Flamengo legends return to witness dramatic Libertadores escape | OneFootball

The Maracanã was the gathering point for a host of Flamengo alumni as the club took on Deportivo Táchira in a decisive Copa Libertadores clash. Among those in attendance were João Gomes of Wolves, West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá, and Real Madrid star Vini Jr. All three, developed through Flamengo’s youth ranks, returned to the stadium to witness a crucial night for their formative club.

João Gomes, currently plying his trade in the Premier League, watched from the bustling Setor Norte, surrounded by Flamengo’s most fervent supporters. He had announced his plans to be at the game earlier that day, embracing the opportunity to reconnect with the fan base. Paquetá and Vini Jr. were also in the stands, opting for the comfort of the Maracanã’s boxes—a reminder of the diverse paths Flamengo’s academy products take across European football.

They weren’t alone. Rodinei, now at Olympiacos, and Alexsandro Ribeiro, who features for Lille and the Brazilian national team, joined the tribute. Their presence underlined Flamengo’s growing reputation for cultivating talent that impacts top European leagues and the Selecão alike.

The match on the pitch was a tense affair. Flamengo struggled for much of the evening to break down an organized Táchira side, but ultimately secured a 1-0 win, ensuring their advance to the knockout rounds. Léo Pereira was the hero, scoring in the second half after relentless pressure and repeated efforts were met by a stubborn Venezuelan defense and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Jesús Camargo.

While the immediate focus was group stage survival, the sight of so many former Flamengo players returning to Maracanã served as a reminder of the club’s development conveyor belt. Gomes, Paquetá, and Vini Jr.—now scattered across England and Spain—have all translated local promise into international exposure, with each making significant contributions for club and country.

For Flamengo supporters, their return is more than nostalgia. It’s a demonstration of the club’s enduring role in shaping the careers of some of Brazil’s finest exports, while also reinforcing the communal ties between players and fans long after they leave. The next generation in red and black will have taken note, hopeful to one day follow the same path that brought some of football’s brightest back home, if only for a night.

Source: Lance