Soccer

Rafinha, ex-Flamengo, is announced as a commentator on a sports channel - see

An idol of the red-black fans, Rafinha begins a new phase in his career as a sports commentator on TNT Sports, 20 days after leaving Coritiba

Rafinha debuts as a Champions League commentator on TNT Sports after a stint at Flamengo and Coritiba. (Photo/CRF)
Rafinha debuts as a Champions League commentator on TNT Sports after a stint at Flamengo and Coritiba. (Photo/CRF)

08 Abr 2025 | 13:26 |

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Twenty days after his contract with Coritiba ended, former right-back Rafinha made a decision that surprised even the most attentive fans . An idol at Flamengo for his remarkable stint between 2019 and 2020, the multi-champion player is now taking his first steps outside the pitch. At 39 years old, he signed with TNT Sports to work as a commentator for UEFA Champions League matches.
RAFINHA MADE HISTORY AT CRF BETWEEN 2019 AND 2020


During his short but successful time at Mais Querido , Rafinha racked up trophies and won the hearts of the Rubro-Negra Nation . He won two Brazilian Championships (2019 and 2020), a Libertadores da América in 2019, a Supercopa do Brasil, a Recopa Sul-Americana and a Campeonato Carioca — all won in 2020. With leadership on the field and a veteran's attitude, he became a reference in the squad led by Jorge Jesus .


FIELD EXPERIENCE TAKEN TO TV


Even though he has been approached to continue in football, including with the support of the fans for a possible return to Mengão, Rafinha chose another path. Now, the former defender will be one of the faces of TNT Sports' coverage of the most decisive duels of the European tournament. He will make his debut this Tuesday (8), commentating on matches in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Rafinha's participation as a commentator includes not only the quarterfinals , but also the four semifinal matches and, of course, the grand final, which will be held in Germany, the country where he built much of his career. There, he defended clubs such as Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich , winning the Champions League itself in 2013 with the Bavarians.


TNT Sports' choice has a clear reason: Rafinha's experience in high-level competitions. The former full-back played in 11 editions of the Champions League throughout his career. This resume, combined with his experience as a leader in victorious groups, makes him a relevant player to bring technical analysis and behind-the-scenes information to the Brazilian public.


Soccer

Flamengo already knows who to negotiate with in this transfer window

Mengão still intends to get rid of three athletes by the beginning of September, when the signing period closes around the world.

Flamengo plans to negotiate four more players before the end of the transfer window in September - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
Flamengo plans to negotiate four more players before the end of the transfer window in September - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

27 Ago 2025 | 14:10 |

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After the negotiation of Matheus Gonçalves with Al-Ahli , from Saudi Arabia, Flamengo must promote new changes in its squad in this transfer window. According to journalist Joanna de Assis, from SporTV, at least four other players are close to leaving Gávea . The information was revealed on the program Tá On, this Wednesday (27).


PLAYERS WITHOUT SPACE WITH FILIPE LUÍS


The names most likely to leave are Victor Hugo, Lorran , Juninho, and Michael, all of whom have no place in Filipe Luís's squad. Victor Hugo has received inquiries from Santos, but talks have not progressed in recent weeks. Lorran is very close to being traded to Pisa, a club in Italy's Serie B.


MIDDLE EAST EMERGES AS A POSSIBLE DESTINATION

The Middle East also appears to be a likely market for some of the club's players. Qarabag, from Azerbaijan, has already initiated contacts to try to sign Juninho . Meanwhile, Michael continues to be a recurring target for Arab clubs, where he rose to prominence while playing for Al-Hilal, in Saudi Arabia.


MATHEUS GONÇALVES HEADS TO SAUDI ARABIA

Flamengo has completed the sale of Matheus Gonçalves to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli for €8 million (R$50 million). The midfielder had been playing for the U-20 team after losing his place under coach Filipe Luís and was a starter in the U-20 team's Intercontinental Cup triumph.

This wasn't the first offer Flamengo had received for the player, but it was the most advantageous. Before Al-Ahli, Cruzeiro and CSKA Moscow (Russia) had shown interest and made official offers for the player.



Soccer

Maracanã packed! Tickets for Flamengo vs. Grêmio are sold out!

The rout over Vitória excited Mengão fans, who guaranteed their presence against Tricolor in advance

Fans sell out tickets and Maracanã will be packed for the duel between Flamengo and Grêmio for the Brazilian Championship - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
Fans sell out tickets and Maracanã will be packed for the duel between Flamengo and Grêmio for the Brazilian Championship - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

27 Ago 2025 | 13:43 |

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Flamengo fans once again confirmed their strength in the stands of Maracanã. Six days before the match against Grêmio , valid for the 22nd round of the Brazilian Championship, tickets were sold out this Tuesday (26) . In total, more than 60 thousand tickets have already been sold, out of a total of 64 thousand made available. The duel between Filipe Luís' team and the team from Rio Grande do Sul is scheduled for Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time).


MATCH WILL MARK BETANO'S DEBUT IN THE UNIFORM


In addition to the excitement on the field, the match will feature a new addition off the field. Betano, announced on August 20th as Flamengo 's new master sponsor after approval by the Deliberative Council, will make its debut in the red-and-black jersey against Grêmio .


With the stadium packed, the sports betting company promises a variety of activations and commercial initiatives with fans . The contract signed with the club is worth approximately R$270 million and will run until December 2028.

Filipe Luís on Flamengo vs. Grêmio: "It's good to cut that expectation"
FILIPE LUÍS ADOPTS A CAUTIONARY DISCOURSE


After the historic 8-0 win over Vitória last weekend, coach Filipe Luís praised the team's performance, but asked for caution regarding expectations for the next game and highlighted that there will be difficulties against the tricolor.

"If the fans come to Grêmio expecting another 8-0, they'll end up booing. It's good to temper that expectation. The fans have to come to support the team. It won't be easy. But if the celebration is like today and the players are having a great day, it could be special . We have to keep our feet on the ground; we're a long way from achieving anything," the coach stated.

BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSIFICATION

With 46 points, Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship, with 14 wins, four draws and only two losses . Next in line are Palmeiras, with 42 points and one game less, followed by Cruzeiro (41) and Bahia (36).


Soccer

NOW! Flamengo agrees to sell Matheus Gonçalves to Saudi Arabia

The midfielder who won the U-20 World Cup twice for Mengão was linked to other negotiations, but the Arab club won the dispute

Flamengo accepts proposal from Al-Ahli, from Saudi Arabia, for Matheus Gonçalves - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Flamengo accepts proposal from Al-Ahli, from Saudi Arabia, for Matheus Gonçalves - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

27 Ago 2025 | 12:06 |

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Flamengo has completed the sale of Matheus Gonçalves to Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia for €8 million (R$50 million). The midfielder had been playing for the U-20 team after losing his place under coach Filipe Luís and was a starter in the category's Intercontinental Cup win.


OTHER CLUBS TRIED TO SIGN HIM


This wasn't the first offer Flamengo had received for the player, but it was the most advantageous . Before Al-Ahli, Cruzeiro and CSKA Moscow (Russia) had shown interest and made official offers for the player.


The Minas Gerais team even reached a deal directly with president Bap, offering €3.5 million (R$22 million) for 50% of the rights . However, the Rubro-Negro backed down. Shortly after, CSKA presented a €7 million (R$44 million) offer, which was also rejected.

PLAYER WAS ON THE NEGOTIABLE LIST


Matheus Gonçalves was on the list of players released for trading this summer. The midfielder started 2025 in the senior squad , but failed to overcome stiff competition in the attacking department and had few opportunities. In the senior team, he played 15 games and scored two goals. Faced with a lack of playing time, he himself requested a return to the U-20s, where he managed to make a run of appearances.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With the negotiation, the expectation is that Matheus Gonçalves will not be on Flamengo's list of players for the duel against Grêmio in the Brasileirão . Mengão receives Tricolor at Maracanã this Sunday (31) at 4 pm (Brasília time). The match will be broadcast on Rede Globo (open TV) and Premiere (pay-per-view).



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