In an interview, Léo Ortiz details behind-the-scenes events and the honorable decision to yield his spot in the 2025 Libertadores final to Danilo.
Flamengo’s 2025 Libertadores conquest still holds significant behind-the-scenes details. In an interview with Equipe M360, defender Léo Ortiz revealed the personal sacrifice he faced during the victorious campaign and his altruistic stance in giving up his starting position for the grand final.
The defender suffered an ankle injury during the semifinal against Racing-ARG. Despite not being in ideal condition, the player opted to play through the pain in the match against Palmeiras, in the Brazilian Serie A, using medication to endure the pain and ensure the Rubro-Negro secured qualification for the continental final.
Honesty with Filipe Luís
After the effort in the national tournament, the injury worsened, leaving Léo Ortiz in a physical dilemma before the decisive clash. Demonstrating professionalism, the athlete revealed he spoke openly with coach Filipe Luís about his real physical condition.
“I told him: ‘Filipe, it’s a Libertadores final, I want to play. But I don’t want you to feel obligated to pick me. Play whoever is in better physical shape, because what matters to me is Flamengo winning.’ Danilo was ready for the moment. He made the right decision,” declared the number 3.
Pressure and Adaptation to Flamengo
Beyond the episodes of physical overcoming, the defender highlighted the reality check of wearing the sacred jersey. For Léo Ortiz, the magnitude of the Rio de Janeiro club is immeasurable, surpassing any previous experience in his career, such as his years as captain at Red Bull Bragantino.
The defender admitted that the pressure at Flamengo is constant and that public recognition is immediate everywhere. Despite the pressure, he emphasized that playing for the Gávea club is the highest point an athlete can aim for in South American football.
Focus on the Next Match
Fully integrated and recovered, Léo Ortiz is now looking ahead to the challenges of the remainder of the season. The defender is a confirmed option for the coach in Flamengo‘s next match.
The team returns to the field this Sunday (06), at 4 PM, to face Remo at the Mangueirão stadium, in Belém. The expectation is that the squad will continue maintaining its strong rhythm for the competitions that Mais Querido still has ahead in the 2026 calendar.
