Lucas Paquetá’s redemption, Flamengo homecoming and a second World Cup place | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá, 28, has completed a remarkable turnaround. The Flamengo academy product overcame the toughest spell of his career, returned to his boyhood club, and now heads to a second World Cup.

According to Coluna Do Fla, his bond with the red and black shirt began in the academy, delivering the 2016 Copa São Paulo and the 2017 Carioca. European moves followed to Milan, Lyon and West Ham, but a return always beckoned.

His career stalled when the Football Association in England opened an investigation into alleged involvement in a betting scheme, which led to a temporary omission from Brazil squads. Under intense scrutiny he lost places in key call ups, yet he proved his innocence and reset his trajectory.

Redemption arrived in 2025 when the accusations were dismissed and Flamengo moved. The club paid about R$ 260 million to bring him back, a national record, and the impact was swift. So far he has 21 appearances, seven goals, and the 2026 Campeonato Carioca.

For Brazil he has 61 caps and 13 goals since 2018, lifting the 2019 Copa América. He starred against Chile and Peru at the 2021 Copa América and scored the goal that sealed qualification for Qatar. At the 2022 World Cup he started and excelled in the 4-1 win over South Korea.

Now, under Carlo Ancelotti, the Flamengo graduate arrives mature to lead the midfield as Brazil chase a sixth world crown.

Source: Coluna Do Fla