Defender reveals routine with private physiotherapist and ‘provocations’ to increase momentum that resulted in Libertadores title goal
December 8
2025
– 11:24 p.m.
(updated at 11:24 p.m.)
Danilo’s precise header against Palmeiras, which secured Flamengo’s fourth Libertadores title, was the result of much more than just natural talent. This historic decision, which placed the defender in the privileged gallery of red and black heroes alongside Zico and Gabigol, was born from an obsessive preparation routine outside the club. The player maintains personalized performance management work focused precisely on his dynamism. After the final, he revealed that he performed jumping tests after every match, motivated by constant challenges from his private physiotherapist.
“He encourages me: ‘I doubt you’ll increase your height’. And I go out there and hit my head on the ceiling,” the defender told ESPN.
The person responsible for this preparation is Adriano Tambosi, professional at Volt Sports Science. The methodology focuses on the overall health and performance of elite athletes, always aligning activities with Flamengo’s medical department. The work takes place daily in the private gym set up at the defender’s home. Show jumping sessions, for example, usually take place two days after the matches. These tests measure fatigue and the impact of the match on the athlete’s strength and power indices. The team cross-references this data with monitoring of sleep, hydration and questionnaires on stress and body pain.
Danilo’s competitiveness improves results
Tambosi explains that Danilo’s competitiveness generates results. The physiotherapist confirmed that he uses “provocations” to stimulate the athlete, who does not admit to decreasing his numbers from one week to the next, even with the accumulated wear and tear. The training also includes exercises for acceleration, deceleration and explosive movements. In addition to the physical part, management integrates nutrition and psychology. In this way, Tambosi collects data and consults with doctors and psychologists to develop the best plan of action, ensuring that the player reaches his maximum potential.
The mental aspect has in fact played a fundamental role in the athlete’s recent recovery. About four months ago, when Danilo was returning from injury, the coach wrote a phrase on the gym board: “stay focused and be ready when the opportunity knocks.”
This agreement dictated the pace of the training. The duo pledged that the defender would be ready for the decisive sequence as soon as the position became vacant. The opportunity presented itself in the continental final and Danilo responded with the jump that won America.
Follow our content on social media: Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.