Soccer

Zico criticizes the use of synthetic grass in the national championship "It's a problem..."

Flamengo idol points out injury risks and questions the use of artificial pitch in national competitions in 2025

: Zico criticizes synthetic grass and Flamengo players reinforce concerns about risks and impact on performance. (Photo/Reproduction)
: Zico criticizes synthetic grass and Flamengo players reinforce concerns about risks and impact on performance. (Photo/Reproduction)

27 Mar 2025 | 13:51 |

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Zico, one of Flamengo 's greatest idols and a reference in Brazilian football, has once again spoken out against the use of synthetic grass in the country. In an interview with the channel “AchismosTV” in March 2025, the former player highlighted the risks of this type of field for athletes, especially in relation to injuries. According to the eternal number 10 of Mengão, artificial grass increases the severity of injuries and compromises the quality of the game. “ Injuries on synthetic grass become much more serious. It's a problem. The whole world no longer has synthetic fields. Why does Brazil, which is a five-time champion, have them?”, asked Zico.


In addition to the physical aspect, the former midfielder criticized the economic justification used by some clubs for adopting artificial turf. “Synthetic pitches are not for football, they are for shows,” he said, reinforcing his opinion that the spectacle within the four lines should be a priority. Flamengo has already faced difficulties when playing in stadiums with synthetic grass. In the 2024 Brasileirão, the team played at Allianz Parque, against Palmeiras, and at Estádio Nilton Santos, against Botafogo, both with artificial grass.


PLAYERS ALSO SPEAK OUT ON THE TOPIC


The installation of synthetic grass at the MRV Arena, Atlético Mineiro's stadium, has reignited the debate about its presence in Brazilian football. Athletes such as Gerson, Arrascaeta and Everton Cebolinha have also expressed concern about the effects of this material on the players' performance and health . For the athletes, the difference in the way the ball rolls and the greater strain on the joints are factors that can impair performance and increase the risk of injuries. This concern has been shared by professionals from several elite teams in the national football league.

FUTURE OF LAWNS IN BRAZIL


The debate over synthetic grass continues to divide opinions. While some clubs defend the adoption of the material for reasons of maintenance and durability, former players, active athletes and experts warn of the negative impacts on the sport. The debate promises to continue, especially with the trend of more Brazilian stadiums adopting artificial grass.

However, pressure from players and coaches may influence future decisions on regulating this type of surface in national competitions. Despite differing opinions, one thing is unanimous among those who have already played on the field: Brazilian football must always prioritize the quality of the game and the safety of its athletes.


Soccer

Liverpool defender talks about his feelings when facing Flamengo in the World Cup: “fans…”

Reds standout Van Dijk recalls the atmosphere created by Mengão fans in the final played in Qatar in 2019 and says he is enchanted by the Brazilians

Liverpool's Van Dijk remembers the atmosphere created by Flamengo fans in the 2019 Club World Cup final - Photo: Reproduction
Liverpool's Van Dijk remembers the atmosphere created by Flamengo fans in the 2019 Club World Cup final - Photo: Reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 21:00 |

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Flamengo's fans continue to impress world football's biggest names . In 2019, Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk came face-to-face with the might of the Red-Black Nation at the FIFA Club World Cup final in Qatar. The atmosphere of that match left a lasting impression on the Dutch defender.


Liverpool's Van Dijk on Flamengo: "Their fans were incredible"


In an interview with TNT Sports, Van Dijk was asked about his knowledge of Brazilian football. The topic arose because striker Memphis Depay , a player for Corinthians and the Dutch national team, frequently talks to the defender about Brazil.


"I know very well the passion Brazilian fans have for their teams. We faced Flamengo in the Club World Cup in Qatar, and their support was incredible . Memphis also spoke to me several times about the Corinthians fans. We know how great Brazilian football is. I'm very proud of Memphis and hope he scores many goals for the national team," said the defender.

FLAMENGO X LIVERPOOL – THE 2019 MEETING


After eliminating Al-Hilal in the semifinals, Flamengo faced Liverpool again in a repeat of the 1981 final . However, Jorge Jesus's team failed to break down the English defense and lost in extra time. In the final, Van Dijk experienced one of the greatest moments of his career and was a key player in neutralizing the Flamengo attack. Players like Gabigol struggled against the defender's solidity.

MARACANÃ FULL FOR FLAMENGO X ESTUDIANTES

Almost six years after that duel, the Nation is preparing for another big night. Tickets for Flamengo vs Estudiantes, this Thursday (18), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals , are already sold out . More than 69 thousand fans will support Filipe Luís' team, which is looking to open up an advantage before the decisive match in La Plata.


Soccer

Flamengo is eliminated from the Women's Brazil Cup after defeat to São Paulo

The red-and-black team fails to overcome São Paulo's solid performance, concedes a goal from Duda Serrana and leaves the national tournament in the round of 16

Flamengo is eliminated from the Women's Brazil Cup after losing to São Paulo; Duda Serrana's goal decides the match at Morumbis - photo: reproduction
Flamengo is eliminated from the Women's Brazil Cup after losing to São Paulo; Duda Serrana's goal decides the match at Morumbis - photo: reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 20:45 |

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Flamengo said goodbye to the Women's Copa do Brasil after losing 1-0 to São Paulo, this Wednesday (17), at Morumbis. The Rio de Janeiro team even tried to react after falling behind on the scoreboard, but was unable to avoid elimination in the single duel of the round of 16. The decisive goal was scored by Duda Serrana, a standout for the São Paulo team.


In the first half, São Paulo dominated possession and adopted a more attacking approach , hindering Flamengo 's play. Flamengo struggled to exchange passes and impose their style. Even so, the visitors had the best chance of the first half: on a quick counterattack in the 30th minute, Duda had a good opportunity but shot wide.


DUDA SERRANA'S GOAL DECIDES


Early in the second half, a poor clearance by the Flamengo defense resulted in the game-clinching goal. The defense poorly cleared the ball, and Duda Serrana fired a precise shot from outside the box, leaving Flamengo's goalkeeper with no chance . From then on, the Rio de Janeiro team pushed forward and sought to press in the final minutes, relying primarily on set pieces and crosses, but failed to create any real chances.

ELIMINATION ENDS PARTICIPATION


With this result, Flamengo ends its Women's Copa do Brasil campaign with one win and one loss. The team received approximately R$90,000 for its participation in the round of 16. After the final whistle, members of the Flamengo coaching staff complained about the refereeing in the center of the field, but the result remained unchanged.

AND THE MALE?

Flamengo could take to the field with a different formation to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The duel, decisive for the club's ambitions in the continental competition, will be broadcast live on Disney+.



Soccer

Emerson Royal is experiencing a new phase at Filipe Luís's Flamengo: “he asked me…”

The full-back played a key role in the 2-0 victory over Juventude and reveals that the coach's request enhances his characteristics.

Emerson Royal reveals Filipe Luís's request at Flamengo to enhance his characteristics - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Emerson Royal reveals Filipe Luís's request at Flamengo to enhance his characteristics - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

17 Set 2025 | 20:00 |

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Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 last Sunday (14), at Alfredo Jaconi, for the Brazilian Championship, and ended a 28-year winless streak in Caxias do Sul. Arrascaeta opened the scoring and Emerson Royal closed the score, scoring his first goal for the club .


Emerson Royal reveals Filipe Luís's request at Flamengo: "Filipe wants me to be sharp, exploring my physical strength"


After the match, the full-back revealed a conversation with coach Filipe Luís, who advised him on attacking positioning: "I received criticism when I played injured because I couldn't give my best. But I wanted to stay on the field to help Flamengo . Filipe explained to me what he wanted from me: to get to the far post. I even asked my teammates to watch me during that movement," Royal said.


RETURN AS HOLDER

It was the full-back's first game since returning from injury. Royal had sprained his left ankle on August 13 against Internacional in the Copa Libertadores. Since then, he had only played a few minutes in the draw with Grêmio at Maracanã.


According to the player, Filipe Luís asked him to play differently than he was used to in his career: "At Tottenham, I played as a defensive midfielder, on the inside. But Filipe wants me to be sharp, exploiting my physical strength, passing, and crossing. He knows my ability to support, and that can really help the team ."

DISPUTE FOR POSITION

Signed in July for €9 million (approximately R$58 million) from Milan, Emerson Royal is competing for a spot with Varela, who was rested against Juventude due to a groin injury. " Big teams are like that; they always have top-notch players . Varela has a lot of quality, and so do I. The competition is healthy, we work hard, and the choice is Filipe's," said the full-back.

NEXT COMMITMENTS

On Thursday (18), Flamengo faces Estudiantes in the Libertadores (quarter-finals, first leg), at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã . The Most Beloved only returns to the field for the Brasileirão on Sunday (21), against Vasco, also at the sacred temple.


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