Vinícius Júnior praises Flamengo's performance in the World Cup and remembers that now it's 'knockout'

Flamengo launched a bold initiative this Tuesday (09/09/2025): to ask the UN for official recognition of the Rubro-Negra Nation as the first "symbolic-cultural Nation" in the world . The announcement was made by Zico, the club's greatest idol , in a speech broadcast from Maracanã via Flamengo TV.

According to the former player, the power of the fans goes beyond football. " If we were a country, we would have the 36th largest population in the world. We are more than 45 million people united by the same flag, the same culture, and the same feeling that spans generations ," said Galinho.

The movement seeks to give symbolic meaning to something already evident in practice: the red-and-black fan base is not only numerous, but also carries symbols, songs, traditions, heroes, and a collective identity that transcends borders. The proposal reinforces that passion for the club is already a recognized cultural expression within and outside Brazil.

FANS CAN PARTICIPATE THROUGH PETITION

As part of the initiative, the platform peticao.flamengo.com.br was created, where fans can digitally sign and support the petition. Public engagement is considered essential to give visibility to the movement , which already mobilizes millions of people on social media and digital environments.

CAMPAIGN HAS CREATION OF ARTPLAN

The campaign was conceived by the agency Artplan, with strategy from Quintal, and features multiplatform developments to reinforce the club's cultural presence. In addition to Zico , Adriano Imperador also joined the initiative, adding even more symbolism to the movement. As the promotional material highlighted: few nations can claim to have both a king and an emperor.

Gerson's departure from Flamengo came under unexpected circumstances. The team captain, highly regarded among fans and earning one of the highest salaries in the squad, chose to accept an offer from Zenit of Russia even before the Club World Cup. The official announcement was only made after the tournament in the United States, sparking criticism of the midfielder's choice.

The midfielder, who was once a regular in the Brazilian national team , was not named in Carlo Ancelotti's latest squad. The absence is seen as a reflection of his transfer to Russian football, which analysts and fans consider a detrimental move to his career.

NEWSPAPER REVEALS DISSATISFACTION

According to the sports portal Euro-football.ru, the player is reportedly unhappy at Zenit and has already expressed regret over his decision. The publication also notes that the midfielder would like to return to Flamengo , but the Flamengo board is reportedly unwilling to reopen negotiations for his immediate return.

By leaving his beloved club for Russia, Gerson left behind his idol status and undisputed starting position , as well as the environment where he lived what he called his "dream." Today, he faces the challenge of regaining his prominence and returning to high-level performance. His next opportunity to prove himself will be in the Zenit match scheduled for the 14th.

AND FLAMENGO?

Filipe Luís ' team returns to the field on Sunday (14), against Juventude, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship . The match will be played at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, where Flamengo has not won since 1997.

The Brazilian National Team concludes its participation in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup this Tuesday (9), against Bolivia, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) , at the Municipal Stadium of El Alto, located at an altitude of 4,100 meters.

Already guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, Brazil sits in second place and can no longer catch leaders Argentina . The goal now is to maintain Carlo Ancelotti's unbeaten run and avoid the team's worst qualifying campaign in history. To do so, they need a win away from home.

On the other side, Bolivia still dreams of a playoff spot. The team is currently in eighth place and needs to defeat Brazil , while also hoping for a Venezuelan stumble against Colombia . Expectations are high: the stadium's 22,000 tickets have been sold out for over a month.

RETROSPECT

Brazil hasn't lost to Bolivia since 2009. Since then, they've won six matches with a rout and drawn one . Overall, the national team has played 33 times, losing six, all on Bolivian soil and usually in high-altitude matches.

WHERE TO WATCH

• TV Globo: narration by Luis Roberto, comments by Roger Flores and Júnior.
• SporTV: narration by Luiz Carlos Júnior, comments by Eric Faria and Paulo Nunes.
• ge tv: narration by Jorge Iggor, comments by Bruno Formiga and Luana Maluf.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

• Brazil – coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti is preparing eight changes from the team that beat Chile, resting players to reduce fatigue at altitude. Alisson, Bruno Guimarães, and Wesley were expected to remain, but the full-back suffered muscle discomfort and may start on the bench . Flamengo forward Samuel Lino will be among the starters.

Probable team: Alisson; Vitinho (Wesley), Fabrício Bruno, Alex and Caio Henrique; Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá; Luiz Henrique, Samuel Lino and Richarlison.

Absences: Casemiro (suspended), Alex Sandro, Joelinton, Kaio Jorge, Matheus Cunha and Vanderson (cut).

• Bolivia – coach: Óscar Villegas

Probable team: Carlos Lampe; Diego Medina, Luis Haquin, Efraín Morales and Roberto Fernández; Cuéllar, Robson Matheus, Miguelito, Villarroel and Melgar; Monteiro (Algarañaz). Absences: none.