received valuable advice from Zico , the greatest idol in the history of the red-black team.
Zico to Filipe Luís when he took over Flamengo: "you can't think like a player"
Quintino's Galinho revealed the content of the conversation he had with the then-rookie coach, emphasizing the importance of shifting perspectives from player to manager: "Filipe, now you have to understand this: you can't think like a player. You have to think like a manager ," the idol began.
You'll discover who your friends are when you have to make difficult decisions. Based on your personality, I know you'll always choose the best. You can't have friendships from the past. That's when you'll see who truly wants to help you ," Zico said.
The idol also praised Filipe Luís's work during his first year as coach: "When he took over Flamengo , we talked a lot. He has a very clear vision of how to play and understands the style the fans like. Sometimes it's not always possible to apply it, but his philosophy is geared towards that . I'm very pleased with what he's been doing. It's natural to make mistakes here and get things right; it's part of the game," Zico told Romário TV.
In his one year in charge, Filipe Luís won three titles: the Copa do Brasil, the Supercopa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Carioca. In total, he led the team in 71 matches, recording 46 wins, 18 draws, and only 7 losses . Flamengo currently leads the Campeonato Brasileiro and has qualified for the Copa Libertadores semifinals, solidifying the coach's strong run.
Following Zico's advice, Filipe Luís is looking for another victory this Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) , against Bahia, at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the Brasileirão. The match will be broadcast live on Premiere (pay-per-view) for all of Brazil.
Mengão goes to Salvador to face the tricolor this Sunday (5) for the 27th round of the championship aiming to remain in the lead
04 Out 2025 | 19:00 |
This Sunday (5), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), Flamengo has an important challenge in the fight for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship. The Most Beloved faces Bahia , at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 27th round of the competition. Despite the opponent being the third best home team in the tournament, the historical record and tactical reading indicate good paths for Filipe Luís' team to leave Salvador with the three points.
Coach Filipe Luís should send onto the field a Flamengo team with: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Danilo and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz (Allan), Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino (Everton Cebolinha) and Pedro (Bruno Henrique).
On the other side, Bahia , led by Rogério Ceni, faces a series of absences, 13 in total, and will need to find alternatives to form the team . The likely lineup has: Ronaldo; Gilberto, David Duarte (Fredi), Rezende and Zé Guilherme; Acevedo, Jean Lucas and Everton Ribeiro; Kayky, Iago Borduchi (Michel Araujo, Tiago or Cauly) and Willian José.
The match between Bahia and Flamengo will be played this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm, at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador . The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere (pay-per-view). The referee will be Rodrigo Lima (PE).
Flamengo can rely on a largely favorable history in this match. Playing at Fonte Nova has been a positive experience for Flamengo : since 2006, in 11 matches hosted by Bahia, Flamengo has won six (55%), drawn two, and lost three.
In recent matches, their dominance is even clearer: five wins, one draw, and only one loss in their last seven games . This record reinforces the Rio de Janeiro team's optimism for another decisive round in their quest for the Brasileirão title.