In 2023, Fluminense claimed their first Copa Libertadores title by defeating Boca Juniors 2-1 in extra time at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracaná stadium. This victory awarded them a $21 million prize and ensured their spot in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, promising at least an additional $3 million for the next season’s campaign.
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The financial gains are complemented by the impending transfers of key players André to the Premier League for over $30 million and Nino to Nottingham Forest. These moves highlight the club’s talent development success.
Fernando Diniz, Fluminense’s manager, celebrated this victory before quickly focusing on national team duties, with the the call-up of young talent Endrick, the youngest Brazilian call-up since Ronaldo Nazario.
A AMÉRICA É TRICOLOR! O FLUMINENSE FOOTBALL CLUB É CAMPEÃO DA CONMEBOL LIBERTADORES 2023! 🏆🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/0h1p61JlY0
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) November 4, 2023
The match saw Germán Cano and young substitute John Kennedy scoring for Fluminense, with Kennedy’s decisive goal coming after his earlier risky celebration earned him a red card.
Despite this, Boca’s Frank Fabra also received a red card, nullifying their advantage.
For Boca Juniors, this defeat added to a disappointing season, contrasting sharply with Fluminense’s triumph, which signified the growing dominance of Brazilian teams in South American football.
Fluminense’s 2023 Copa Libertadores win was not just a big moment for the club but proved how the balance of power changed in football across the continent.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
