Danilo reveals knee-pain struggle before Flamengo’s 2025 Libertadores final win | OneFootball

Danilo scored the decisive goal as Flamengo beat Palmeiras 1-0 to win the 2025 Libertadores, and says he did so after battling knee pain earlier in the year with Filipe Luís in charge.

"It was one of the most emotional feelings I have ever experienced. When you score in a final like that, between Flamengo and Palmeiras, who today are the most important clubs in Brazil and also in South America, it can only be something special," Danilo said. He told The Athletic.

The final took place in Lima, Peru, on 29 November. Flamengo controlled proceedings for long spells but could not make the breakthrough before half-time.

After the interval they went ahead. In the 21st minute of the second half, Arrascaeta’s corner found Danilo, who rose between Gustavo Gómes and Bruno Fuchs to head in.

"At the start of the year I was not playing much, only one in every three games. I was suffering with a lot of pain in my knee. I had to make a deal with myself to overcome that situation and keep playing despite the pain. That is why scoring that goal, with my family and friends in the stadium, was incredible."

Danilo is now with Brazil for the 2026 World Cup. They open on Saturday 13 against Morocco at 19:00 Brasília time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Source: Coluna Do Fla