After complaining about the refereeing, Textor celebrates the title of Libertadores de Rio: “The New Capital of Football”

After a complaint from the referee after Flamengo player Pulgar was not sent off in yesterday’s final match against Palmeiras, American businessman John Textor celebrated the last four Libertadores titles won by Rio teams. The owner of the Botafogo club stated on social media that Rio de Janeiro is the football capital of South America.

In the last four editions of the Libertadores, all Rio teams won: Flamengo 2022 and 2025, Fluminense 2023, and Botafogo 2024.

“Let the world know… Rio de Janeiro is the new soccer capital of South America,” John Textor wrote with a photo of the teams holding the Copa Libertadores.

Textor celebrates the achievements of the Rio teams in the Libertadores – Image: Reproduction

Yesterday, John Textor watched the final between Flamengo and Palmeiras and took the opportunity to beat his rival in Rio after midfielder Pulgar made a strong tackle on defender Bruno Fuchs and was not sent off. The American businessman was sarcastic about the arbitration decision.

“No red card? Looks like the football gods are rooting for Flamengo,” he wrote in an Instagram story that was soon deleted. He then reposted it on his Instagram page.

In the movement that occurred in the initial phase, the midfielder hit the opponent’s leg with his cleats. The match was stopped for several minutes, but the match referee merely announced the yellow card.