Bap’s role in Flamengo’s key deals explained | OneFootball

In December 2024, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, became Flamengo president pledging to professionalise departments, notably football under director José Boto. Early in 2026 he made a rare appearance beside Lucas Paquetá at Ninho do Urubu after helping land the deal.

"Participation is exactly the same. All macro decisions go through the president, and big strategic and financial calls, such as signing Paquetá, need his approval," Boto said, speaking to ge.

Under the current model, presentations usually start with Boto giving a brief statement then leaving, but this time both stayed at the table at the communications team’s request. Bap answered only two questions unrelated to the signing and said he was not there to discuss recruitment, pointing to Boto, Filipe and club channels, while citing club finances.

Bap is not involved day to day. He travels for major matches and visits the training ground for specific meetings with Boto and Filipe, and does not interfere in team selection. He has, however, ordered senior players to return in the Carioca for derbies with Vasco and Fluminense without dictating starters.

He has been hands on in negotiations and renewals, at times leading talks, including with Paquetá and in extending Filipe Luís. Flamengo moved officially on Paquetá only after Bap returned from holiday, while before that the player’s representatives were in contact with West Ham. Wallace Yan’s exit stalled once a revamped proposal from Bragantino reached the president.

Source: Globo.com