Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes Leverages Vasco’s Stadium Potential, Jabs at Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor, Eduardo Paes, a prominent figure in recent discussions surrounding Flamengo’s stadium ambitions, has once again made headlines in the city’s football landscape. This past Friday,Paes finalized a significant agreement involving Vasco da Gama,specifically concerning the constructive potential of their historic São Januário stadium.
During the signing ceremony, alongside Vasco’s president, Pedrinho, Mayor Paes couldn’t resist a playful jab at their cross-town rivals, Flamengo. As a passionate supporter of the club that has faced multiple relegations in the Brazilian league, Paes expressed his satisfaction in finally engaging in a deal that directly benefits his beloved team.”I get to deal with a matter of public interest,” Paes remarked, his tone laced with a touch of friendly rivalry. “As mayor, we’re often obligated to engage with entities we don’t necessarily admire with the same passion. I’m talking about them (Flamengo). Dealing with their stadium… We Vascaínos have a stadium. It must be tough for those who don’t, but we do. Flamengo’s guys must be envious; it’s good to have a stadium.”
Vasco’s São Januário Development Gets Green Light
The agreement signed by Mayor Paes grants Vasco da Gama formal authorization to monetize the development rights associated with their São Januário grounds.Reports indicate that the club has already identified a potential investor eager to acquire thes rights. The objective for Vasco is to secure an estimated R$500 million through this initiative, a ample sum that could significantly bolster the club’s financial standing and future projects.
Paes’s ongoing Involvement with Flamengo’s Stadium Plans
Mayor Paes’s connection to Flamengo’s stadium endeavors has been a recurring theme since last year,particularly under Rodolfo Landim’s presidency. His involvement began with the complex process of acquiring land for Flamengo’s proposed stadium at the Gasometer site. More recently, Paes has been engaged in discussions regarding potential environmental remediation efforts for the area. In 2025, Paes reportedly held conversations with Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP and the current president of Flamengo, to discuss a revised timeline for the stadium project. While the previous administration aimed for a 2029 inauguration, the current projections now point towards a 2036 completion date.
