Samuel Leno, who scored the goal that secured Flamengo’s 1-0 win over Ceara and sealed the 2025 Brazilian Championship, was one of the most popular players at the Maracana on Wednesday night (3). While still on the field, he described the decisive performance as a “gift.”
“I was trying, and their team was very closed. I tried, I insisted, and after many attempts, the goal came. It shows how resilient I am, how I fight and fight. Not only in this match. But in my career. I got the title goal,” he said.
Leno was appointed in July, and was the most expensive acquisition in the club’s history – €22 million (R$143 million, at the time) was paid to Atletico Madrid. At first, he faced fluctuations and demands commensurate with the expectations he created, but he gained the trust of coach Filipe Luis. He started in the Libertadores final, the victory over Palmeiras, and now he is showing off another title.
The striker was unveiled in red and black, and celebrated his return to the club in new condition. He said, “I never imagined this scenario. I was a champion here in the U-20 team and I will come back to be a national champion and a champion in the Liberta Cup. It is a feeling of gratitude.”
This sentiment is shared by Arrascaeta, the hero of the campaign. The Uruguayan said, “It is difficult to explain how we feel. There are no words for our fans. I have been here for a while, and I almost became another fan. I try to do my job in the best way possible.”
With 18 goals and 14 assists in the Brazilian championship, Arascaeta highlighted the decline of the season and the strength of the team. He concluded his speech by saying: “We are in the last stage of the year, and our legs are starting to take a toll, especially with the celebrations. But we have to celebrate with the fans, with our family.”