Soccer

Under pressure! Boto releases Flamengo's gem and the board demands answers for negotiations

The departure of the athlete without immediate financial compensation rekindles internal and external criticism about the Portuguese's management at Mengão

Flamengo's football director is likely to be pressured for explanations after Victor Hugo's transfer to Famalicão (Instagram/CNN)
Flamengo's football director is likely to be pressured for explanations after Victor Hugo's transfer to Famalicão (Instagram/CNN)

07 Jul 2025 | 10:32 |

Icon Comentário0

Flamengo is going through turbulent times off the field . The recent release of Victor Hugo, without any immediate financial compensation, has intensified questions about José Boto's performance in the club's football department. The youngster, who was once valued at R$100 million, left Gávea for Famalicão in Portugal, and the red-black board kept only 50% of the player's economic rights.


The news of the departure without a direct return caused immediate discomfort among fans and also in sectors of the Deliberative Council. On social media, many questioned the conduct of the deal and demanded explanations about how the club agreed to release an asset with potential without clear financial compensation. José Boto, who had already been subject to criticism for previous decisions, saw the pressure increase significantly.


THE PLAYER DID NOT RETURN TO FLAMENGO


The final straw for many was the failed attempt to sign Mikey Johnston , a striker from West Bromwich Albion in England's second division. The deal, which was worth around R$40 million, generated a strong negative reaction from fans and was blocked by Landim's allies, including for financial reasons. Behind the scenes at the club, directors admit that Victor Hugo's release was done in a hasty manner.

JHONSTON SHOULD NOT HAVE NEGOTIATIONS STOPPED


There is an understanding that Flamengo could have at least sought a loan with an option to buy or demanded more significant amounts for the transfer of the player's rights. “There was a lack of strategy,” summarized a source linked to football. In 2022 , Flamengo rejected an offer of approximately R$100 million for Victor Hugo, who came from England . At the time, the club was betting on the player's development as a technical and financial asset.

The change in stance in 2025, releasing the midfielder practically for free, surprised even those who followed the negotiation closely. Despite the criticism, José Boto understands that keeping 50% of Victor Hugo's economic rights still represents a good deal, considering the player's current situation. The director's bet is that a future appreciation in Portugal could yield profits in the event of a resale to a more competitive market.


Soccer

Atlético-GO president detonates Flamengo's Bruno Henrique case

The Dragon's representative is outraged by the STJD's punishment for the Mengão striker and makes harsh criticisms of the sports justice system.

Atlético-GO president blasts STJD for punishment imposed on Flamengo's Bruno Henrique - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Atlético-GO president blasts STJD for punishment imposed on Flamengo's Bruno Henrique - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

10 Set 2025 | 07:59 |

Icon Comentário0

Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique remains at the center of debate in Brazilian football . The player was accused of causing a yellow card in 2023 during a match against Santos, with the aim of favoring his brother in sports betting.


Atlético-GO president on Flamengo's Bruno Henrique: "There must be equality for everyone"


After reviewing the case, the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) imposed a 12-game suspension and a R$60,000 fine on the athlete. The decision generated controversy, as many considered the sentence lenient given the severity of the charges , especially compared to harsher sanctions applied in similar incidents in Brazil.


CRITICISM OF ATLÉTICO-GO

One of those who spoke out was Adson Batista, president of Atlético Goianiense . In an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes News, the Dragão president criticized the disparity in the Sports Court's criteria , especially compared to other cases involving betting.


"There must be equality for everyone. Why is Bruno Henrique, wearing a Flamengo jersey, different? There were players who were out for a year, two years, and did the same thing ... Unfortunately, Brazil is a country of impunity," he declared.

Adson also extended his criticism to the Brazilian judiciary and the country's political leadership: "People say, 'Oh, I believe in justice.' I have serious doubts about the judiciary today . The example we have up there is the worst possible. Unfortunately, it's our country."

Finally, the leader called for the legislature to take a greater lead: " May our parliament, our Senate, take the reins and let everyone do their part . It's not just one Supreme Court that does everything. It judges, condemns, prohibits, does whatever it wants. Unfortunately, we are governed by this entity."

CAN BRUNO HENRIQUE PLAY IN THE LIBERTADORES?

Despite the suspension, Bruno Henrique remains free to compete in the Copa Libertadores, as the punishment only applies to tournaments organized by the CBF, such as the Brasileirão and the Copa do Brasil . According to journalist Venê Casagrande, Flamengo has already decided to appeal the decision, considering the 12-game suspension excessive. Therefore, the forward remains available for the matches against Estudiantes and possible subsequent stages of the continental competition.



Soccer

Flamengo fans reach 100,000 signatures on petition for UN recognition

In just seven hours, the Nação Rubro-Negra surpassed the goal set for the weekend and celebrated the achievement with the support of idols such as Zico and Adriano Imperador.

Flamengo fans reach 100,000 signatures in just seven hours on a historic petition seeking official UN recognition.
Flamengo fans reach 100,000 signatures in just seven hours on a historic petition seeking official UN recognition.

09 Set 2025 | 22:55 |

Icon Comentário0

The Red-Black Nation once again demonstrated its strength off the field. Launched this Tuesday (09), the online petition seeking official recognition of the fans by the United Nations (UN) surpassed 100,000 signatures in just seven hours. The goal was to reach this goal by the end of the week.


The club's greatest idol, Zico, even called on fans in a video posted on social media, asking for their commitment to reach the milestone. However, even before the appeal was widely circulated, the goal had already been surpassed by around 6 p.m. (Brasília time).


CLUB IDOLS PARTICIPATE IN THE MOBILIZATION


Besides Zico , another historical figure participated in the campaign. Adriano Imperador recorded a message encouraging mobilization and joked about the possibility of also receiving the title of " True Emperor " if the UN recognizes the fans. "We won't disappoint Didico. Mission given, mission accomplished. We're going to surpass 1 million," said the former striker, in a relaxed tone.

CLUB CELEBRATES THE NATION'S HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT


Just minutes after the goal was reached, the club released an official statement celebrating the commitment. In the statement, the board highlighted the historic nature of the "Nation at the UN " campaign and reinforced that the "Mais Querido" is not just a sports team, but also a cultural and popular symbol.

" This historic achievement proves what everyone already knows: Mengão is much more than a club. It's culture, it's identity, it's people. It's a nation ," the official statement emphasized. The campaign remains active and can be accessed on the petition's official website.


Soccer

Bolivia secures a spot in the playoffs and former Flamengo player promises a historic return to the national team

The Bolivian team's all-time top scorer, the former striker, reiterates his desire to return to the pitch if the team secures an unprecedented spot in the World Cup.

Marcelo Moreno, Bolivia's top scorer and former Flamengo player, promises to return to play if the team reaches a spot in the 2026 World Cup - photo: reproduction
Marcelo Moreno, Bolivia's top scorer and former Flamengo player, promises to return to play if the team reaches a spot in the 2026 World Cup - photo: reproduction

09 Set 2025 | 22:45 |

Icon Comentário0

Bolivia's World Cup dream has taken on new meaning . After securing qualification for the playoffs, the team remains committed to competing in the 2026 World Cup . Marcelo Moreno, the Bolivian national team's all-time leading scorer and former Flamengo player, celebrated in a special way .


At 37, the striker had announced his retirement from the field , but promised to reconsider if Bolivia qualified for the final. "If Bolivia makes it to the World Cup, I'll try to do everything I can, but I'll return to playing. My dream has to come true on the field, playing in the World Cup," he declared in an interview with UOL.


Marcelo Moreno's presence in El Alto to watch the match against Brazil symbolically marked his idol's reunion with the national team. The positive result, combined with Venezuela's defeat, secured Bolivia a place in the playoffs and kept their dream of competing in the World Cup alive.


PASSAGE THROUGH FLAMENGO

Before becoming Bolivia's all-time top scorer, Marcelo Moreno also played for Flamengo in 2013. Signed after a strong run at Shakhtar Donetsk, the striker scored just five goals in 21 appearances . Despite his brief stint, he was part of the squad that won the historic Copa do Brasil title that year.


PROMISE OF RETURN

Now, the focus is on the future. If Bolivia secures its spot in the 2026 World Cup , Marcelo Moreno promises to wear the green jersey again to end his career in epic fashion. "It's been my dream since I was a boy. I want to come back and experience this moment on the field, with my people," said the idol.


envelope SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER

envelopeSUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER


Bolivia surprises and defeats Brazil in El Alto in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Soccer

Bolivia surprises and defeats Brazil in El Alto in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

09 Set 2025 | 22:30

Icon Comentário0
Former Flamengo player Adriano Imperador points to the ideal number 9 shirt for the Brazilian National Team
Soccer

Former Flamengo player Adriano Imperador points to the ideal number 9 shirt for the Brazilian National Team

09 Set 2025 | 19:05

Icon Comentário0
Conmebol defines uniforms for Flamengo vs Estudiantes in the Libertadores
Soccer

Conmebol defines uniforms for Flamengo vs Estudiantes in the Libertadores

09 Set 2025 | 18:44

Icon Comentário0