Responsible for leading Flamengo’s football department throughout the victorious 2025 season, sporting director José Boto sees the club on a new level on the international stage. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper As, published this Wednesday, the Portuguese leader stated that the red and black team has already achieved the main sporting objectives of the project and is now looking to consolidate its position against the big clubs in Europe.
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— We have already done the most important thing: winning the championship and the Copa Libertadores. That was the goal. Now it’s time to put the finishing touch — said Boto, when commenting on the continental decision, played against PSG this Wednesday, in Qatar. — It’s as important for the fans as it is for the project. It allows us to see where we are, comparing us to the best teams in Europe.
According to the director, Flamengo’s ambition is clear: to transform the club into an institution with a similar mentality to that of the European giants. To achieve this, market policy underwent a structural change. Boto revealed that, upon taking office, he identified a cultural barrier that prevented the club from competing for players who played in Europe.
— When I arrived, I said that Flamengo, due to its name and budget, could compete for some players who are in Europe. Before, they said: ‘We’re not even going to try’. It was believed that the best preferred Napoli, Benfica or Sporting to Flamengo — he explained.
The strategy, according to him, will continue to be deepened. The idea is to attract Brazilians who work outside the country and also players of competitive age, capable of raising the level of the squad and opening new doors in the international market.
— When you bring players who have clubs interested in them, even those with no connection to Brazil, it changes the perception. Other athletes ask, they want to know what it’s like, and that opens up the market — he said.
Boto also highlighted what Flamengo offers European players beyond the financial aspect. — It’s a project to win titles, with a different emotion, a purer way of experiencing football. Furthermore, the club has resources and facilities equivalent to those of Real Madrid, Benfica or Juventus — he stated.
During the interview, the leader projected a symbolic return that pleases the red and black fans: that of Vinicius Junior. For Boto, the Real Madrid striker will return to the club at some point in his career.
— Whoever lives Flamengo creates a love and passion for life. The time will come when he will want to return. That’s right.
Finally, the Portuguese spoke about Filipe Luís, considered one of the most promising coaches in Brazilian football. Boto admitted that Flamengo will have difficulty keeping him in the medium term, but reinforced the importance of his stay.
— He is incredibly dedicated, works hard, analyzes opponents and his own team all the time. After another year here, he will be ready for Europe. But it’s important to maintain it, because the entire structure was built around it. If you leave now, it will be difficult to maintain the same path.
