Flamengo have improved immensely under Felipe Luis, and will be a tough matchup at the Club World Cup
Flamengo are a club with a terrific legacy – but that hasn't always translated well onto the pitch. This was once a side that contributed numerous players to some of the great Brazil teams in the 1960s, '70s and '80s. But until relatively recently, they were a sleeping giant.
Under new management, the giant has awoken. Felipe Luis, the former Chelsea and Brazil defender, has brought life into the Flamengo setup, and last year led them to a cup win and strong league campaign. This is a seasoned squad, packed with players in their mid-20s, and led by an elite goalscoring forward in Pedro.
Their soccer isn't always spellbinding to watch, but Luis has shown with a strong spine that he can bring results back to a club that really deserves them. It would seem to be a kind group to test their credentials, too. Chelsea are runaway favorites, but Esperance de Tunis and a yet-to-be-determined fourth side – with Liga MX side Club Leon looking to appeal their expulsion – might not challenge as much.
A successful run can't be ruled out.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT. Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field.
Next up is Flamengo with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the Brazilian powerhouse at the tournament.
Getty Images SportThe Basics
DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: One previous appearance (lost to Liverpool in final)
GROUP: D (Esperance de Tunis, Flamengo, Club Leon – TBD)
OPENING MATCH: Esperance de Tunis – June 16, 9 p.m., Philadelphia
AdvertisementHow they got here
Flamengo secured their spot in the tournament by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2022 – a fixture in which they bested domestic rivals Athletico Paranaense, 1-0. More broadly, they have enjoyed success of late, winning the Serie A in 2020, the Copa do Brasil in 2025, and Supercopa in 2025.
Getty Images SportThe player to watch
Pedro is the star man, and will be expected to grab the goals. A strong and powerful center forward, he hit double-digit goals last season, and has bagged at least 25 in all competitions in each of the past three seasons.
But he's not alone. Gerson, a powerful midfielder who wears the captain's armband, was signed back from Marseille in 2022, and has settled in wonderfully. His consistency last year earned him a call up for the national team – and more might yet follow.
Getty Images SportRealistic Expectations
They should allow themselves to dream. Chelsea are clear favorites to win this group, but Flamengo might run them a close second. New manager Felipe Luis has done an excellent job stewarding the side, and if he doesn't take the Brazil job, will be well-placed to navigate a relatively easy slate.
All bets are off once the knockouts hit, but getting there – and perhaps upsetting one team – would be a fine outlay for a side with an immense legacy.
