Leila Pereira offers solidarity with Renata Mendonça after misogynistic attack by BAP, president of Flamengo

The president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira, expressed solidarity with journalist Renata Mendonça this Wednesday (24). The statement came after Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as BAP and president of Flamengo, made comments considered sexist during a presentation of the red-black club’s financial results on Gávea, on Rio of Renata Mendonça, commentator on TV Globo specializing in women’s football, had previously criticized the structure offered by Flamengo to the sport’s athletes.

Leila used her social networks to express support for the professional. Ela highlighted Renata’s competence and criticized BAP’s conduct, emphasizing that directors of big clubs must demonstrate exemplary behavior. The episode reignites debates about machismo in Brazilian football, especially in a context of rivalry between Palmeiras and Flamengo.

The controversy involves exchanges of barbs between leaders throughout 2025, including disagreements over the Liga of the Futebol Brasileiro (Libra). BAP did not directly mention the journalist’s name, but the reference was associated with her by internet users and professionals in the field.

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A post shared by Leila Pereira (@leilapereira)

BAP declaration during event

Luiz Eduardo Baptista made the comments when defending investments in women’s football at Flamengo. Ele mentioned a journalist from Globo who criticized the club, using terms such as “nose” and “daughter”, in response to complaints about precarious structural conditions.

The presentation took place on Tuesday (23), when Flamengo announced record revenue exceeding R$2 billion in 2025. Apesar from the positive financial focus, the speech about the journalist diverted attention to gender issues in sport. The red-and-black club won important titles this year, but faces recurring criticism regarding its support for the women’s sport.

Immediate repercussion in the press

Grupo Globo issued an official statement repudiating the attack as gratuitous and misogynistic. The broadcaster reinforced respect for women and professional critical journalism.

Journalists such as André Rizek, Paulo Vinícius Coelho (PVC) and Gustavo Villani expressed public support for Renata Mendonça. Eles classified the statement as inelegant and inappropriate for a high-level leader. The portal Dibradoras, co-founded by Renata, also took a stance against the speech, calling it offensive and unacceptable.

These reactions highlight the growing sensitivity to equality issues in Brazilian football. Profissionais emphasized the importance of reasoned criticism of investments in women’s sports.

Positioning of Leila Pereira

Leila Pereira began her post by offering direct solidarity to the journalist. Ela lamented persistent sexist episodes in football and advocated for women to occupy spaces as they wish.

The president of Palmeiras argued that men still despise women’s work in the sports field. Sua demonstration reinforces struggles for greater inclusion and respect in the sector. Throughout the year, Leila exchanged controversial statements with BAP, mainly regarding Libra’s negotiations.

This answer gains relevance as it comes from one of the few women in presidential positions at large clubs. Leila has accumulated significant achievements ahead of Palmeiras since 2021.

Context of women’s football in Flamengo

Renata Mendonça reported structural problems in the Flamengo women’s team in previous reports. Ela highlighted inadequate locker rooms and lack of privacy for the athletes.

The red-and-black club invests in the sport, but faces comparisons with the men’s squad in terms of infrastructure. Críticas point out discrepancies despite Flamengo’s high revenue. The sport grows in the Brasil, with an increase in audience and sponsorship, although it is still far from men’s football.

• Main criticisms of Flamengo include showers in poor condition and shared spaces.
• The club maintains a competitive team, but the structure receives recurring questions.
• Investments in broadcasting rights are debated as a solution for equity.

Rivalry between managers

Leila Pereira and BAP maintained public clashes in 2025.

Flamengo obtained injunctions affecting financial distributions, generating dissatisfaction in other clubs. Leila defended collective interests without actions that harm opponents. Essas changes reflect tensions in the management of current Brazilian football.

BAP highlighted record revenues during its management, with achievements such as Brasileirão and Libertadores. Leila, in turn, consolidated Palmeiras as a financial and sporting power.

Debates about machismo in sport

Episodes like this expose structural machismo in Brazilian football. Dirigentes and players face similar allegations in recent cases involving women in the industry.

The female presence is growing in journalism and management, but resists resistance. Entidades defend strict punishments to curb discrimination. The case reinforces the need for exemplary conduct in leadership positions.

Renata Mendonça has an established career, with stints at ESPN, BBC and Folha in S.Paulo. Ela co-founded Dibradoras to raise awareness of women’s sports since 2015.

Reactions from other professionals

Colleagues of Renata reinforced their support on social media. PVC highlighted that professionals deserve to be addressed by name, regardless of position.

Everaldo Marques and Elton Serra also criticized BAP’s stance. Manifestações collective shows solidarity in the sports journalism world. The episode gained widespread repercussion on portals and networks.

Perspectives for Brazilian football

Cases of misogyny generate discussions about training leaders. Clubes influence behavior in national sport.

The women’s sport receives more attention with international and national competitions. Investimentos grow, but structural equity remains a challenge. Declarações like this drive debates about effective inclusion.

Flamengo plans actions for 2026, maintaining a focus on competitiveness. Palmeiras follows a victorious path under Leila Pereira.