
Soccer
21 Set 2024 | 17:08 |
The Flamengo made a decision that has raised a lot of criticism among fans and analysts: he gave up the Brasileirão while leading the competition with one game in hand and still spared his main players in the match against São Paulo. This planning, seen as risky by many, could cost the club dearly, with direct implications on the season's performance.
The Brazilian Championship, known for its regularity and the fact that it rewards the most consistent teams throughout the season, competition, requires detailed planning from any team aspiring to the title. Flamengo, to a certain extent, was fulfilling this requirement. The Rio team came to lead the table and had the advantage of one game in hand, which could further consolidate its position at the top of the table. However, despite being in a privileged position, the team chose to spare its main players in the clash against São Paulo, which ended up surprising many who follow the championship closely.
THE CLUB IT HAS BEEN PLAYED IN A SUPERFICIAL MANNER
The decision of Flamengowas interpreted as a partial abandonment of the Brasileirão in favor of knockout competitions. The focus, apparently, was redirected to other tournaments, where the team believes it has a chance of securing titles more directly. However, this strategy has its risks. The knockout stage, unlike a straight points championship, depends a lot on momentary factors, such as injuries, player form and even luck in some cases. This means that betting all your chips on competitions of this type can be dangerous, especially for a team that, until now, is experiencing a phase of instability.
Flamengo, despite having a technically superior team to of many opponents, has shown signs of decline in decisive moments. Recent games have shown a drop in performance, and physical and emotional exhaustion can become a critical factor, even more so in knockout tournaments, where a mistake can be costly.
The decision to spare players against São Paulo and, in a way, giving up the leadership of the Brasileirão raises questions about the club's planning for the season. A team as great as Flamengo, with resources and a high-level squad, should theoretically be able to fight on all fronts. However, the choice to focus on the knockout stages seems to indicate a lack of confidence in the ability to maintain regularity in the Brasileirão.
Right-back leaves Mais Querido after a remarkable spell and highlights a mixture of gratitude and sadness upon accepting an offer from Roma, in July 2025
08 Set 2025 | 15:37 |
Right-back Wesley ended his career at Flamengo after 136 appearances, four goals, and six assists, leaving the club with "a full heart." In an interview with GOAT, the player spoke about the mix of happiness and sadness upon accepting the transfer to Roma , fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe.
" I said I wouldn't be sad. But that day, it felt like I was saying goodbye, and part of me was. A horrible feeling, of sadness. I called my wife... ", the athlete revealed.
The player acknowledged that his departure was also due to a turbulent time at Flamengo , but highlighted that the experience at Gávea was essential for his growth as an athlete and as a person .
Roma invested €25 million (R$161.4 million at the time) plus €5 million (R$32.2 million) in targets to secure Wesley. Despite having played in only two matches for the Italian club so far, the full-back has already demonstrated his attacking ability, scoring a goal while playing in defense.
Flamengo returned to training last Friday afternoon (5), at Ninho do Urubu, after receiving four days off, and began preparing for the rest of the season. Rubro-Negro returns to the field on September 14 to face Juventude , at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.
With the aim of maintaining a competitive group for the season, the Mais Querido board is looking to renew contracts and strengthen the team.
08 Set 2025 | 14:55 |
After focusing on Arrascaeta, Flamengo now turns its attention to goalkeeper Agustín Rossi. A regular starter, Rossi has the coach's full confidence and represents a key player in the Rubro-Negro's sporting project . According to reports, the board is seeking to extend his contract to ensure stability in the position.
Meanwhile, the club is also monitoring the market. A new goalkeeper is being sought to eventually replace Matheus Cunha , who is not in the plans and has already agreed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro for next season.
During a press conference last month, the number 1 preferred to be cautious when commenting on the topic. "These are things that are being discussed, but nothing is resolved yet. Obviously, on a personal level, I'm very happy at Flamengo, very content. I hope to stay here for many years, but these are things that will evolve," said the Argentine.
Negotiations with Adidas and Betano aren't limited to marketing: they directly impact Flamengo's ability to maintain competitive salaries and retain talent . Financial and sporting alignment is considered vital for the club to continue competing for titles and maintaining its strength in Brazilian football.
After signing the largest master sponsorship in Brazilian football, Rubro-Negro began negotiations to review values with the supplier
08 Set 2025 | 13:54 |
Flamengo's board believes the impact of the deal with Betano has changed the club's market position. Therefore, the board has opened negotiations to update the amounts received from Adidas , its sports equipment supplier since 2013.
The contract was recently renewed and runs until 2029. Currently, it guarantees Flamengo a minimum salary of R$44 million per season, paid in three annual installments. With performance targets and bonuses, revenue could approach R$90 million per year , with a projected average of around R$70 million. These figures are expected to be revised to reflect the club's growth.
At the start of the season, Flamengo signed the largest master sponsorship deal in Brazilian football history with Betano. The fixed value is R$268.5 million annually, with potential increases to nearly R$1 billion when bonuses for performance, sales, and engagement are factored in.
The package includes contributions on different fronts:
Football: R$220 million fixed per year
Olympic sports: R$12 million
Properties such as LEDs and VIP boxes: R$ 10 million
Flamengo TV: R$10 million
Retail: R$10 million fixed, plus participation in the sale of uniforms and new customer registrations.
While taking care of commercial issues, the team led by Filipe Luís focuses on the Brasileirão. The next commitment will be this Sunday (14), at 4 pm, against Juventude , at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, for the 23rd round of the competition.