
Soccer
Flamengo vs Sport: Find out how to buy tickets for the Brasileirão duel
08 Out 2025 | 11:36
Soccer
15 Jan 2024 | 09:45 |
Flamengo has three right-backs in the squad, but fans continue to ask for reinforcements for the position. Wesley, Matheuzinho and Varela were unable to establish themselves in the team in 2023 and are targets of criticism. But the trio has the trust of Leandro, the club's historic idol and best full-back in history, to seek his place at Rubro-Negro.
During an afternoon of autographs with Flamengo fans, Leandro answered questions and evaluated Mengão's three sides. He understands that Tite signaled that he will start the year with Varela among the starters, the one who played least in 2023. As for Matheuzinho and Wesley, the idol stated that the young age of Garotos do Ninho and the team's troubled moment last year influenced in the fluctuations.
“I believe that Tite will put Varela in the starting lineup based on experience. Tite proved this at the end of 2023, playing him in some matches. The other two players, in my opinion, I think are good full-backs. They are too young and entered a difficult time for Flamengo. They played some good games and some bad games. They are still very insecure, but they have everything to be great full-backs”, said Leandro.
Therefore, the historic right-back understands that Fla does not need to go to the market in search of another player for the position. He concluded by saying that his expectations for Mais Querido's 2024 season are “the best possible”.
Performance of Flamengo's right-backs in 2023
The person who played the most in 2023 was the young Wesley, just 20 years old. Promoted to the professionals after injuries to his teammates, the athlete drew attention for his speed and remained among the starting eleven for most of the season. He played 56 of Fla's 76 games (73%), with two goals and one assist.
Matheuzinho comes next with 25 games and three assists this season. Uruguayan Guillermo Varela closes the list with 22 appearances and no direct participation in goals, but he was chosen by coach Tite to finish the year in the starting team.
Flamengo's board does not intend to sign a full-back. right
Flamengo's directors seem to have the same assessment as Leandro. The club is in the market looking for reinforcements for the squad, but is focusing on other positions and does not intend to invest in another right-back this season.
Coach Tite, in fact, expressed his desire to work with just two players for the position, which could result in a player leaving. However, Matheuzinho was the only one who received an official offer so far and chose to remain at the club.
Wesley and Varela received surveys, but no offers for Flamengo arrived. The only possibility for the club to go to market would be with the departure of two full-backs, but the scenario is unlikely.
Mengão has had a run of difficulty finding the net in a series of matches, which has contributed to results below expectations.
08 Out 2025 | 12:44 |
Flamengo is taking a break from the pitch due to the FIFA World Cup, but the team's recent form is raising alarm bells . In the last five games of the season, the team has scored just three goals and won just one match.
In its most recent matches, Flamengo only defeated Corinthians, 2-1, in a comeback, in the 25th round of the Brasileirão . Furthermore, it drew with Vasco and Cruzeiro, and was defeated by Estudiantes (Libertadores) and Bahia (Brasileirão). During this period, the team failed to score in three matches, an offensive performance well below expectations for a star-studded squad.
The red-and-black attack has been a source of concern for Filipe Luís. In the last ten games, the coach has repeated his attacking line only once: the trio of Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Pedro, who were together in the 8-0 rout of Vitória and the 1-1 draw with Grêmio. The lack of continuity and frequent changes have impacted the team's offensive fluidity, which struggles to convert possession into clear-cut chances.
With the calendar suspended, Filipe Luís is taking advantage of the period to recover worn-out players and correct tactical flaws . The 1-0 loss to Bahia cost Palmeiras the lead in the Brasileirão. Both teams have 55 points, but Flamengo is in second place due to wins, an advantage for the São Paulo team.
Flamengo's return to action will be on October 15th, against Botafogo, at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at Nilton Santos Stadium, for the 28th round of the Brasileirão. The classic will be broadcast live on Premiere (pay-per-view) and promises to be an important test to gauge the squad's response after the FIFA World Cup break.
Exclusive investigation indicates that the midfielder is focused on Zenit and is not in talks with the São Paulo team; Mengão focuses on renewals for 2025
08 Out 2025 | 12:40 |
According to information released by journalist Felippe Facincani, Gerson would be willing to return to Brazilian football and had held initial talks with Palmeiras. However, an investigation by Gazeta do Urubu indicates that this information is untrue. The midfielder has been at Zenit for four months and has yet to make his full debut for the Russian club, as he is recovering from an injury suffered shortly after his arrival.
The player hasn't played in 50 days and hasn't even participated in a single official match for the St. Petersburg team . Therefore, negotiations with any Brazilian team are unlikely at this time. Sources close to the player assure that he remains focused on recovery and regaining his place in the Zenit squad.
Flamengo 's name was even considered, but a return is practically ruled out. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure. Furthermore, the squad already boasts recent midfield reinforcements like Jorginho and Saúl, which eliminates the need for new signings in that area.
On Palmeiras' side, although coach Abel Ferreira has been mentioned in some speculation, the São Paulo club is not in talks with the player. The investigation itself confirms that, to date, there has been no formal contact or concrete interest from the Palmeiras board.
While Gerson seeks a place in Russia, Flamengo 's board focuses its efforts on securing the continued presence of key players. José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028 , reinforcing the club's long-term sporting plan.
The midfielder would be willing to return to Brazilian football, and representatives are in contact with the São Paulo team; Zenit agrees to negotiate in January
08 Out 2025 | 12:26 |
According to journalist Felippe Facincani, midfielder Gerson is reportedly interested in returning to Brazil next season . His staff is in initial talks with Palmeiras , although the process is still in the preliminary stages. The player, currently at Zenit, was acquired for €25 million (approximately R$157 million), which represents a financial obstacle for any interested Brazilian club.
The Russian team's board is reportedly willing to release the player in January , provided they receive a satisfactory offer. However, Gerson hasn't been a regular starter in Zenit's squad, which facilitates a possible negotiation.
A return to Flamengo is considered unlikely at this point. The relationship between Marcão, Gerson's father and agent, and the Flamengo board has remained strained since the player's tumultuous departure . Furthermore, the club recently signed defensive midfielders Jorginho and Saúl, bolstering the midfield and reducing the need for further investments in that area.
On the green and white side, Palmeiras appears to be the most viable option, mainly because it offers the player greater visibility. Gerson's goal is to play in the 2026 World Cup, and the showcase of Brazilian football could help him regain his place on the national team. Coach Abel Ferreira has reportedly already given the green light for a possible deal, although sources close to Gazeta do Urubu indicate that negotiations are currently underway.
While Gerson decides his future in Europe, Mengão's board is focusing its efforts on retaining key players . Executive director José Boto is working on extending Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028, aiming to ensure the Uruguayan midfielder remains a cornerstone of the team.