Our guide to all 32 clubs participating at the FIFA Club World Cup continues.
You can check out the full list so far here.
Today we’re looking at…Flamengo.
How did they qualify for the Club World Cup?
📸 RODRIGO BUENDIA – AFP or licensors
Flamengo qualified for the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup through their performance in the Copa Libertadores. Specifically, they earned a spot by winning the 2022 Copa Libertadores, defeating Athletico Paranaense 1–0 in the final.
History at the Club World Cup
📸 Bruna Prado – 2019 Getty Images
Flamengo have competed in the Club World Cup twice before. In 2019, they reached the final after defeating Al Hilal in the semifinals but lost 1–0 in extra time to Liverpool. In 2022, they returned but finished third, having lost the semifinal to Al Hilal in a surprise upset before beating Al Ahly for third place.
Flamengo also won the Intercontinental Cup in 1981, defeating Liverpool 3–0, which is seen as a spiritual predecessor to the modern Club World Cup.
How did they perform in the 2024/25 season?
It’s been a successful year for the Rio outfit with Filipe Luis’s men having won the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca. Flamengo are also through to the last 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
Who is the coach?
Former Flamengo defender Filipe Luis has been the club’s head coach since 2024. The 39-year-old has been handed his first senior management role having already managed the club’s under-17 and under-20 teams.
Who is their star player?
Flamengo boast several high-profile players, but their standout star is Gabriel Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol. A prolific striker and fan favourite, Gabigol has been instrumental in Flamengo’s successes since 2019.
Expected performance at the Club World Cup
Expectations for Flamengo at the 2025 Club World Cup are cautiously optimistic and they are considered strong contenders among the South American teams.
However, facing top European clubs and elite teams from other confederations in a 32-team format will be a greater challenge than in past editions. Reaching the quarter-finals or semi-finals would be seen as a success.
📸 DOUGLAS MAGNO – AFP or licensors
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