Neymar, number 10 of the Santos, expressed support for the Flamengo after winning the four-time Copa Libertadores championship. The reaction occurred in an official competition publication about Filipe Luís, the red-and-black coach who lifted the cup for the first time as a professional coach. The decisive game took place at Estádio Monumental U, at Lima, at Peru, last Saturday night local time.
Flamengo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 in the final, becoming the first Brazilian club to achieve four titles in the history of the South American tournament. Filipe Luís, 40 years old, celebrated alongside his family on the lawn, in an image that went viral and received four applause emojis from Neymar. Essa simple interaction generated more than 700 responses from fans and exceeded 25 thousand likes on the post.
The victory marked the culmination of an upward trajectory for Filipe Luís at Flamengo. Assumiu the position at the end of September 2024 and has already accumulated four continental and national trophies.
- Title of Copa of Brasil in 2024, against Atlético-MG.
- Brasil Supercup at the beginning of 2025, over Botafogo.
- 2025 Carioca Championship.
- Libertadores 2025, the most prestigious to date.
These achievements position Flamengo as a powerhouse in Brazilian football.
Filipe Luís consolidates legacy in the red-black command
Filipe Luís made history by winning the Libertadores as a player, in 2019 with the Flamengo, and now as a coach. The final in Lima repeated the scenario from six years ago, but with a role reversal: he led the team from the bench.
The solitary goal came from Bruno Henrique, 25 minutes into the second half, after a collective play. Palmeiras pressed, but the red and black defense held the result. The match attracted 70 thousand spectators to the Peruvian stadium.
The coach turned down European offers to focus on the project at Rio of Janeiro. Seu style of play, influenced by passages in Atlético of Madrid, prioritizes possession of the ball and quick transitions.
Trajectory of achievements accelerates with new coach
Flamengo experienced turbulence in 2024 before the arrival of Filipe Luís. Lesões affected the squad, and early eliminations marked the year under previous commands.
Since October 2024, the team has played almost 90 matches, with a win rate above 70%. Copa from Brasil came in November 2024, qualifying in the semifinal against Corinthians.
Supercopa followed in February 2025, at Brasília. Carioca crowned the month of March, with a final against Fluminense.
In Brasileirão 2025, Flamengo leads comfortably, needing a victory for the title. Filipe Luís manages the group’s physical stress.
Neymar’s reaction awakens fans’ fantasies
Neymar, raised in the Santos youth teams, has always demonstrated an affinity with Rio football. Sua interaction on Libertadores’s post was surprising due to its discretion, unlike in 2019, when he effusively celebrated the red-and-black title.
The post showed Filipe Luís with the cup and family, with the caption “Always in the family”. Neymar’s applause emojis were interpreted as a sign of respect for Atlético’s former teammate Madrid.
Fans filled the comments with messages like “Come to Mengão” and memes about a possible signing. The post accumulated record engagement for the Conmebol profile.
This mobilization reflects the charisma of Neymar, even injured and recovering in Santos.
The repercussion reached international outlets, which highlighted the bridge between generations of Brazilian football. Analistas see the reaction as a reminder of the attacker’s influence off the field.
Context of the final in Lima reinforces historical importance
Lima hosted the unique final of Libertadores for the second time in seven years, Conmebol’s choice for neutrality in Brazilian duels. The Monumental U, with a capacity for 80 thousand, sold out tickets days before.
Flamengo dominated possession in 58%, with 15 shots. Palmeiras, trained by Abel Ferreira, bet on counterattacks, but made mistakes in precision.
Filipe Luís adjusted the lineup with Samuel Lino on the side, ensuring balance. The second half saw Flamengo retreat and exploit the opponent’s mistakes.
The title brings the club to 12 continental trophies in total, surpassing rivals such as São Paulo and Santos.
Impact of victory on red-black planning
With the Libertadores in its pocket, the Flamengo targets the Mundial of Clubes in December 2025, at the Estados Unidos. The draw places the team in the group with Europeans as Real Madrid.
Filipe Luís discusses contract renewal, with a clause for the Pro license course at Uefa. The club offers stability for another two years.
Players like Pedro, injured in the final, accelerate returns. Bruno Henrique, scorer of the goal, renewed until 2027.
The cast mixes young people like Lorran with veterans, under the supervision of José Boto, football director.
Legacy of Filipe Luís as two-time continental champion
Filipe Luís joins Renato Gaúcho as the only Brazilians to beat Libertadores on the field and on the bench. Seu first title as coach came after 55 days of employment.
Career transition included refusing to Seleção Brasileira as coordinator. No Flamengo, he prioritized the under-20s before making the jump to the professional ranks.
The tactical style emphasizes intensity, with an average of 65% possession in the finals played. Críticas initials gave way to unanimous praise.
After the game, he dedicated the trophy to his family and fans, present en masse at Peru.
