Former Juventus defender Danilo netted a second-half goal, leading Flamengo to a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday.
Having previously played for Real Madrid and Manchester City, Danilo scored with a header in the 67th minute.
This marks Flamengo’s fourth Copa Libertadores title, with their previous victories in 1981, 2019, and 2022.
Flamengo’s coach, Filipe Luis, a two-time Libertadores winner as a player, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I told the players that this would be the best Libertadores final, and we needed to be part of it. The quality of our opponents makes our effort and victory even more rewarding.”
With Brazil’s 25 titles, they are now tied with Argentina for the most wins in the tournament’s history.
Flamengo earned $24 million for their triumph and has secured a spot in the 2029 Club World Cup, along with a future match against Lanus, who claimed the Copa Sudamericana last week. The runners-up will receive $7 million.
Brazilian teams have dominated the Copa Libertadores in recent years, winning for seven consecutive years, while River Plate was the last non-Brazilian team to secure the title in 2018 against Boca Juniors.
Fan Take: This victory underscores Flamengo’s dominance in South American soccer, reinforcing Brazil’s stronghold in the Copa Libertadores. For soccer fans, this not only elevates club pride but also intensifies the rivalry with Argentine teams, promising exciting future clashes.
