Flamengo hero takes surprise TV role for Club World Cup | OneFootball

Flamengo fans tuning in to CazéTV’s coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup will spot a familiar face in a new role. Former right-back Rodinei—now at Olympiacos—has signed on as a guest pundit for the platform’s broadcast of the tournament starting June 14.

Speaking about his temporary move into punditry, Rodinei was candid about the challenge ahead. “When they invited me, I thought it was really cool because it shows the affection and respect they have for me. Of course, Casimiro is a great guy, but I’m a footballer, not a commentator—at least not yet. I explained my situation to them, but I do understand football and what’s happening in the game, so it wasn’t too hard to accept the invitation. We’re here to embrace challenges and overcome them. That’s what life is about,” Rodinei told Lance!.

Rodinei, currently on break in Brazil following the European season, was spotted at Maracanã last Wednesday as Flamengo defeated Deportivo Táchira to clinch their spot in the Libertadores round of 16.

The defender’s career trajectory has taken him from Avaí and Corinthians to Ponte Preta, but his most significant stint came at Flamengo. He racked up 223 appearances for the Rubro-Negro, bowing out in style with a decisive penalty in the 2022 Copa do Brasil final against Corinthians. His time at the club also includes two Copa Libertadores titles (2019, 2022), a 2019 Brasileirão championship, and state honours in the Campeonato Carioca.

At Olympiacos, Rodinei has tallied 117 matches, chipping in with seven goals and 22 assists, 13 of which came in the most recent campaign. His contributions helped the Greek side to a recent Greek Cup triumph.

For now, Rodinei is embracing the challenge of punditry and looking forward to offering his on-pitch perspective to viewers during the Club World Cup. Whether his future holds more spells behind the microphone is yet to be seen, but his track record on the pitch suggests he brings a wealth of experience to the analysis desk.

Source: Lance