O Flemish officially ended one of his fans’ most anticipated negotiations by announcing, just three days before the end of his current contract, the coach’s contract renewal Filipe Luís. The new agreement extends the commander’s stay at Ninho do Urubu for another two seasons, ensuring its continuity until December 2027. The positive outcome puts an end to a “soap opera” that has been going on since the first half of 2025 and which has generated moments of pessimism and exhaustion behind the scenes at the club.
Filipe Luís’ renewal is seen as the fundamental movement to unlock Flamengo’s planning for 2026. During the impasse, the board had frozen possible departures of playersafraid that a new coach would need to evaluate the squad before any definitive release.
Filipe Luís was always the priority
Although management has worked with alternative names such as Leonardo Jardim, Artur Jorge and Thiago Motta, the absolute priority has always been the permanence of the technical committee current situation, which led the club to “stretch the rope” in financial negotiations. The impasse was never increasing the coach’s salary, but paying agent Filipe Luís.
The main obstacle to the agreement was the salary issue. Since taking office in October 2024 to replace Tite, Filipe Luís has received the same salary as when he started his job. It was the lowest value among all Brasileirão coaches. After the season’s titles, in addition to the solid campaign in the Intercontinental Cup, appreciation became a natural requirement. In the new contract, the coach will have a considerable increase, in addition to bonuses and a flexible termination fine — a crucial point for Filipe, who has the desire to work in European football in the future. He will earn around R$2.5 million per month.
Despite the dream of Europe, Filipe Luís understands that the moment is not ideal for a transfer. In addition to the European window being in the middle of the season and less heated, the coach still does not have the credentials required by UEFA to work in the continent’s main centers. Thus, continuity at Flamengo allows him to continue accumulating experience and possible titles before an eventual international leap.
Total focus on the Super Cup
With the signing confirmed, the full focus turns to the pitch. According to José Boto, executive director of football, the agreement was possible because there was a “genuine desire for project continuity” and willingness to converge the coach’s wishes with the club’s governance policies. “History will not stop being written”, celebrated the club’s official profile on social media.
The red and black squad should perform again in the second half of January under the command of Filipe Luís, who is currently on vacation in Europe. The 2026 calendar starts intensely: In addition to competing in the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo’s first major challenge will be the Super Cup, where they will face Corinthians on January 24th in search of their first trophy of 2026. The game pits the Brasileirão champion against the winner of the Copa do Brasil face to face.
