Paquetá’s redemption: Flamengo return earns World Cup spot | OneFootball

The most expensive signing in the history of Brazilian football has been justifying the investment and will play in the second World Cup of his career

Lucas Paquetá’s story feels like a movie script, but it is pure reality. A product of Ninho, the 28-year-old midfielder began his journey at Flamengo, made a name for himself around the world, and overcame the biggest drama of his career before returning to the arms of the Nation. Now, the most expensive player in the history of Brazilian football is stamping his passport to play in the second World Cup of his career.

The love story with the red-and-black shirt began in the youth ranks and bore fruit, such as the title of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior in 2016 and the Carioca Championship in 2017. His above-average talent quickly drew interest from Europe, taking the youngster to spells at Milan (ITA), Olympique Lyon (FRA), and West Ham (ENG). However, Paquetá’s heart always remained tied to Mengão, keeping alive the promise of a return that once seemed distant.

OVERCOMING A MAJOR BLOW?

Paquetá’s professional path suffered a major setback when the English Football Association began investigating the player over alleged involvement in a betting scheme. That tense period in England caused his temporary absence from the Brazilian National Team. Under so much pressure, the midfielder lost ground in important call-ups, but found the strength to prove his innocence and rewrite his own destiny.

His full redemption came in 2025. That year, the courts dropped the accusations and allowed the player’s triumphant return. Shortly afterward, Flamengo opened its wallet. The club spent around R$ 260 million to bring back the idol, making it the most expensive signing in the country. The investment paid off immediately. So far, the midfielder has made 21 appearances, scored seven goals, and won the Campeonato Carioca in 2026.

HOW IMPORTANT IS PAQUETÁ’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM?

Paquetá brings plenty of experience with the ‘Seleção’, totaling 61 matches and 13 goals since his senior debut in 2018. His first major moment came with the 2019 Copa América title, a tournament that gave the player ‘toughness’ for the challenges that followed. Years later, coach Tite turned the playmaker into one of his trusted men in the qualifiers and at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Brazilian fans fondly remember his decisive performances against Chile and Peru in the 2021 Copa América, as well as the goal that sealed qualification for Qatar. At the last World Cup, the midfielder became a starter and shone in the 4-1 rout of South Korea in the round of 16. Now, under Carlo Ancelotti, the Flamengo academy product arrives fully mature to command Brazil’s midfield in pursuit of a sixth world title.

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