Braz’s cryptic message ignites new Flamengo power struggle | OneFootball

Amid a turbulent period at Flamengo, a cryptic Instagram post from former football vice president Marcos Braz has caught the attention of supporters and stoked speculation around the club’s current power dynamics, according to Lance.

The post, which featured a photo of Braz and was paired with Clóvis Pé’s song “Deixe a Vida Rolar,” fuelled immediate reaction among Flamengo fans online. A particular lyric quoted—“take things easy, time tells all; do what you want, don’t fear the world”—only added to the intrigue, with many interpreting the message as a pointed dig at current football director José Boto amid rising internal tensions.

Braz departed Flamengo at the end of Rodolfo Landim’s presidency in late 2024, making way for Luiz Eduardo Baptista—known as Bap—whose administration had opposed Landim’s. Since Bap’s victory in the club’s elections, Flamengo’s sporting leadership has seen significant changes. One of Bap’s main moves was assigning José Boto full autonomy to direct football operations. However, Boto’s tenure is now under scrutiny, and the club leadership is experiencing its first major bout of political pressure.

This latest wave of discontent follows Flamengo’s decision to back out of a deal to sign Irish winger Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich Albion, a move that had been close to completion. Sources told Lance internal dissent played a significant role, with senior decision-makers and council members challenging the wisdom of the acquisition—citing the transfer fee, Johnston’s injury history, and whether he would meaningfully elevate the squad. Recent memory of ineffective signings added to the caution.

Boto’s role is now firmly in the spotlight as supporters and insiders question both his player choices and overall vision. The club’s leadership, while eager for reinforcements to address squad gaps, now faces a more closely watched and politically fraught transfer market. Previously, Bap had kept a deliberate distance from daily football operations, leaving Boto to execute the sporting strategy. Now, with recent exits—including midfielder Gerson’s departure to Zenit and rumoured offers for striker Pedro—the demand for clarity and accountability has intensified.

Braz’s enigmatic social media activity thus lands at a delicate moment, reflecting wider anxieties and perhaps signalling ongoing rivalry between Old Guard and current administration. While speculation persists about the intended target of his message, the timing—coinciding with public and internal questioning of Boto’s work and strategic direction—means it will continue to reverberate among Flamengo’s closely-followed political circles.

(Source: Lance)

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images