Johnny’s setbacks and battles before becoming a Flamengo player

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·13 July 2026

Johnny’s setbacks and battles before becoming a Flamengo player

What has Johnny’s journey been like in his football career?

By: Rodrigo Lima

Johnny was one of Flamengo’s standout players in the matches during the mid-season break held in Algarve, Portugal. However, before earning that kind of ‘spotlight’ at the Rubro-Negro, the defender went through many hardships in his career. With that in mind, Coluna do Fla brings some details about the player’s path in football.

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Johnny’s story began in futsal at the age of eight at Club Municipal, and then, at nine, he moved to the courts of Grajaú Country Club. During that period playing for the team from Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone, the defender started drawing the attention of other clubs from the city.

It was from that point on that Johnny transferred to Vasco’s futsal team, where he played for six years. After that period, the defender, who was 15 at the time, had to look for a fresh start, as the club from São Januário released several youth players amid a management change led by Jorge Salgado.

JOHNNY’S STRUGGLES AND REJECTIONS IN FOOTBALL

After leaving Vasco, Johnny was without a club and began looking for a ‘new home.’ One of the first trials the player had was at Cruzeiro. At the time, he spent about two weeks training alongside other athletes, but because of the distance, the family decided to bring the boy back home.

After that, Johnny was called for a trial at Corinthians. At the time, the São Paulo club approved him, but because of financial issues, the defender did not stay.

HOW WAS JOHNNY’S FIRST CHANCE AT FLAMENGO DENIED?

In the midst of all these difficulties, Johnny had a trial at Flamengo and saw it as a golden opportunity in his career. However, even though he received a good evaluation during the training period, the defender was turned down by the Rubro-Negro.

HOW DID THE OPPORTUNITY AT BOAVISTA AND THE MOVE TO FLAMENGO HAPPEN?

After all those attempts, Johnny managed to join a club again and arrived to play for Boavista’s under-15 team. It was precisely during that period that the player managed to change the course of his career.

That is because, in an under-15 match between Boavista and Fluminense, Johnny scored two goals and also found the net in the penalty shootout in the Saquarema team’s win over their rival. During the match, a Flamengo scouting staff member was impressed by the player’s performance and invited him to spend a period with the Rubro-Negro.

Given the situation, Johnny was returning to Flamengo five months after his last attempt. But this time, the result was different. At the time, coach Eduardo Zuma was the one who asked Mengo to keep the player, given the quality he showed in training.

HOW DID JOHNNY’S STORY AT FLAMENGO BEGIN?

From there, Johnny began his career at Flamengo. He started with the under-15 team and, in 2024, was part of the under-17 squad coached by Filipe Luís. With the former left-back in charge, the defender improved greatly and racked up titles in the youth ranks.

With Filipe Luís leading the under-20 team in 2024, Johnny also started getting opportunities. However, the player only truly established himself in the final youth category the following year.

WHAT IS JOHNNY’S SITUATION AT FLAMENGO NOW?

After going through all those hardships, Johnny is now reaping the rewards. In addition to being one of the main players on the under-20 team, the 19-year-old defender has also started pushing for a spot among the professionals.

Johnny’s debut for Flamengo’s ‘senior team’ came in the final round of the 2025 Brasileirão, in an away match against Mirassol. This year, the player also took part in Flamengo’s opening matches in the Carioca. Finally, he was also present during Mengão’s mid-season break in Portugal.

HOW DID JOHNNY PERFORM IN FLAMENGO’S MATCHES IN PORTUGAL?

With Alex Sandro unavailable, Johnny emerged as Ayrton Lucas’ immediate backup during this mid-season break in Portugal. In the match against Lausanne Sports (SUI), the youngster got the chance to play, and against Benfica (POR), the defender took advantage of the opening created by the No. 6, who felt muscle pain, and delivered.

According to Coluna do Fla’s reporting, Johnny is one of the young players who has most caught the attention of Leonardo Jardim’s coaching staff. Because of that, the tendency is for the defender to receive more opportunities with the senior team.

Johnny’s strong performances also caught the attention of scouts who were at Flamengo’s matches in Portugal. However, according to Coluna do Fla’s reporting, the player’s wish is to remain at the club and, from the club’s side, the Rubro-Negro also has no intention of letting him go at this time.

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