Flamengo Faces Scrutiny as Bap Demands Answers After Rocky Start to 2026 Season

Rio de Janeiro – Flamengo is navigating a challenging period at the beginning of the 2026 season, prompting internal scrutiny from newly elected president Luiz Eduardo Baptista, widely known as Bap. Despite a recent 3-0 victory against Madureira in the Campeonato Carioca , the club’s overall performance has raised concerns, leading to a series of meetings between key figures.

Bap’s Early Actions and Concerns

Luiz Eduardo Baptista, elected president until the end of 2027 with 1,731 votes , has quickly taken an active role in addressing the team’s struggles. Following Flamengo’s defeat in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana final against Lanús, Bap held meetings with both the entire squad and with head coach Filipe Luís and director José Boto .

While the meeting with the players focused on support and confidence in their ability to win the title, the discussion with Filipe Luís and José Boto took on a more demanding tone. Bap reportedly emphasized the need for improved results, particularly given the team’s early-season difficulties.

A Season of Challenges

Flamengo’s 2026 season has been marked by setbacks. The club was forced to bring its main team players back from vacation early due to a struggle against relegation after utilizing its under-20 team in the initial rounds of the Campeonato Carioca . They also finished as runners-up in the Supercopa do Brasil, losing to Corinthians 2-0.

Prior to the victory over Madureira, Flamengo had accumulated four defeats with its main team and nine losses overall in the previous season .

Regular Meetings and Future Outlook

Bap maintains regular weekly meetings with Filipe Luís and José Boto to discuss planning and organization for the season . The club is now focused on securing its place in the Campeonato Carioca final and reversing the result against Lanús in the second leg of the Recopa Sudamericana, scheduled for February 26th.