Defender opens up on tough spell at Flamengo before River Plate clash

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Coluna do Fla

·1 July 2026

Defender opens up on tough spell at Flamengo before River Plate clash

What did Flamengo center back João Victor say during the mid-season training camp in Portugal?

João Victor was one of the under-20 players called up for Flamengo’s mid-season training camp in Portugal. In an interview this Wednesday (01), the center back recalled a difficult moment he went through during the opportunity he received with the senior team.

When we step onto the field, we are exposed to everything, both praise and criticism. I believe no player that young, when playing for the senior team, wants to make mistakes in two straight matches. I believe God writes our story in crooked lines, I say that constantly at home, he said, before concluding: But it was a very difficult period, it was a period when the people I love were by my side and gave me total support. That was the most important thing at that moment. The people at the club also embraced me. I believe that helped my development. It’s in the past now, let’s move forward and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way, João Victor concluded.

WHAT HAPPENED TO JOÃO VICTOR IN A FLAMENGO MATCH?

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Center back João Victor already has some experience when it comes to senior football, given that he has already played in a few matches. However, in the derby between Flamengo and Fluminense in the 2025 Brasileirão, the player ended up being the target of criticism.

In the match played at the Maracanã, João Victor made a mistake on a play that led to a Fluminense goal. At the end of the first half, former coach Filipe Luís took the youngster off the field, as he was shaken by the mistake and the boos he was receiving.

WHAT IS JOÃO VICTOR’S CURRENT SITUATION AT FLAMENGO?

Right after that situation, João Victor returned to Flamengo’s under-20 squad, where he is currently one of the leaders of the group. This season, the center back took part in Rubro-Negro’s Libertadores campaign, which ended with the club finishing as runner-up in Quito, Ecuador.

At the moment, João Victor has been getting more opportunities with Flamengo’s senior team. In short, the player has a contract with Rubro-Negro until the end of 2029, with a release clause worth more than R$ 430 million.

WHAT WAS THE OTHER STATEMENT FROM FLAMENGO CENTER BACK JOÃO VICTOR?

After speaking about the moment he went through at Flamengo, center back João Victor recalled the Libertadores title against River Plate (ARG) in 2019. In his remarks, the Ninho academy product said he watched the final at home, but did not hide that facing the Argentine team in this mid-season training camp in Portugal is a dream.

It’s funny, right? I was watching that final in front of the television and we never imagined things could happen so fast. It’s a childhood dream to face River Plate, a dream of mine and of my whole family. Even though it’s a friendly, Flamengo steps onto the field to win, and it will be very important, João Victor stressed.

WHEN IS THE FLAMENGO VS RIVER PLATE MATCH?

The match between Flamengo and River Plate will take place at 3:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Friday (03), in Algarve, Portugal. As usual, Coluna do Fla TV will cover the details of the match on YouTube, as well as on its website and social media. Finally, Band (free-to-air TV) will broadcast the clash.

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