Soccer

Is Matheus Gonçalves good enough for Flamengo? Flamengo's jewel is still looking for opportunities with Filipe Luis

The young promise of Mengão, changes shirt number, stands out in the youth categories, faces injuries, lives on loan to Bragantino and returns and

The Flamengo player is seen as a promising young player and extremely active for sale to the European market (Photo / Flamengo)
The Flamengo player is seen as a promising young player and extremely active for sale to the European market (Photo / Flamengo)

03 Jun 2025 | 20:35 |

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Since March, Matheus Gonçalves has been wearing the number 20 jersey for Flamengo's main team. The change came after the departure of Thiago Maia, who wore the number 8. Gerson, who wore the number 20 at the time, took back the old number and left the "20" free. The midfielder, aware of the situation, asked for the number because he visually associates it with the number 10, the most symbolic number in football.


A product of Ninho, Matheus joined Flamengo at the age of 12. He made the leap to the professional ranks in 2021, the year he signed his first contract, after a meteoric stint with the under-15 and under-17 teams. Also in 2021, he won the treble: Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Carioca . His current contract runs until 2027.


THE MOST ROBUST CAST


The highlight came in August 2024, when he was the protagonist in winning the U-20 Club World Cup, beating Olympiacos at Maracanã, wearing the number 10 and led by Filipe Luís. His performance attracted attention both inside and outside Brazil. Bragantino, where he played on loan, offered more than R$50 million to hire him permanently . The proposal was rejected.

In addition, clubs such as Atlético-MG, Cruzeiro and Grêmio have approached the player. In Europe, names such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal are closely monitoring the youngster's progress. Matheus Gonçalves is considered an athlete with personality. He chose the number 20 jersey out of desire and set his sights on playing in the World Cup with the national team. Despite his young age, he has made firm decisions and the attitude of someone who understands what it means to wear the red and black jersey.


I WANT TO FOLLOW MY MOST LOVED ONE

Even without a regular start, Matheus' name continues to be talked about behind the scenes at the club. The board of directors has plans to increase the value of the gem, but they know that the schedule requires patience to find the ideal moment. The competition for space in the current squad is intense. With names like Arrascaeta, Gerson, De La Cruz and Lorran ahead in the hierarchy, Matheus needs to show his worth in training and in the rare opportunities he gets. The player's staff remains cautious. The idea is to stay at Flamengo at least until the end of the season, even with outside inquiries.


Soccer

With speculated departure, Gabigol, ex-Flamengo, asks for more minutes at Cruzeiro

Shirt 9 started in Raposa's last game and scored the team's goal against Sport, highlighting the importance of fighting for more minutes on the field

Former Flamengo player Gabigol celebrates his goal for Cruzeiro against Sport in the 2025 Brasileirão - photo: reproduction
Former Flamengo player Gabigol celebrates his goal for Cruzeiro against Sport in the 2025 Brasileirão - photo: reproduction

06 Out 2025 | 12:18 |

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Gabigol started in the 1-1 draw between Cruzeiro and Sport, this Sunday (5), for the Brazilian Championship , at Mineirão. Benefiting from Kaio Jorge's suspension, the striker played the 90 minutes and scored the goal for the Minas Gerais team.


At the end of the match, he emphasized the need to seek more opportunities and reiterated his commitment to the team: " Saying I want to be a starter is stating the obvious . But of course I want to play more and have opportunities. After all, when I come on, I score goals and help the team," said Gabigol.


The player didn't hide his dissatisfaction with his performance on the team and the opportunities he's been given: "Just look at the numbers, the goals, the assists. Many players who play as starters have 13 goals this year . I'm still looking for my place and minutes. (Could I have more opportunities?) Then you ask Jardim," the center forward concluded.


FEATURED IN FLAMENGO

Gabigol built a significant legacy at Flamengo since his arrival in 2019, leading a multi-championship generation and winning over fans with decisive goals . Without renewing his contract, he left the club at the end of 2024, ending a run marked by great performances, controversies, and achievements.


LITTLE SPACE ON THE CRUISE

Despite his star status, the striker is still seeking a starring role at Cruzeiro, where he has played 37 games, scored 13 goals , and provided four assists. However, he is not considered a regular starter by coach Leonardo Jardim. His future for 2026 remains uncertain, with Corinthians among the interested clubs.


Soccer

Flamengo's title chances plummet after defeat to Bahia - check it out

Alviverde extends its lead in UFMG's projections, while Mengão loses momentum in the fight after a loss to Bahia; teams still face each other

Palmeiras boosts Brasileirão title chances after victory over São Paulo. Flamengo loses momentum with loss to Bahia - photo; reproduction
Palmeiras boosts Brasileirão title chances after victory over São Paulo. Flamengo loses momentum with loss to Bahia - photo; reproduction

06 Out 2025 | 11:40 |

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Palmeiras took the lead in the Brazilian Championship title projections after beating São Paulo 3-2 this Sunday (5), in the 27th round of the competition. According to calculations by the Mathematics Department of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Abel Ferreira's team now has a 58.1% chance of lifting the national trophy.


With the result, the green and white team took the lead in the statistics and increased its margin over Flamengo, who lost to Bahia 1-0 in Salvador. Despite having the same number of points (55), the Rubro-Negro has played one more game and saw its title probability drop to 29.3%.


Therefore, according to UFMG, the two teams will face each other on October 18th at Maracanã Stadium , a direct clash that could determine the outcome of the competition. The duel will be decisive for the team led by Filipe Luís.


OTHER CANDIDATES

Right behind, Cruzeiro has a 12.2% chance of winning the title. Botafogo , currently in fourth place and with 27 games played, has less than 0.1%. Fifth-place Bahia has a 0.2% chance, while sixth-place Mirassol has a 0.1% chance, both with a game in hand.


NEXT CHALLENGE

After the FIFA International Day, Flamengo returns to the field on October 15th (Wednesday) , at 7:30 pm, to face Botafogo in the 28th round of the Brasileirão, at the Nilton Santos stadium (Engenhão). The red-black squad should have a day off this Monday, after returning to Rio de Janeiro.


Soccer

Maestro Júnior blasts Flamengo player after defeat: "It's not the first time..."

Former player criticizes Wallace Yan after being sent off in the defeat to Bahia and asks that Mais Querido advise the young striker on his behavior

Maestro Júnior criticizes Wallace Yan's behavior after his expulsion against Bahia and asks Flamengo to guide the striker - photo: reproduction
Maestro Júnior criticizes Wallace Yan's behavior after his expulsion against Bahia and asks Flamengo to guide the striker - photo: reproduction

06 Out 2025 | 11:15 |

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TV Globo commentator and Flamengo's historic idol, Maestro Júnior, criticized striker Wallace Yan's stance after his expulsion in the Rubro-Negro's 1-0 defeat to Bahia, last Sunday (5) , in the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. The former player also made an appeal to the coaching staff to guide the young athlete.


During his post-match commentary, Júnior emphasized that Wallace Yan's behavior could jeopardize his future at the club . The player received his second yellow card late in the match and, upon leaving the field, kicked objects and complained about the refereeing.


"This isn't the first time this has happened. He's managed, in such a short time as a professional, to achieve a form that will be difficult for him . He's causing problems with players; there's no point in getting angry now. The coaching staff needs to sit down with him and show him the right path, because he's a great player, but not with this behavior," the former player stated.


WALLACE YAN RETURNS TO ACTING

The match against Bahia marked Wallace Yan 's return after nearly a month out. His last appearance had been on September 14th against Juventude, when he played for just over five minutes. Since then, he has been on the bench in five consecutive matches, not being called upon against Estudiantes (twice), Vasco, Corinthians, and Cruzeiro.


NEXT APPOINTMENT

With the loss, Flamengo dropped to second place in the Brazilian Championship, level on 55 points with Palmeiras, who lead the league in terms of wins. The team returns to action on October 15th at 7:30 pm (Brasília time) at Nilton Santos Stadium to face Botafogo in the Rio derby.


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