Soccer

Juninho begins to establish himself at Flamengo and becomes the darling of the stands: from the number 23 shirt to the controversial “V”

Striker chosen by Filipe Luís and José Boto enters a phase of opportunity with the red-black shirt after a discreet start and goes viral with celebration

The striker who came to be a replacement for Gabigol after his departure from Flamengo, has not yet established himself in Filipe Luís' scheme (Photo / Flamengo)
The striker who came to be a replacement for Gabigol after his departure from Flamengo, has not yet established himself in Filipe Luís' scheme (Photo / Flamengo)

30 Mai 2025 | 16:40 |

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The first signing announced for the 2025 season, Juninho arrived at Flamengo without fanfare, but with the seal of trust of technical director José Boto and coach Filipe Luís. Born in Pitangui, Minas Gerais, with experience in Athletico's youth team and in European football, the 27-year-old striker is today one of the names that arouses the most curiosity at Ninho do Urubu.


THE METORIC ARRIVAL GAVE WAY TO A LOW MOMENT


Right off the bat, a symbolic request: the number 23 shirt. The number, free after David Luiz left, was requested by Juninho in honor of his daughter Olívia, born on the 23rd. The board understood the gesture and granted the request. Coincidence or not, it was one of the first connections between the player, the club and the fans.


At his former club, Qarabag, in Azerbaijan, Juninho wore the number 18 jersey. He had two outstanding seasons: 70 games, 42 goals and 4 assists. His performance caught the attention of Flamengo, who saw Juninho as an accessible name with the potential to surprise. Before his time in Azerbaijan, Juninho had been around a lot.

FLAMENGO MAKES A PLAYER WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES VIABLE


After being discovered at Athletico Paranaense, he was loaned to Portimonense in Portugal, and then played for Brasil de Pelotas, Novorizontino, Figueirense and Vila Nova . Back in Europe, he played for Estoril and Chaves before arriving at Qarabag. The movement did not make him a star, but it shaped a mature, versatile profile with an eye for goal. Characteristics that were confirmed in the few chances he received in the first half of the year with Flamengo .

With strong competition from Pedro and Bruno Henrique in the attacking sector, Juninho began the season on the fringes of the starting lineup. In a squad full of established names, it was natural that adapting required patience. Even so, the striker made the most of his opportunities and scored three goals in 20 appearances — many coming off the bench.


Soccer

Flamengo faces absences and uncertainty ahead of match against Internacional

The Rio de Janeiro team heads into the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with confirmed absences and doubts about De La Cruz, looking for an advantage at the Maracanã

Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction
Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |

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The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.


Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.


Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.


DE LA CRUZ IS DOUBT

In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).


The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.

CROWDED MARACANÃ AND PRESSURE

The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.


Soccer

Libertadores: Flamengo vs Internacional - where to watch, probable lineup and time

Teams take to the field this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, looking for a decisive advantage for the return game and keeping the continental dream alive

Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction
Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |

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Wednesday night (13) promises strong emotions at Maracanã. Flamengo and Internacional face each other at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Both teams are looking to build a significant advantage for the return leg, keeping alive the objective of continuing in the fight for the continental title.


The Rio de Janeiro club arrives buoyed by its lead in the Brasileirão , despite having played a game less, after beating Mirassol 2-1 last weekend. The result helped improve the mood within the squad, which was coming off an early elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG.


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Filipe Luís will have a significant absence: Arrascaeta, suspended, is out of the match. On the other hand, Nico De La Cruz is expected to return to the starting lineup. Thus, Flamengo 's likely starting lineup is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, Plata; Pedro.

Internacional, on the Colorado side, arrives confident after a 3-1 away win over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil to Fluminense, Roger Machado's team is showing signs of improvement. The likely lineup is: Rochet; Bernabei, Victor Gabriel, Vitão, Aguirre; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique, Wesley, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata; Borré.


WHERE TO WATCH LIVE

Fans will be able to watch the match on broadcast TV, on Globo, and also on ESPN and Disney+. A full house is expected at Maracanã, with overwhelming support from the red-and-black fans, with over 60,000 people in attendance.


Soccer

Flamengo lines up behind-the-scenes deal for a million-dollar severance package

Negotiations could yield more than R$600 million over three years, surpassing previous agreements and strengthening the club's financial stability.

Negotiations between SuperBet and Flamengo could yield more than R$600 million and be the largest sponsorship in Brazilian football - photo: reproduction
Negotiations between SuperBet and Flamengo could yield more than R$600 million and be the largest sponsorship in Brazilian football - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 17:21 |

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The current sponsorship agreement calls for PixBet to pay R$105 million in 2024 and R$115 million in 2025 , with the possibility of automatic renewal until 2027, when the annual amount would reach R$125 million . At the same time, FlaBet, the PixBet division authorized to use the club's brand , will also cease its activities, with expected payments of R$10 million in 2024, R$22.5 million in 2025, and R$25 million in 2026 and 2027.


SuperBet, the new bidder for the mastercard space, is negotiating a contract estimated at over R$600 million over the next three years. If signed, the deal would become the largest ever signed in Brazilian football, guaranteeing significant revenue for the Rio de Janeiro club.


PIXBET DEPARTURE AND SUPERBET ARRIVAL


The transition between sponsors is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Flamengo 's financial health. The board intends to direct part of the resources toward strengthening the squad and investing in infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in national and international competitions.

Even with negotiations at an advanced stage, the club remains cautious to maintain a good relationship with PixBet until the official termination of the contract. The goal is to complete the transition smoothly , ensuring a planned and safe transition.


PERSPECTIVES OF A HISTORIC CONTRACT

If finalized, the deal with SuperBet will not only represent the largest sponsorship contract in the country , but will also give Mengão a prominent position in the South American sports scene. The arrival of a new sponsor at this level should further boost investment potential, increasing the team's ability to retain star players and attract key reinforcements.


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