Rossi in decline: Flamengo goalkeeper becomes target of criticism over long-range goals in 2026
The recent performance of goalkeeper Agustín Rossi has been one of the biggest concerns for Flamengo fans in 2026. The 2-1 defeat to Cruzeiro last Saturday highlighted a recurring weakness: goals conceded from long distance. This trend has fueled criticism toward the Argentine shot-stopper, whose heroics during the 2025 Copa Libertadores title run now feel like a distant memory.
Opponent strategy and concerning stats
The match against Cruzeiro was notable for the high volume of shots taken from outside the box (12) compared to those from inside (10). This statistic, reported by Gato Mestre at ge, reinforces the perception that opposing teams have been exploiting the goalkeeper’s vulnerability, sensing his difficulty in handling long-range efforts.
Throughout 2026, Rossi has already been beaten eight times by shots coming from outside the penalty area. While some were unsavable, such as Erick‘s (Vitória) stunning strike, others have raised questions regarding his positioning and reaction time. Shots from players like Gabriel (Bragantino) and Romero (Cruzeiro) were handled with difficulty, and in five of these instances, the goalkeeper was well-positioned between the posts.
Loss of status and the Andrew situation
In 2025, Rossi was a key player in the campaign for the club’s fourth Libertadores title, cementing his status as a hero among the fans. However, in 2026, his standing has diminished significantly. Errors in aerial challenges and a costly blunder against a strike from Mendoza (Athletico-PR) have deepened the lack of confidence. The goalkeeper himself has admitted to making mistakes in specific plays.
While Rossi faces the pressure, backup keeper Andrew, signed for R$ 34.7 million, has yet to receive significant playing time. Under head coach Leonardo Jardim, the goalkeeper has only played one match, highlighting a clear lack of confidence from the manager.
Decisive week and the classic against Botafogo
With the loss to Cruzeiro, Flamengo remains at 45 points and sees league leaders Palmeiras pull away with a six-point advantage. The team will have a free week to work on their recovery. Their next challenge is a classic match against Botafogo at the Maracanã this Sunday. The showdown will be crucial for the Rubro-Negro’s aspirations in the Brazilian Serie A title race.
