Matheus Gonçalves bids farewell after Flamengo’s world title win | OneFootball

Matheus Gonçalves said it was his last achievement in the U-20 category

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPIONS! Flamengo won the U-20 World Cup title for the second consecutive year. This Saturday (23), the Most Beloved drew 2-2 with Barcelona (ESP) in regular time and lifted the trophy after penalties. After the trophy ceremony, Matheus Gonçalves gave an interview in a farewell tone. Not from the club, but from the U-20 category.

— It’s a special feeling, right? Like I said last year, we all grew up together, we’ve all been together since we were little, so it’s just so much happiness, it has a special taste because it’s with them, right? In my last year in the U-20, it’s my last title with the U-20 — began Matheus Gonçalves.

— We’re grateful for the match, grateful for the blessed night, because (goalkeeper) Léo (Nannetti) was inspired, so for sure, this victory has to have Léo. But everyone deserves congratulations, (coach) Bruno (Pivetti) as well, for the work he’s been doing with us in the U-20. Very grateful. We’re champions twice, right? So, extremely happy, grateful to God for everything — he added.

DID MATHEUS GONÇALVES ALMOST BECOME THE VILLAIN?

Flamengo opened the scoring just ten minutes in with Lorran. However, Barcelona managed to turn the game around in the second half. One of the goals, in fact, happened at 49 minutes into the second half. Nevertheless, at 50’, Iago, with a header, took the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Matheus Gonçalves was responsible for the fifth kick, the one that would secure the trophy. However, the number 10 was ‘saved’ by Léo Nannetti, who stopped two shots. Moreover, during regular time, the goalkeeper simply shut down the goal, preventing Barcelona from winning the title.

WHO IS THE BIGGEST U-20 WORLD CHAMPION?

With the second world title, Flamengo became the most successful club in the tournament’s history in this category. The competition, now in its fourth edition, also features Benfica (POR) and Boca Juniors (ARG). To compete for a third title in 2026, Mengão needs to win the Libertadores in the category next year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.