How Flamengo funded record fee to sign Lucas Paquetá | OneFootball

Flamengo will pay 42 million euros, R$ 260 million, to West Ham for Lucas Paquetá, a record for Brazilian football.

According to Globo.com, the foundations were laid in 2013, when president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello prioritised debt repayment, cost control and professionalised management. Results were modest at first, but credibility and finances recovered.

The turning point came in 2019 under Rodolfo Landim, as marquee arrivals were followed by Brasileirão and Libertadores titles.

With stable finances, the club built competitive squads and strengthened its football department. The team reached four Libertadores finals in the period, winning three.

In early 2024, Flamengo spent a record R$ 163 million on Léo Ortiz, Viña and De la Cruz, and added Carlos Alcaraz in August for 20 million dollars.

At the start of 2025, Bap took charge, reviewed contracts, cut staff and shifted operations towards profit. Sponsorship talks hardened, ending PixBet and sealing a record Brazilian deal with Betano.

In July 2025, Samuel Lino arrived from Atlético de Madrid for 22 million euros, with that mid-year window nearing R$ 300 million. Flamengo led Brazil for prize money in 2025, with R$ 375,744,130.00, and by year end revenue topped R$ 2 billion, after R$ 1.37 billion in 2023 and R$ 1.28 billion in 2024. The board signalled heavier spending and is following through, while Bap wants a Real Madrid-style administration and Bayern Munich-level performance, and the pursuit of Cruzeiro’s Kaio Jorge should continue.

Source: Globo.com