Diego Ribas on Thiago Almada and Arrascaeta: “Arrascaeta is the Star”
Former Flamengo midfielder Diego Ribas spoke about the potential signing of Argentine Thiago Almada for the club. While approving of the player from Atlético de Madrid (ESP), Diego emphasized that the number 10 position at Mais Querido is in excellent hands with Uruguayan Arrascaeta.
Diego Ribas stated in an interview with Jornal dos Sports, during the Neymar Jr. Institute’s Charity Auction:
In terms of the number 10 role, we are very well served with Arrascaeta, who is a star. Regarding Almada, good players are always welcome in a squad like Flamengo’s. He is an excellent player.
Diego Ribas, a club idol and multiple champion with Flamengo, played for the club from 2016 to 2022, a period during which he established himself as a leader and won important titles, including two Copa Libertadores, two Brazilian Serie A titles, and one Copa do Brasil.
Despite Diego‘s praise, Flamengo‘s board faces challenges in negotiating for Thiago Almada. There is competition from River Plate (ARG), and the player is awaiting offers from European football. The transfer fee with Atlético de Madrid is reportedly around 20 million euros (R$ 119 million).
While Almada‘s situation is ongoing, Arrascaeta experienced a dip in form in 2026. After being named King of America in 2025, the Uruguayan struggled with performance declines, injuries, and Uruguay’s early elimination from the World Cup.
Flamengo is now focusing on the Brazilian Serie A. The team’s next match will be on Sunday (09), against Vitória, at the Maracanã stadium, at 7:30 PM.
