Flamengo plan Erick Pulgar product line; No 5 doll among ideas | OneFootball

Red-and-black club sees Pulgar’s engagement at the level of the squad’s biggest stars

Flamengo intends to launch a line of Erick Pulgar products. It’s no coincidence that the club’s commercial and marketing departments have started discussing the project, which would generate revenue for both the Rubro-Negro and the player.

Among the possibilities being studied is a figurine of the No. 5 shirt, similar to what the club has already done with Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, and Gabigol. In addition, the idea includes other items to be sold at the Maracanã and in Flamengo’s official stores. The talks, however, are still at an early stage. That is why there is still no launch date, finalized product list, or set prices.

Why does Flamengo want to capitalize on Pulgar’s brand?

The profile of the 32-year-old defensive midfielder, combined with the combative style that has made him an undisputed starter in recent seasons, sparked the project. As a result, the club began to see room to further explore the Chilean’s image.

In this process, Flamengo realized that Pulgar’s engagement is on par with the squad’s biggest stars. In this way, the board also plans to invest in the player’s presence on its digital platforms.

The change in perception is noteworthy. Pulgar arrived at Flamengo in 2022 from Fiorentina (ITA), under suspicion from part of the fan base and the press. Over time, however, he became a key piece in coach Leonardo Jardim’s midfield.

Technical director José Boto used the midfielder precisely as an example when presenting signings at the beginning of September. On that occasion, the executive compared the arrival of the new signings to Pulgar’s:

“So close your ears to the analyses and keep your eyes on these players, who today are extremely important players, but who also arrived with people saying they were flops, and today they are stars,” Boto said.

Contract renewed until 2029

The marketing move comes three weeks after Flamengo announced Erick Pulgar’s contract renewal. On September 2, the club extended the defensive midfielder’s deal until December 2029. Previously, the agreement was set to expire at the end of 2027.

Keeping him required effort from the board. According to ge, Shabab Al-Ahli (UAE) and Al-Jazira (UAE), from the United Arab Emirates, offered salaries far higher than Flamengo’s. Even so, the Chilean turned down the offers to remain in Rio de Janeiro.

Until the renewal announcement, Pulgar had made 172 appearances for the club, with six goals and nine assists. In addition, he had won 11 titles, including two Copa Libertadores trophies, one Brasileirão, and one Copa do Brasil.

Time away from the Chilean national team strengthened his bond

The growing closeness between Pulgar and Flamengo is also tied to his time away from the Chilean national team. The midfielder has not played for Chile since October 2024.

Pulgar and coach Nicolás Córdova agreed on the decision not to include him in the squads for the latest FIFA international windows. The agreement had two objectives: to make room for young Chilean players and to prioritize his run of games with the club.

The case, however, caused repercussions in the country. In August, Córdova and national team manager Felipe Correa went to the Maracanã to watch the 2-0 win over Vitória. In that match, Pulgar scored a stunning goal.

According to journalist José Tomás Fernández, the visit was aimed at bringing the midfielder closer to the national team again, as reported by Lance!. Even so, the Chilean was left out of the squad for the friendlies against Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Amid the speculation, Pulgar spoke out on social media on September 15 and denied having any problem with the coach. In the post, he wrote:

“Everything is fine with Nicolás Córdova. He came to see me a few weeks ago and I welcomed him very well; there is respect on my part for him and his work. Throughout my career, I have never been driven by praise or criticism,” he said.

In the same message, the midfielder asked for more visibility for the young players called up by the national team. On the other hand, he did not detail the reasons for his absences. Meanwhile, part of the Chilean press attributes his absence to a supposed lack of confidence in the federation’s project.

In Rio de Janeiro, in turn, his bond with the club remains strong. Now, Flamengo is studying how to turn Pulgar’s relationship with the fans into products on the shelves.

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