Flamengo’s Libertadores rise and what 2026 could hold | OneFootball

Flamengo sealed a landmark fourth Copa Libertadores crown in 2025 and now head into 2026 widely viewed as contenders to defend it.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the club’s 2025 success frames both the review of their best moments and early projections for 2026, including impacts on betting markets. Expectations remain high.

In the 2025 final in Lima’s Estadio Monumental, Flamengo beat Palmeiras 1-0. Danilo headed the winner from an Arrascaeta corner, capping a campaign praised for control, intensity and strategy.

The triumph made Flamengo Brazil’s most decorated club in the competition, moving beyond Santos, São Paulo, Palmeiras and Grêmio. It underlined their status among the continent’s serial winners.

Their Libertadores story began with the 1981 title, followed by inconsistency in 2002, 2012, 2014 and 2017. Momentum returned in 2018, with the 2019 win over River Plate reshaping priorities, and another title arrived in 2022.

The squad blends experience and quality, with Bruno Henrique, Jorginho, Alex Sandro and Arrascaeta among the leading names. Strategic management aims to balance workloads in a year when a national teams World Cup could be a distraction.

Defending the title is never simple, yet early odds place Flamengo as favourites at around four, ahead of Cruzeiro, Palmeiras and Boca Juniors. Some AI-led projections highlight Abel Ferreira’s work and tip Palmeiras, with Flamengo close behind.

Threats include Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, Fluminense and Argentine sides such as Estudiantes and Independiente. Success could hinge on strong away form and smart rotation after the 2025 Brasileirão win.

Source: Coluna Do Fla