Former Flamengo player backs Samuel Lino: “He’s showing his potential” | OneFootball

Samuel Lino has improved under Leonardo Jardim

The second most expensive signing in Flamengo history, Samuel Lino is still looking to establish himself at Mengão. The forward has even been receiving praise from the Rubro-Negro fans since Leonardo Jardim took over as head coach. A former Fla player, Zé Roberto came to the player’s defense.

— I always say this among my group of friends: Flamengo fans are never truly satisfied, and nowadays even less so. The demands are even higher, precisely because of the range of options you have, because of the quality. A 3-0 win is not enough, it could have been more; the fans are always expecting a great performance, a win with a show. But on the pitch it’s different — he said, before concluding:

— It is always very difficult to create chances in every match, because the opponent has studied you. It’s natural for the player out there to understand that there will be pressure, that Flamengo has always been like this. An example from the last few rounds is Samuel Lino, who was under a lot of pressure and is gradually showing his potential, scoring goals and putting in good performances — he concluded during the ‘Rio FutSummit’ event.

What are Samuel Lino’s numbers at Flamengo?

Flamengo completed the signing of Samuel Lino in July 2025 after paying 22 million euros (around R$143 million at the time) to Atlético Madrid (ESP). Since then, the No. 16 has played 46 matches, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.

In the 2026 season, in fact, Samuel Lino has improved since Leonardo Jardim’s arrival. In five matches played, the forward has scored two goals and provided one assist for his teammates.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Samuel Lino available, Flamengo return to action after the FIFA international break, on April 2, to face Red Bull Bragantino. On that occasion, the match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Cicero de Souza Marques, for the ninth round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Bragantino through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Brasileirão clash.

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