Flamengo striker Wallace Yan has been going through a season of fluctuations, seeking to consolidate his position and the confidence of coach Leonardo Jardim. In statements made on Wednesday, July 9, 2026, after scoring one of the goals in the victory against Lausanne, from Switzerland, the player took the opportunity to look back on his recent controversies and his maturation process within the club.
Over the past year, the athlete was involved in notable incidents, including a quick expulsion in just 10 minutes of the game against Bahia and exchanges of barbs with Atlético-MG players, such as Hulk, Lyanco and Everson. In May, he was excluded from the squad list for the game against Independiente Medellín due to a technical decision by commander Jardim, indicating a period of instability.
“Recent events were fundamental to my maturation”, declared Wallace Yan. “It’s common for a professional player to face situations that force him to have a reality check. I learned a lot from everything that happened and I’m moving on. I’m a young man who always takes to the field with the determination to win. It’s clear that sometimes we face adverse results, but my will remains unshakable.”
He added, explaining that “the maturation process allowed me to understand the dimension of the person I am. Although there were rumors about a possible transfer, my mind was entirely focused on Flamengo. It’s the club that I love and that placed their trust in my work. I didn’t let myself be shaken by these speculations, I allowed my agents to take care of it and I kept my total focus on the club.”
Even with Flamengo currently prioritizing the signing of a midfielder and a winger, the team is also evaluating the arrival of a center forward in the next transfer window. Wallace Yan addressed the competition in the squad and recognized himself as a potential replacement for Pedro on the front line of the red-and-black attack, one of the team’s most coveted roles.
“Yes, I see myself in that position,” said the player. “I have the potential to do this, but it is essential to respect Pedro. In the moments when he is playing, I need to be patient. However, when the opportunity arises, I will be ready to respond. My motivation is total. Being a young athlete, I need to respect both Pedro and Bruno Henrique, who also has the ability to play in my position. I will continue working and, if the opportunity arises, I will be focused and well prepared.”
Wallace Yan details the importance of a goal and his relationship with the coaching staff
The meaning of the goal scored against Lausanne
“This goal is significant for me, it represents a milestone I achieved wearing this shirt,” he explained. “At just 21 years old, this is extremely gratifying. Furthermore, it demonstrates the confidence of Léo Jardim, the technical committee and the entire Flamengo staff in my work. I will continue dedicating myself to achieving many more achievements with this team.”
Relationship with the technical committee and Leonardo Jardim’s methodology
“My conversations with Léo Jardim are always very direct. He guides me on what I need to do on the field, and from then on, the responsibility is mine. I need to arrive and demonstrate my value, showing that he can really count on me. I will continue to strive to win more chances and experience the joy I felt recently”, commented Wallace Yan.
Support and coexistence with other young people from the red-black base
“I’m a young man like the others who are coming up,” said Wallace Yan. “I always try to support them when they arrive. Lorran and I, for example, came together from the base and we have a rapport that shows even when celebrating a goal with our dance.”
