Flamengo’s Young guns Ready to Shine in Carioca’s Opening Rounds
The Flamengo faithful will witness a fresh wave of talent in the initial stages of the 2025 Carioca Championship. With the main squad currently honing their skills in the united States for pre-season training, the club has registered a squad brimming with promising youngsters for the first four rounds. leading this charge is thiaguinho, a forward returning to the fold after a series of loan spells.
At 23, Thiaguinho has gained valuable experience across various clubs, including Treze-PB, Sampaio Corrêa-MA, CSA-AL, and even a stint with the Houston dynamo in the United States. This journey has seen him rack up 14 goals in 30 appearances for Treze in 2024, demonstrating his potential to be a potent attacking force.
Thiaguinho’s journey with Flamengo began in 2019 after a standout performance with Náutico. The club secured his services for a hefty R$ 10 million, and he quickly made his mark, netting 15 goals in 45 appearances for the under-20 team in 2020. Despite several loan moves, he has managed to accumulate 12 appearances (10 in the Carioca and 2 in the Brasileirão) and two goals for the senior team, showcasing glimpses of his talent.
Joining Thiaguinho in the attack for the opening rounds are Felipe Teresa, Wallace Yan, Shola, Felipe, and Carlinhos. This diverse group of attackers will be eager to prove themselves and make a lasting impression on the Carioca stage.
The first four matches will see Flamengo face off against Boavista, Madureira, Nova Iguaçu, and Bangu, providing a challenging platform for these young talents to showcase their skills and fight for a place in the starting lineup as the season progresses.
Flamengo’s Young Guns: A Conversation with Zico
Flamengo fans are buzzing with anticipation ahead of the 2025 Carioca Championship. While the main squad preps in the United States, a young, exciting lineup is set to take the field for the opening rounds. To discuss this strategy and the potential breakout stars, we sat down with Flamengo legend and former Brazil international, Zico.
Interviewer: Zico,Flamengo’s decision to field a youth-heavy squad for the frist four Carioca games is certainly generating a lot of interest. What are your initial thoughts?
Zico: It’s a bold move, there’s no doubt whatsoever. Choosing to allow these youngsters valuable playing time shows confidence in the academy and a commitment to bringing through the next generation of Flamengo greats. It’s a strategy that can pay dividends in the long run, but also carries some risk. The Carioca is a demanding tournament, known for its intensity.
Interviewer: Speaking of these youngsters, Thiaguinho, who’s back after a series of loan spells, seems to be leading the charge. He’s shown real promise in the past, scoring consistently for Treze in 2024. Do you see him as a potential star for Flamengo in the future?
Zico: Thiaguinho has shown flashes of brilliance, there’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about that. His experience across diffrent clubs has undoubtedly helped him mature as a player. He’s got the talent, but the pressure of playing for Flamengo is immense. It will be engaging to see how he handles expectations and if he can translate those flashes of brilliance into consistent performances.
Interviewer: There’s a lot of talk about Felipe Teresa, Wallace Yan, shola, Felipe, and Carlinhos too. Do any of these names stand out to you as potential stars?
zico: Flamengo’s academy is always producing exciting talents. It’s too early to say definitively who will make the biggest impact, but competition is healthy. These players will be pushing each other to perform and that can only be good for Flamengo.
Interviewer: The first four games present a mix of challenging opponents, including Boavista, Madureira, Nova Iguaçu, and Bangu. Do you think this young squad can handle the pressure?
Zico: It won’t be easy, but these are good tests for these youngsters. The Carioca is a fantastic platform to learn and grow. What’s crucial is that they play with confidence, express themselves, and don’t fear making mistakes.
Interviewer: This strategy definitely gives Flamengo fans somthing to be excited about.What message do you have for the supporters as these young talents take to the field?
Zico: Be patient and show your support. These young players need the backing of the Flamengo faithful. Let them know you believe in them, celebrate their successes, and encourage them through any setbacks.They are the future of this club, and their journey is just beginning.
Interviewer: Zico, thank you for your time and insights. It will be fascinating to see how these young talents fare in the opening rounds of the Carioca.
Now, we turn to you, Flamengo fans.
Are you excited about this opportunity for Flamengo’s young stars? Do you think this strategy will pay off in the long run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.