The best season of his career made Arrascaeta become the protagonist of Enea’s Brazilian Flamengo

The top scorer of the Red and Black team in the tournament and the season, the midfielder made the difference in the Brazilian League, especially by opening balanced matches with goals and assists. The most recent example was on Matchday 35, when he was responsible for the ball into the net that opened the scoring in a 3-0 win over Bragantino, but it has also happened several times throughout the season, against Palmeiras, Botafogo, Bahia and other top rivals.

In total, the Uruguayan has been on the scoresheet in 22 of the 32 matches he has been on the pitch (counting goals and assists) and trails only Caio Jorge, of Cruzeiro, in the fight for the Golden Boot – and it is worth noting that the opponent is a central striker.

This year, he has been involved in 41 goals – 23 conceded and 18 assists – which has already cemented the best year of his career, with a few games left to extend those marks. The number of goals is already a record, but in 2019 and 2022, for example, he managed one more assist (19).

Interestingly, these were the last two years in which the red and black team won the Copa Libertadores, a feat that was repeated last Saturday, in the final against Palmeiras. Incidentally, it was the number 10 who took the corner kick and Danilo headed it in the 1-0 win in Lima (Peru).

Arrascaeta’s ‘new game’ was designed in partnership with Filipe Luís and his coaching staff, who understood that he needed to play closer to the penalty box. In a turbulent 2025 for Pedro and other options in leading the attack, the goals ended up being up to the maestro.

— I build the team based on the best player, and I always try to provide all the facilities so that he has more time and space and is closer to the goal, where it is really different — Filipe Luis analysis.

In addition to circling the midfield and linking up with his teammates to put them in position to score, the Uruguayan has also become the player who presents himself to shoot, whether from outside the box, with a header or a simple touch.

At the age of 31, Arrascaeta has changed his playing style to compensate for his natural physical decline. He left the distrust behind him and, with the personal support of the club, reached the most productive season of his career: 61 matches.

The Uruguayan fulfilled the promise he made at the end of 2024, when he ended his year early after winning the Brazilian Cup last November, by undergoing an arthroscopy of his right knee. He and the club came to the conclusion that the procedure was necessary for him to stop suffering from physical problems, such as pubic pain, and avoid frequent absences – he played 43 matches last year.

— Its merit, its ridiculous quality. A unique player who never loses his ambition and wants more and more. He is a great leader, he says it every day with the way he acts within the group,” said coach Filipe Luis.

Arrascaeta’s role as a locker room leader has also come to the fore this year, especially in the process of renewing his contract. Negotiations between the player and his manager with the red and black board took months and went back and forth. But the Uruguayan showed patience while other issues with his teammates were dealt with as a priority, and proved on the pitch that he deserves trust – and a pay rise.

On November 8, the contract was officially extended until 2028, with the possibility of staying until 2029 if the goals are met. In other words, he could spend a decade wearing the red and black. No wonder he is the most successful player in the club’s history, along with Bruno Henrique, both of whom now have 17 official titles. If the player playing this year maintains his form, he can still reap a lot of fruit.