Flamengo fans push Rossi for ‘King of America’, recall first keeper | OneFootball

Which Goalkeeper Could Rossi Equal if He Becomes the King of America This Year?

Once the finalists of the Libertadores are determined, fans start campaigns to elect the King of America, an award given by the newspaper “El País” to the best player. For Flamengo fans, the main candidate is the goalkeeper Rossi, which hasn't happened in decades.

Rossi is indeed having an excellent campaign in this Libertadores. This is because he decided penalty shootouts, made miraculous saves in the semifinals, and is the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets. Until now, however, José Luis Chilavert is the only goalkeeper elected King of America.

Who is José Luis Chilavert?

The Paraguayan goalkeeper, nicknamed El Bulldog, was discovered by Sportivo Luqueño (PAR) and became famous for scoring goals from free kicks and penalties. Chilavert is one of the greatest idols of Vélez Sarsfield (ARG).

How Did Chilavert Become the King of America?

In 1996, Vélez won the Argentine Championship and the Supercopa Libertadores. Chilavert acted as the team leader with spectacular saves and a title-winning goal. Thus, El País elected him King of America that year.

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Therefore, if Rossi wins the title of King of America, the red-black team will become the second goalkeeper in history to receive this honor. Moreover, the achievement would end a 28-year drought without a goalkeeper winning the award.

When Will the Final Be?

Rossi's chance in the Libertadores final will be on November 29. The decision is scheduled for Lima, Peru. In 2019, the same Estadio Monumental in Lima hosted the final, and on that occasion, Flamengo emerged victorious.

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