Inside the secret summit between Flamengo and Leverkusen | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen’s recent preseason stint in Rio de Janeiro included more than just training and friendlies. According to UOL, the German champions capped their visit with a lunch meeting alongside Flamengo’s board at the Jockey Club, discussing football’s evolving commercial realities and the unique political landscapes of the European and South American games.

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro characterized the exchange as both positive and instructive, noting the strengthened ties between the two clubs. “The relationship with Brazilian football has grown a lot stronger,” Carro told UOL, highlighting general manager Bap’s warm reception and the enduring connections with Brazilian Leverkusen alumni, including Paulo Sérgio, Jorginho, Zé Elias, and Renato Augusto. “It feels like a longstanding friendship is being reinforced—a win-win for German and Brazilian football, and certainly for Flamengo and Leverkusen.”

While the gathering had no specific transfer agenda, Carro explained that the main objective was to share experiences on a global football scale, focusing on best practices around club collaboration, revenue generation, and broadcast strategies. He detailed for his Flamengo counterparts how German clubs operate within an independent league, contrasting it with the setup in Brazil and other leagues. The conversation also touched on the birth of the Brasileirão and the scale of Brazil’s football market.

Carro noted that Flamengo, unlike many domestic rivals, is not carrying significant debt and has found success in building revenue streams. He also observed the club’s culture of mixed fan environments during derbies and the distinct challenges—and opportunities—faced by Brazilian football due to the country’s continental dimensions.

Looking toward global competitions, Carro offered his perspective on the timing and significance of the expanded Club World Cup. “The calendar is really difficult,” he said. “There are competitions running from August to May in some places, from March to December in others. Finding the ideal date for all continents is very challenging, but I think the competition is here to stay.” He confirmed Brazil’s intention to host the 2029 tournament.

On the pitch, Leverkusen’s U20s endured a heavy 5-1 loss in a friendly against Flamengo’s U20 team—an outcome Carro acknowledged with praise for his hosts’ youth setup. When asked whether Leverkusen would pursue any Brazilian prospects, he kept his cards close to his chest, remarking that it was “too early to say.”

Leverkusen’s off-field initiatives in Brazil continue, with plans to expand their presence through Portuguese-language social channels and academic partnerships in São Paulo. The club is also committed to supporting Jorginho’s football academy in the community where the former player was raised.

As both clubs build on their renewed relationship, Carro left the door open for further collaboration: “We’ll maintain the network with Flamengo. Good things emerged before and more will emerge going forward.”

(Source: UOL)

Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images