João Victor returns for Flamengo, seeks fresh start under Leonardo Jardim | OneFootball

João Victor, 19, has a fresh chance to reboot his Flamengo career after reappearing against Coritiba, with the centre-back set to work under Leonardo Jardim during the mid-season break.

According to Globo.com, he replaced Léo Ortiz after 17 minutes of the first half when the defender sustained a right thigh muscle injury, and Ortiz should recover for the squad’s 19 June return. With Léo Pereira and Danilo at the World Cup with Brazil, Jardim will supplement first-team training with academy players.

Jardim said he prioritises academy talent and, with games every three days, staff focused on Under-20 analysis. He chose João Victor over Saúl or repositioning a midfielder, felt he did well and hopes this is a first step to more minutes.

In 2025 he was named in 52 squads and played nine times, with errors against Sport in a 5-1 win and Fluminense in a 2-1 defeat.

This year he started the first three Carioca matches for the Under-20 side, then returned to youth level, and was only recalled on Saturday due to 10 World Cup absences.

He debuted at 17 in December 2024 against Criciúma, the first 2007-born Flamengo player to do so. He started the 2024 Under-20 world final, won against Olympiacos of Greece, returned in 2025 to secure another title over Barcelona, and is contracted until 2029 with a 70 million euros, R$ 413 million, clause.

Source: Globo.com