
Soccer
15 Jul 2025 | 07:16 |
This past Monday (14), Flamengo presented the new executive director of the youth categories , in a press conference held at CT Ninho do Urubu. Alfredo Almeida's interview was marked by a controversial speech, which culminated in a formal apology from the professional.
During the press conference, Alfredo was asked about the essence of Brazilian football and the need to recapture the "magic" in developing athletes. The manager made a comparison between players from different continents, which sparked criticism on social media.
Alfredo Almeida compares players from different continents: "What the Brazilian athlete has, probably doesn't exist anywhere else in the world."
He continued: "It has to do with the gift, the magic, the irreverence, the ball being part of the body. Then, there are other areas of the globe where there are other strengths. For example, Africa has physical strengths like almost no other part of the world. If we want to get to the mental side, we have to go to other areas of Europe, of the globe," said Almeida .
Thus, the statement, which broadly associates technical, physical, and mental characteristics with specific continents, received negative repercussions. Following this, Flamengo's press office issued an official statement , published by GE, in which the director retracted his statement.
"A specific part of my speech, isolated from the general context, ended up generating interpretations that in no way reflect my thoughts. Therefore, I apologize if the way I expressed myself caused any discomfort ," the Portuguese said in the statement.
"During the press conference for my presentation as director of Flamengo 's youth academy, I gave a broader explanation about the different profiles of athletes around the world and the skills that are usually observed by clubs in the training and recruitment process.
A specific part of my speech, isolated from the general context, ended up generating interpretations that in no way reflect my thoughts. Therefore, I apologize if the way I expressed myself caused any discomfort. There was never the slightest intention to sound discriminatory.
I'm fully aware that there are athletes with great tactical ability in African football, just as there are European players with enormous creative talent and Brazilians with impressive physical strength. Players' characteristics aren't limited to their geographic origin.
I reiterate my respect for all cultures, peoples, and schools of football. I remain committed to Flamengo's development work, guided by values such as inclusion, diversity, ethics, and the comprehensive development of our athletes.
Mengão didn't have an easy time against Leão, but they managed to win and close the round still leading the Brazilian league without needing any results.
09 Ago 2025 | 20:30 |
It wasn't easy, but Flamengo beat Mirassol this Saturday (9) at Maracanã by 2-1 and remains in first place in the Brasileirão. On Filipe Luís' 40th birthday, the team gave the gift of a victory and days of calm after being eliminated in the Copa do Brasil with goals from Léo Pereira and Gonzalo Plata. Gabriel, who played for Fla between 2013 and 2018, scored for Leão.
Flamengo didn't have its usual dominance of possession throughout the match, but still completely dominated the action in the first half. Mengão created great opportunities with shots from Samuel Lino and Gonzalo Plata and found the goal in the manner that has been common since the start of the season, with the presence of defenders in the box. After Lino's cross, Léo Pereira found the back of the net.
In the second half, Mirassol managed to level the scores, although Mengão continued to have great chances, albeit with a significant drop in pace . In the 23rd minute, Arrascaeta found a magical pass to Gonzalo Plata, who extended Flamengo 's lead. The former's rule, however, returned shortly after, with Gabriel pulling one back for the Lion.
After Mirassol's goal, both teams had opportunities to score, with goalkeepers Rossi and Walter shining in quick succession . Arrascaeta had a great opportunity in the six-yard box to score the third goal, but the ball went too high, securing the 2-1 result.
With the result, Flamengo remains in first place in the Brasileirão and will not be overtaken in this current round. The Mais Querido now turns its attention to the knockout stages of the Libertadores . This Wednesday (13), Internacional goes to Maracanã in the first leg of the round of 16 of the continental competition. The match will be at 9:30 pm.
The midfielder has not been given opportunities in the Mengão professional team with Filipe Luís and the Russian club is getting closer and closer to closing the deal.
09 Ago 2025 | 19:29 |
Striker Matheus Gonçalves is close to joining CSKA Moscow in Russia. The Russian club has long-standing interest, but talks have progressed in recent weeks , and Flamengo is already admitting the possibility of losing the 19-year-old.
The proposal involves a loan with an option to buy at the end of the contract. If he excels in Russian football, CSKA will have priority to acquire the player permanently . Matheus' departure, however, is not expected to happen before the U-20 World Cup final, when Flamengo faces Barcelona.
Matheus Gonçalves was once close to a deal with Cruzeiro, but was reinstated to Filipe Luís's squad after strong performances with the U-20 team . Since then, he's played in the Brasileirão derby against Fluminense and was available for the Copa do Brasil clash with Atlético-MG. However, he hasn't left the bench in the last two matches.
Despite his desire to establish himself at Flamengo, Matheus Gonçalves recognizes the need for more regular play —something that's currently difficult to achieve at Rubro-Negro. Therefore, he authorized his staff to seek new opportunities, and CSKA Moscow emerged as an important opportunity, including for his first experience in Europe.
A product of Flamengo's youth academy, the striker played for Red Bull Bragantino in 2023, playing 13 matches . The São Paulo club attempted to sign him permanently, but the deal fell through. This season, Matheus has played 15 games and scored two goals for Flamengo.
The player is a product of Mengão's youth academy and is Galo's new signing for the 2025 season after a disappointing stint at Real Madrid.
09 Ago 2025 | 18:29 |
Atlético-MG made official this Friday (08) the signing of midfielder Reinier , revealed by Flamengo. The 23-year-old player signed a contract valid until December 31, 2029. According to journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira, Mengão consulted the player's representatives, but considered the amounts requested too high for the moment.
Atlético-MG on Reinier, ex-Flamengo: "Reinier is a Rooster"
"Reinier is a Galo! An Olympic champion with experience at clubs in Spain, Germany, and Italy, the midfielder is Atlético's newest addition! At 23, he signed a contract until December 31, 2029, and will be another option for Cuca's squad . Keep it up, Reinier!" the club posted on social media.
Reinier rose to prominence in Brazilian football after being promoted to the professional team in 2019 under Jorge Jesus. That year, he was part of the squads that won the Brasileirão and Libertadores . For Flamengo , the midfielder made 15 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing two assists.
After excelling at Flamengo, he was sold to Real Madrid (ESP), but failed to make the first team. He played on loan at Borussia Dortmund (GER), Girona (ESP), and Frosinone (ITA) before returning to Brazil to play for Atlético-MG.
While Reinier reinforces Galo, Flamengo remains focused on the Brasileirão . This Saturday (09), the team faces Mirassol, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 18th round. The broadcast will be exclusive to Premiere, via pay-per-view.
Former Flamengo player Léo Duarte is in the sights of a rival from Rio de Janeiro
09 Ago 2025 | 14:35