Cria's redemption: Paquetá turns Flamengo return into World Cup place | OneFootball

The most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football has been justifying the investment and is set to play in the second World Cup of his career

Lucas Paquetá’s story feels like a movie script, but it is pure reality. A product of Ninho, the 28-year-old midfielder began his journey at Flamengo, conquered the world, and overcame the biggest drama of his career before returning to the embrace of the Nation. Now, the most expensive player in the history of Brazilian football is stamping his passport to compete in the second World Cup of his career.

The love story with the red-and-black shirt began in the youth ranks and bore fruit, such as the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior title in 2016 and the Carioca Championship in 2017. His above-average talent quickly caught Europe’s attention, leading the youngster to spells at Milan (ITA), Olympique Lyonnais (FRA), and West Ham (ENG). However, Paquetá’s heart always remained tied to Mengão, keeping alive the promise of a return that seemed far away.

OVERCOMING A HARD BLOW?

Paquetá’s professional path suffered a major blow when the English Football Association began investigating the player for alleged involvement in a betting scheme. That tense period in England caused his temporary absence from the Brazil national team. Under so much pressure, the midfielder lost ground in important call-ups, but found the strength to prove his innocence and rewrite his own destiny.

Complete redemption came in 2025. That year, the courts dropped the accusations and allowed the player’s triumphant return. Right after that, Flamengo opened the checkbook. The club paid around R$260 million to bring the idol back, making it the most expensive signing in the country. The investment paid off immediately. So far, the midfielder has made 21 appearances, scored seven goals, and won the Campeonato Carioca in 2026.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PAQUETÁ’S EXPERIENCE FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM?

Paquetá brings significant experience with the ‘Seleção’, totaling 61 matches and 13 goals since his senior debut in 2018. His first major moment came with the 2019 Copa América title, a tournament that toughened him up for the challenges ahead. Years later, coach Tite turned the playmaker into one of his trusted men in the World Cup qualifiers and at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Brazilian fans fondly remember his decisive performances against Chile and Peru in the 2021 Copa América, as well as the goal that secured qualification for Qatar. At the last World Cup, the midfielder earned a starting spot and shone in the 4-1 thrashing of South Korea in the round of 16. Now, under Carlo Ancelotti, the Flamengo academy product arrives mature and ready to command Brazil’s midfield in search of a sixth world title.

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