Why Leonardo Jardim has called up academy players for Portugal camp

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Coluna do Fla

·29 June 2026

Why Leonardo Jardim has called up academy players for Portugal camp

What is Leonardo Jardim’s plan for Flamengo’s youth academy players?

Flamengo is taking advantage of the break in the schedule due to the World Cup to hold a mid-season training camp. For the trip to Portugal, the Rubro-Negro squad is bringing several youth academy players. With that in mind, Coluna do Fla brings details on why Leonardo Jardim called up the Ninho graduates during this period.

One of the main reasons is the large number of first-team players away at the World Cup. In total, there were nine. As a result, the squad ended up suffering important absences in every area of the team.

WHICH YOUTH PLAYERS WERE CALLED UP FOR THE MID-SEASON CAMP?

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For the defensive sector, Leonardo Jardim called up Daniel Sales, Daniel Thuram, Johnny, and João Victor. Looking at midfield options, Guilherme and Joshua were included. Finally, in attack, Alan Santos was the one who got the spot.

It is important to point out that, besides the seven names mentioned, Flamengo also has the additions of Lorran and Rayan Lucas, who returned from loan in the middle of the year. However, those players are no longer considered youth players, since their future is now being decided by Mengão’s professional Football Department.

HOW DO THE YOUTH PLAYERS ARRIVE FOR THE MID-SEASON CAMP IN PORTUGAL?

Even though they are still part of the under-20 team, all the players who moved up have already had opportunities with the first team. This means the players already have some ‘experience’ with the squad.

This period also gives the younger players a chance to make the most of the opportunity and try to impress coach Leonardo Jardim. Since arriving at Flamengo, the Portuguese manager has already made it clear that he likes working with youth academy players.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S PLAN FOR THE MID-SEASON CAMP?

Before heading to Portugal, Flamengo’s squad reported back on June 12 at Ninho CT. In this first stage, the players went through a kind of round of medical tests before taking the field.

Over the last few weeks, coach Leonardo Jardim used the free time to get to know the team even better. Last Friday (26), Flamengo played a training match against Bonsucesso, which ended in a 1-0 win for Rubro-Negro, with Bruno Henrique scoring from the penalty spot.

Then, this Sunday (28), Flamengo traveled to Portugal, where it will spend several days fulfilling its mid-season camp schedule. In addition to training, the Rubro-Negro squad will play matches against River Plate (ARG), Lausanne (SUI), and Benfica (POR). Finally, the Algarve stint ends on July 11.

SEE FLAMENGO’S MATCHES IN PORTUGAL03/07 – Flamengo x River Plate – 3:30 PM08/07 – Flamengo x Lausanne – 4:30 PM11/07 – Flamengo x Benfica – 3:30 PM*All times are Brasília time.

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