Three Flamengo stars named among Club World Cup’s worst | OneFootball

Flamengo’s disappointing campaign at the Club World Cup has drawn a pointed response from local commentators, as three of its players—Erick Pulgar, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Wesley—were named among the worst performers of the competition’s round of 16, according to Lance. In assessments compiled by Globo’s “ge” team, the trio joined Botafogo’s Savarino on a shortlist that underlined the struggles of Brazilian clubs knocked out early.

The criticism came in the wake of Flamengo’s 4-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, which ended their hopes of advancing and sent the squad back to Rio de Janeiro for an unplanned early offseason. Pulgar endured an especially tough outing, highlighted by the own goal that set Bayern in motion. The midfield, already under scrutiny following Gerson’s recent transfer, was further exposed as Harry Kane and Leon Goretzka found the net repeatedly, exploiting lapses throughout the match.

Arrascaeta, typically a creative fulcrum for Flamengo, was singled out for not imposing himself on proceedings, while Wesley struggled to cope with Bayern’s pace and movement down his flank. Both, alongside Pulgar, were identified by “ge” panelists as failing to meet the challenge posed by the German side’s intensity and technical quality.

This scrutiny is part of a broader wave of reflection among Flamengo supporters and the Brazilian press regarding tactical choices and the club’s trajectory following back-to-back disappointments on the continental and world stages. Some players, as Lance notes, have already returned to Brazil and begun their offseason, while team leadership faces questions about roster depth and summer transfer plans.

The inclusion of multiple Flamengo players in this unwanted selection comes at a time when domestic rivals Palmeiras and Fluminense continue to represent Brazil in the tournament, heightening the sense of urgency within the Flamengo camp. As the club shifts its focus back to the national calendar, the assessment from national media highlights the need for improvement across personnel and organizational levels.

(Sources: Lance, Globo)

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