Former full-back Léo Moura opened up about the frustration of not winning the Libertadores with Flamengo, contrasting his experience with the club’s current winning streak.
During an event hosted by Conmebol this Friday (18), former player Léo Moura looked back on his ten-year journey with Flamengo. Among the topics discussed, the former Red-and-Black idol expressed a specific regret: the absence of a Copa Libertadores title on his resume while wearing the jersey of the club he loves.
The full-back, who played for the Gávea side between 2007 and 2014, admitted that chasing the continental trophy was a constant goal. However, success in the South American competition only came toward the end of his career, while wearing the colors of Grêmio in 2017.
A difference in status
Léo Moura‘s statement highlights the evolution of the Rubro-Negro on the international stage. While the former athlete experienced a period of difficulty in advancing to the final stages of the tournament, the club is currently going through a golden era, having accumulated three Libertadores titles in the last seven editions.
Currently, the squad led by the coaching staff remains firmly in the hunt for a fifth title in 2026. The team is preparing for the decisive semi-final clashes against Estudiantes (ARG), cementing the weight and status the club has gained on the continent.
Strained relationship with the fans
Léo Moura‘s time at the Rio-based club was also marked by moments of tension with the stands. After his departure, the relationship deteriorated further due to negotiations linked to rival club Vasco da Gama and, above all, controversial statements.
Upon winning the Libertadores with the Porto Alegre side, the player used the expression “cheira título” (it smells like a title). The phrase was interpreted by Flamengo fans as a direct provocation regarding the team’s long drought in the continental competition.
“Lifting the continental tournament trophy is an inexplicable feeling, and although I pursued that achievement during my time with the Rubro-Negro, I was unsuccessful,” the former full-back recalled.
Léo Moura‘s words highlight the contrast between Flamengo‘s past of instability and its current hegemony. For the fans, the focus is now strictly on the duel against the Argentines from Estudiantes, in the hope of bringing another trophy to the club’s cabinet.
