Heroic goal, cheeky penalty: Iago shines in Flamengo triumph | OneFootball

Iago is the champion of everything in the youth categories

Flamengo was losing at 50 minutes of the second half to Barcelona (ESP) when Iago, with a beautiful header, tied the game and took the Under-20 World Cup decision to penalties. In the shootout, the team captain abused: he kicked with 'nojo', with a little kick, humiliating the Spanish goalkeeper. Later, the 20-year-old defender lifted the most important trophy in the category again, just like in 2024. Champion of everything in the youth categories, the player has impressive achievements.

Iago is a two-time world champion with Flamengo, also a two-time Libertadores champion, in 2024 and 2025. Detail, in the continental title of last year, the captain was the top scorer, even being a defender. In addition, the 'sheriff' has a Brazilian Championship Sub-20 (2023 and a Copa do Brasil Sub-17 (2021). Finally, the athlete was enrolled in the victorious campaigns of Cariocas 2024 and 2025 in the professional league. There is also a South American Sub-20 with the Brazilian National Team.

WHAT ELSE DID IAGO DO AGAINST BARCELONA?

Showing a lot of coolness, Iago practically didn't celebrate the two goals he scored on Saturday (23). Even scoring in the last minute of the game, the defender stopped, hit his chest, shouted "I'm here" and showed his shirt to the stands, while his teammates ran wildly across the field. But calm down, this wouldn't be the only 'frozen' moment of the captain.

In the penalty shootout, Iago took the ball, gave a beautiful little kick, and the ball slowly entered the back of the net. Party at Maracanã, but the defender left 'cold'. The celebration: inspired by Cole Palmer, from Chelsea (ING), with both hands rubbing his biceps, showing that he's 'frozen'.

Iago only stopped being cool at one moment: when lifting the trophy. After receiving the trophy from the hands of CBF president Samir Xaud, the captain gave three little kisses on the 'object of desire', went to the middle of his teammates, lifted the Under-20 World Cup and jumped across Maracanã! The 'champion of everything', finally, thawed!

WILL HE LEAVE?

After 'sweeping' the youth categories, Iago has an uncertain future. Living his last year as a youth player, the kid is the sixth option for Filipe Luís, behind Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Danilo, Cleiton, and João Victor. With little space in the main team, other clubs are eyeing the player. The last one was Bahia, which offered 2 million euros (R$ 13 million) and 20% of future sale to Mengão, which refused the proposal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.