Samuel Lino thrives under pressure to become Leonardo Jardim’s leading man at Flamengo | OneFootball

Samuel Lino has shed the doubts of his first season at Flamengo, becoming the standout of the Leonardo Jardim era. He has reached double figures for goals and assists in 2026 and was decisive again in the derby with Botafogo.

There was pressure after his record arrival, though he said in February the fee never affected him. According to Globo.com, he cost R$ 203.001 million, later exceeded by this year’s spend on Lucas Paquetá.

Improving the No 16 was a target under Filipe Luís at the season’s start. A full pre-season helped him settle, and Jardim’s model, with movement between the lines, made him a trusted option wide and central.

Jardim downplayed his role, joking that not getting in the way was already good, and credited Lino’s qualities and daily work for this campaign.

Named in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary World Cup list, Lino has 41 appearances in 2026, 29 starts, 11 goals and 10 assists. He has been involved in nine goals across his last 10 matches.

Léo Ortiz called it a special moment after doubts tied to the price and Flamengo’s demands. Ayrton Lucas praised his resilience, defensive work and recent end product.

His form calmed transfer plans. His fit in midfield when Arrascaeta was unavailable, even as an improvisation like Carrascal or Paquetá, saw the club prioritise other areas, with a winger and a centre-forward the first additions.

Flamengo visit Mirassol on Wednesday at 19:30, Brasília time, in a rescheduled tie that could pull them within one point of Palmeiras. He scored the title-winning goal in 2025 and could be decisive again.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”