
Soccer
14 Ago 2025 | 15:30 |
The relationship between Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid appears to be strained . Having scored decisive goals in two Champions League finals, the Brazilian now finds his starting spot at the Santiago Bernabéu in doubt . Despite this, club president Florentino Pérez continues to express confidence in the Flamengo youth product.
The Athletic on Vini Jr at Real Madrid: "He needs to evolve and will no longer be irreplaceable"
According to the renowned portal The Athletic, which interviewed members of the coaching staff, people close to the player and club employees — all anonymous — there is an internal perception that the striker needs to improve his performance .
"A source said that Vinícius Júnior needs to evolve and that he will no longer be irreplaceable if he continues playing the same way. This change in status would not be difficult for teammates, fans, and the team to assimilate ," reported journalist Mario Cortegana.
A trusted man of Carlo Ancelotti, Vini now works under Xabi Alonso. The transition began with a frustrating episode: in the Club World Cup defeat to PSG , the Brazilian was deployed on the right, while Mbappé played on the left wing and Gonzalo García played as a center forward.
Even so, Alonso's first impression of the number 7 was positive. "I didn't know Vini. He's a very passionate player; I like having that kind of athlete . The best way to use him and his ideal position is what we need to figure out now. What I've seen in the first few days is that he has a very good heart," the coach declared.
Despite the tense moment, Vinícius Júnior maintains an impressive record at Real Madrid . In 322 appearances, he has 106 goals and 86 assists, including two Champions League-clinching strikes in the 2022 and 2024 finals.
The former number 9 was considered one of the greatest idols in the club's history due to his goals in recent victories, but BH27 remains very important.
14 Ago 2025 | 14:30 |
Decisive as usual, Bruno Henrique scored the goal that guaranteed Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Internacional , this Wednesday (13), in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. For journalist Thiago Asmar, Pilhado, the number 27 reaffirms his reputation as a decisive player and is already among the greatest idols in the club's history .
Thiago Asmar: "Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo"
"It's impressive how much Bruno Henrique decides in big games , how much he takes responsibility in knockout matches , when the pressure is on, a packed Maracanã," Pilhado noted. The numbers support this analysis: in the Libertadores knockout stages alone, BH27 has 16 direct goal contributions in 21 matches—12 goals and four assists.
The journalist reinforced that BH is solidifying himself as one of the club's most important names. " He's steadily establishing himself as one of the most decisive players in Flamengo 's history. Today, Bruno Henrique is one of the most decisive players in the club's history," he added.
Undisputed idols of a generation, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol made their mark at Flamengo . Although some fans place Gabriel second only to Zico in the Flamengo pantheon , Pilhado believes that the current number 27 has already surpassed the club's former striker, now at Cruzeiro.
"In my opinion, Bruno Henrique has already surpassed Gabigol in idolatry at Flamengo. Gabigol left controversially, while Bruno Henrique stayed and continues to be decisive. He was instrumental in the Brazilian Super Cup title and, once again, this time in the Libertadores . He's a guy who, when the game is big, has to get the ball to him," he stated.
Gabigol left Flamengo after disagreements with the previous management , led by Rodolfo Landim. Without a contract renewal agreement and with declining performance, the striker signed with Cruzeiro, where he is currently a reserve.
The striker believes that joining Mengão is the best path for his career and is seeking a solution with the Roma club.
14 Ago 2025 | 13:24 |
Flamengo is still in the market for a striker and has until September 2nd to complete negotiations before the transfer window closes. Among the names being discussed, Fiorentina's Lucas Beltrán has emerged as an option, but Lazio's Taty Castellanos is once again gaining traction .
According to Europa Calcio, the Rubro-Negro is in talks to sign the Argentine and now has an important factor in mind: the player's own interest, something that wasn't present in the initial negotiations . Castellanos is reportedly more open to moving to the Rio de Janeiro club, which has led to an intensification of negotiations in recent hours.
The goal is to close the deal in the coming weeks. Lazio should be notified soon of the progress, and a meeting between president Claudio Lotito and the player's staff is already scheduled to align interests. If Flamengo presents a convincing offer, Castellanos is likely to formally express his desire to play in Brazil . However, a source confirmed to Gazeta do Urubu that Mengão stopped pursuing the striker after their first offer was rejected .
According to the Italian website, the sale of Castellanos is seen as strategic by Lazio, which intends to free up resources to strengthen other areas of the squad . The publication adds that the striker's future "seems increasingly distant from Rome and closer to Rio de Janeiro."
The potential arrival at Flamengo is seen as a significant addition to the squad , bringing in a player accustomed to the pressure of performing at a high level and with experience in international football. Flamengo is seeking a forward with different characteristics than Pedro, the current number 9.
Despite the midfielder not having a place with coach Filipe Luís, Mengão gave up on the deal and intends to keep the player in the squad.
14 Ago 2025 | 12:30 |
Matheus Gonçalves' future is still uncertain , but for now, the youngster remains at Ninho do Urubu. According to journalist Venê Casagrande, Cruzeiro is ruling out another attempt to sign him. The Minas Gerais team was very close to closing a deal, but the transfer is unlikely to happen.
Cruzeiro's board claims that Flamengo failed to honor a previous agreement and remains dissatisfied with the negative outcome of negotiations in July . Despite this, it denies any new attempts and emphasizes that it is not insisting on buying the player.
Matheus Gonçalves on his future at Flamengo: "I'm fully capable of helping"
According to reports, Cruzeiro was angered by the "broken promise," as Matheus's sale had been agreed upon , but Flamengo backed out of the deal at the last minute. The player himself had wanted to move to Belo Horizonte and only learned the deal had been canceled moments before taking the field for a youth team match.
Surprised, Matheus had to adapt quickly to the new situation and adopted a conciliatory tone: "If Flamengo doesn't want to sell me, I'll work to earn my place . I've been here since I was 12, happy. I'm fully capable of helping Filipe Luís for the rest of the season," he stated.
This season, the 19-year-old forward has played 15 matches and scored two goals for the professional team, both in the State Championship, totaling 371 minutes of play . He also played two more matches and scored three goals for the Brazilian U-20 Championship. With few opportunities under Filipe Luís, Matheus has also seen the also young Wallace Yan gain more playing time: he has already played 28 matches, scored eight goals, scored four assists, and played 998 minutes this season.