Soccer

LOOK AT THIS! FORMER FLAMENGO BECAME BUSINESSMAN AND NOW TAKES PLAYERS TO UNUSUAL MARKET

The star ended up discovering his talent, without programming, in Southeast Asia

Urubu's Nest / Disclosure
Urubu's Nest / Disclosure

19 Jul 2024 | 13:58 |

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You never know what a player's path will be when he ends his career. While many become coaches, fitness trainers or commentators, others find opportunities off the field. This was the case of Diogo, former player of Portuguesa, Flamengo, Santos and Palmeiras in Brazil, Olympiacos in Europe, and idol of Buriram United in Thailand. Diogo found his new path in business, helping to take Brazilian athletes to Thailand.




"A good communicator", as he defines himself, Diogo told ESPN how entered a completely different world from that of the pitch. When he began thinking about retirement, his initial intention was to become a club director, but the trust of his colleagues in his recommendations led him to become an intermediary in the transfer market.



Diogo gained notoriety in Thailand when he transferred to Buriram United in 2014, where he became an idol with 133 goals in 156 games. He revealed that Brazilian football is greatly admired in the country. "They always ask about players here," said Diogo. "Sometimes, they even joke with some people who don't have the ability to dribble, like a defender: 'That's not Brazilian, no'. They're playful too." With this morale achieved, Diogo began to be consulted during transfer windows, even without planning a professional career as an agent. “If I said I planned it, I would be lying,” he said. "I'm very good at communicating. I always gave advice to younger players, and even older ones too."



Over time, he decided to formalize this activity and, during the pandemic, he founded his own company, DJB2 Sports. His knowledge of the market came from exchanging experiences, especially working with businessman Claudio Guadagno, and from his experience in football. "I saw a lot of things in football. We know what is hard and what is not right. And then, we learn and try to do something different", explained Diogo.  

Currently, Diogo works as an agent not only in Thailand, but also in Malaysia, where he appointed former Fortaleza Bérgson, who made history at Johor Darul Ta'zim. His career as a businessman has lasted almost ten years. His most recent negotiations include three Brazilians hired by Buriram United in July: coach Osmar Loss, ex-Corinthians, midfielder Matheus Vargas, ex-Juventude, and striker Chrigor, ex-Red Bull Bragantino, who played in the last Campeonato Paulista for Portuguese. In January, Bissoli, revealed by São Paulo, also joined Buriram on the recommendation of Diogo.


Although Buriram United is one of the most important teams in Thailand , Diogo recognizes that adapting to local culture can be a challenge. Therefore, he values ​​transparent communication with the players he recommends. "I said: 'You're going to go through this, face this difficulty, but there's a side that it's going to be good for you too'. (It's) just straight talking", revealed Diogo.

"It's not just about wanting to make money there on the committee. I think that makes all the difference. (Speaking about) Buriram, I went through what the club is like, how it works and what the president is like," he added. Thus, Diogo demonstrates that a player's career can follow unexpected and rewarding paths, helping to build bridges between cultures and markets in the world of football.









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Soccer

Former Flamengo player Gabigol could leave Cruzeiro and join a new club in 2026

Striker expresses dissatisfaction with lack of minutes at Raposa and could reinforce Corinthians in 2026; cost-benefit pleases São Paulo board

Former Flamengo player Gabigol could swap Cruzeiro for Corinthians after showing dissatisfaction with his reserve - photo: reproduction
Former Flamengo player Gabigol could swap Cruzeiro for Corinthians after showing dissatisfaction with his reserve - photo: reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 13:15 |

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Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol, is experiencing a period of uncertainty at Cruzeiro. A reserve under Leonardo Jardim, the striker has already publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of minutes. " I'm looking for minutes, he (Leonardo Jardim) knows that ," he said after scoring the winning goal against Bahia last Monday (15).


According to information from journalist Jorge Nicola, Corinthians appears as a possible destination for the number 9 , former Flamengo player, who could be negotiated in 2026 if nothing changes until the end of the season.


CORINTHIANS EVALUATES COST-BENEFIT


The current Corinthians board sees Gabigol as an interesting opportunity, especially when compared to Dutchman Memphis Depay. According to the survey, Depay earns R$6 million per month, while the Cruzeiro striker's salary is R$2.4 million . Furthermore, the Brazilian is 31 years old, two years younger than the European.

The "courtship" between Corinthians and Gabigol isn't recent . There have been at least three previous negotiations. Internally at Cruzeiro, there's an understanding that the player's departure could be beneficial for both parties, as he arrived as a star and now plays a supporting role.


GABIGOL'S TRAJECTORY

Gabigol arrived at Cruzeiro on a free transfer after ending his stint with Flamengo. He has a four-year contract with the Minas Gerais club and has so far played 35 matches, scored 12 goals , and provided four assists.

An idol for the Rubro-Negro, the striker wrote one of the most successful chapters in Flamengo's recent history. Between 2019 and 2023, he played 308 matches, scored 161 goals, and won 13 titles , including two Copa Libertadores da América titles. His most memorable moment came in the 2019 final against River Plate, when he scored two decisive goals, cementing his nickname "Immortal Rubro-Negro."


Soccer

Flamengo loses in court against security in the Ninho do Urubu case

Labor court judge sees 'delaying intent' in Mengão's decision to appeal against employee who was on duty on the day of the fire

Flamengo loses again in court to security guard who rescued three children in the case of the fire at Ninho do Urubu that killed 10 athletes - Photo: Reproduction
Flamengo loses again in court to security guard who rescued three children in the case of the fire at Ninho do Urubu that killed 10 athletes - Photo: Reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 13:08 |

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Flamengo lost again in the lawsuit filed by Benedito Ferreira , the club's former security guard who worked during the fire at Ninho do Urubu in 2019. In the first instance, the professional won the right to receive compensation of R$600,000, including R$100,000 for moral damages and R$500,000 for material damages , in addition to a lifetime pension until the age of 78. Rubro-Negro can still appeal the decision.


Labor judge Bruno Andrade de Macedo imposed a 2% fine when he rejected Flamengo 's motion for clarification against the previous ruling. According to the judge, the motions were used with a "clearly delaying intent," unjustifiably delaying the delivery of the judicial decision and violating the principles of speed and efficiency.


CASE HISTORY


Benedito Ferreira helped rescue at least three victims during the Ninho do Urubu fire, which killed 10 young people from Flamengo 's youth academy in February 2019. He was fired in 2022, after working at the club since 2008, and filed two lawsuits against the institution , one while still an employee, demanding labor, social security and civil rights.

The main allegation is that Flamengo failed to register his dismissal with the INSS (National Institute of Social Security) due to the fire . The judge emphasized that, even if Benedito were reinstated in a different role, this would not eliminate his right to a monthly pension, considering the total reduction in his capacity to perform his previous role.


EXPERT REPORT

The case included a medical examination that found that Benedito suffers from Depressive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, and Panic Disorder , with worsening symptoms and suicidal ideation. The report also concluded that the pathologies are occupational in origin, with a causal or concausal link between the injuries and his work at Flamengo.

The judge also considered Benedito's dismissal a "wrongful act," as the club was aware of the medical treatment required for the occupational injury . The expert stated that the security guard is "unfit with restrictions for the work he performed at the Defendant or any similar work," demonstrating a loss of fitness for his original role.



Soccer

Flamengo's Deliberative Council will hold an important meeting regarding the future stadium

After completing the financial feasibility study presented by FGV, CoDe was called to discuss the next steps of the project

Flamengo's Deliberative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (17) to present the stadium's feasibility study - Photo: Reproduction
Flamengo's Deliberative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (17) to present the stadium's feasibility study - Photo: Reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 12:12 |

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Flamengo's Deliberative Council (CoDe) meets this Wednesday (17) to present new information about the construction of the red-black stadium. The meeting will be held in the Salão Nobre da Gávea, in Rio de Janeiro, starting at 6:30 pm and ending at 8:30 pm, in a hybrid format, allowing virtual participation for those who cannot attend in person.


PURPOSE OF THE MEETING


The main purpose of the meeting is to present the results of studies conducted by the companies hired to analyze the Gasômetro site. President Luiz Eduardo Baptista is also expected to explain the reasons for the postponement . Topics will be discussed, including deadlines, construction costs, and the project's economic viability for Flamengo at this time.


STUDIES ON THE GASOMETER GROUND

Following the completion of the financial feasibility study commissioned by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation, the club's board of directors continues to conduct several analyses to ensure that the project will not harm the club's sporting performance . The studies include:


  • Environmental investigation and soil contamination analysis;
  • Risk assessment update;
  • Definition of the best strategy for decontaminating the area;
  • Survey of geotechnical and topographical data of the terrain.
FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

While following developments at the stadium, Filipe Luís' team prepares for the next match: Flamengo x Estudiantes (ARG), this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. The match will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+.


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