
Soccer
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Vinicius Júnior, Flamengo's creation, has once again become the focus of world football after being a victim of racism in Spain. After several players and international entities spoke out in defense of the Brazilian striker, this Tuesday (23), defender Gerson also spoke in an emotional message.
In note published on social media, Gerson said that "black people are uncomfortable when they are at the highest level", alluding to Vinicius Júnior's performance in European football. In fact, the young Flamengo became one of the pillars of Real Madrid (ESP), as well as being the target of racists in Spanish stadiums.
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UNDERSTAND THE CASE
The sad episode took place at the Mestalla Stadium, in the match between Real Madrid and Valencia (ESP), for the Spanish championship. The fans of the Valencian club shouted "mono" in Spanish, which means "monkey", for Vinicius Júnior . The shock was devastating, but it had no major consequences for the racists in the stands.
As if that wasn't enough, after the racist insults from the fans, Vinícius was also attacked on the field by Valencian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and striker Hugo Duro, who was punched by Vinícius Jr, in an attempt to free himself from a blow from “armbar” given by the rival. The atmosphere was tense on and off the field, however, the only one punished with a red card was Vinícius Júnior
Mengão appears to have found a solid path to boosting its finances at Maracanã. After years of struggling with tight margins, the club has now achieved a surplus.
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In the victory over São Paulo in the 13th round of the Brasileirão, the Rubro-Negro reached the mark of R$3,064,971.11 in net profit. It was the first time in the competition that the club surpassed the R$3 million mark in net revenue. The match had 63,300 paying spectators, the largest attendance of the championship so far.
The net income to gross revenue ratio rose from less than 50% in the first rounds to 65.3% in the match against São Paulo . This increase represents a significant structural change for the club's finances.
The main factor behind the increased profit margin was the reduction in Maracanã's operating expenses. In 2024, these costs frequently exceeded R$850,000 per game . By 2025, they had fallen to an average of between R$660,000 and R$755,000.
Comparison of operating expenses:
1st round (International): R$ 965,334.97
4th round (Youth): R$ 857,345.20
6th round (Corinthians): R$ 755,866.78
8th round (Bahia): R$ 707,581.06
9th round (Botafogo): R$ 694,786.64
11th round (Fortaleza): R$ 668,322.85
13th round (São Paulo): R$ 680,948.98
The net margin growth curve is clear. In its debut against Internacional, Flamengo earned just 47.5% of gross revenue (R$1.5 million net). In the next home match, against Juventude, the margin dropped to 38.9%. But the recovery came quickly: against Corinthians in the 6th round, the margin jumped to 62.9%, remaining stable until the record against São Paulo.
Financial performance by round at Maracanã:
1st round (Inter): R$ 1.50 million net (47.5%)
4th round (Youth): R$0.89 million (38.9%)
6th round (Corinthians): R$2.81 million (62.9%)
8th round (Bahia): R$2.07 million (59%)
9th round (Botafogo): R$2.34 million (60.3%)
11th round (Fortaleza): R$2.36 million (61.7%)
13th round (São Paulo): R$3.06 million (65.3%)
Optimistic projection: R$7 million more
If Flamengo maintains its current 65% margin until the end of the Brasileirão, it could add an additional R$7 million to its coffers from games at Maracanã alone. A comparison with 2024 makes this gain even more evident.
In search of staying at the top of the table, the red-black team faces the São Paulo team away from home with important absences in defense and attack.
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Santos finalized, on Tuesday afternoon (15), the final adjustments before facing Flamengo at Vila Belmiro, this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 14th round of the Brazilian Championship Series A. Coach Cléber Xavier will have two certain absences for the commitment.
Midfielder João Schmidt and Argentine midfielder Benjamin Rollheiser are suspended and will not be available . Rollheiser , in fact, had been a key player in Santos' midfield, which significantly impacts the team's tactical structure. On the other hand, the squad is free of any medical issues, and all players trained during the break are available for the game.
The most likely lineup for the home team is Gabriel Brazão; Escobar, João Basso, Luan Peres and Souza; Tomás Rincón, Zé Rafael and Neymar; Barreal, Guilherme and Deivid Washington.
Flamengo , meanwhile, comes into the match with significant absences. Full-backs Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas will miss the game, leaving Viña as the only option on the left flank. Pulgar and Michael will also be out due to injuries. Pedro remains out due to indiscipline.
RETURNS AND SEARCH FOR REHABILITATION IN VILA BELMIRO
The only good news for Flamengo is the return of young striker Matheus Gonçalves, who is once again an attacking option. With 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro club shares the Brasileirão lead with Cruzeiro, but needs a good result against Santos to secure a spot at the top.
With physical problems and disciplinary issues, Mais Querido will have important changes in the team for the game at Vila Belmiro for the Brasileirão
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Flamengo will have a series of important absences for the match against Santos , this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, for the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship . The list of related players, released on Tuesday night (15), confirms the absence of key players, which should directly impact the performance of the team led by Filipe Luís.
Striker Pedro , one of the main names in the squad, will be out for the second consecutive match. The number 9 was not included in the previous game against São Paulo, last Saturday (12), which generated controversy after statements by coach Filipe Luís, who criticized the athlete's behavior in training. According to the coach, Pedro's behavior was "ridiculous", which would justify his exclusion.
In addition to Pedro, Flamengo will be without full-backs Alex Sandro and Ayrton Lucas. Both are undergoing treatment in the club's medical department. Alex Sandro is treating a hamstring injury in his left thigh, while Ayrton Lucas is still recovering from the knock he suffered in the match against São Paulo.
Midfielder Erick is also out. He is in Chile, completing his recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot , and will undergo a final examination with the attending physician before returning to Brazil. Another key player who will be out is striker Michael . With pain in his left ankle, he will remain in Rio de Janeiro for intensive treatment with the club's medical team.
The only good news for Flamengo is the return of young striker Matheus Gonçalves, who is once again an attacking option. With 27 points, the Rio de Janeiro club shares the Brasileirão lead with Cruzeiro, but needs a good result against Santos to secure a spot at the top.