Danilo on Flamengo retirement: "Couldn't do what Filipe Luís did"

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·30 January 2026

Danilo on Flamengo retirement: "Couldn't do what Filipe Luís did"

Flamengo Defender Wants to Continue Working in Football After Hanging Up His Boots

The 2026 season hasn't officially started for Danilo, who hasn't yet taken the field for Flamengo. However, the defender is already planning to retire at the end of the year. Additionally, he has made a prediction about his future.

In summary, Danilo emphasized that he can indeed continue working in the football industry. However, the defender made it clear that it is “impossible to do like Filipe Luís.” This is because the former full-back and current Flamengo coach started his coaching career months after hanging up his boots.

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What Did Danilo Say in an Interview with GE?

— I had an experience with Guardiola at Manchester City, and it really changed the way I see football. I think that's why I'm still playing for a team like Flamengo, the Brazilian national team, anyway, because if I were to rely solely on physicality and imposed play, it would be difficult for me to be playing at this level. The experience with Guardiola helped me a lot to think about the game, the spaces, the timing of passes, the timing of movement. And I pass this on to my teammates and help a lot and think a lot about football, very similar to Filipe (Luís). — I help a lot. Obviously, I don't overstep the coaching staff, but I help when I can, when I'm called upon. I really like the field, the strategy, the movements, and everything. But when I stop playing, I need to rest a bit. I still dedicate myself a lot, always have, and nowadays even more. So, I need some time away from the field. It's impossible to do like Filipe (Luís), who stopped in December and was already working on the field in February. Impossible. I don't see myself on the field for that reason, but football has many other things I can work on. I have several conversations already with clubs, with institutions to continue working. But I also want to live in other ways, I want to live a life completely apart from football to have that experience.

What Are Danilo's Plans?

Still in an interview with GE, Danilo revealed plans to retire at Flamengo at the end of the 2026 season. The decision, however, will depend on the player's physical and mental condition at the end of the year.

It's worth remembering that on July 15, Danilo turns 35. The defender has a valid contract with Flamengo until December 2026, meaning he has entered the last year of his contract with the Most Beloved. With this, the player plans to put his retirement plan into practice.

In summary, Danilo considers it special to 'exit the scene' precisely in a World Cup year while delivering high-level football. It's important to note that the defender is practically a confirmed presence in Carlo Ancelotti's call-up for the Brazilian National Team.

Currently, Danilo is recovering from pain in his left knee with Flamengo's Medical Department. After playing through pain at the end of 2025, the number 13 has not yet taken the field in the current season.

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