Saúl Ñíguez attends Brazil friendly at Maracanã during Flamengo break | OneFootball

Brazil beat Panama 6-2 at the Maracanã in a World Cup warm-up. Flamengo midfielder Saúl Ñíguez, currently on holiday, was in the stands to back his Brazil team-mates.

According to Coluna Do Fla, Ñíguez said it was his first visit to the Maracanã while on leave. He wanted to enjoy the match, greet his colleagues and wish them well for the World Cup. He added that the club had set out a programme to help him return pain-free and fully committed.

The Spaniard began suffering heel pain late in the 2025 season. After consulting Flamengo’s medical staff at the end of the year, he opted for surgery.

He has been sidelined for more than four months and plans to use the World Cup pause to regain peak fitness.

Ñíguez joined Flamengo in July 2025 on a free after terminating his Atlético de Madrid contract. He has made 33 appearances with three assists and was part of the Brasileirão and Libertadores title wins.

After the win over Coritiba on Saturday 30, the squad were given time off during the tournament break. Flamengo’s next match is set for 22 July against Chapecoense in the 19th round of the Brasileirão, with a mid-season camp in Portugal, including three friendlies, beforehand.

Source: Coluna Do Fla