Young striker Josmar is expected to be called up to Flamengo’s first team for the first time for Sunday’s decisive derby against Botafogo.
Flamengo’s preparation for the derby against Botafogo, part of the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship, brings news that’s stirring things up at Ninho do Urubu. With the confirmed absence of Bruno Henrique, suspended after receiving his third yellow card against Cruzeiro, coach Leonardo Jardim is closely monitoring the development of youth academy gem, forward Josmar.
The 17-year-old, who has actively participated in first-team training sessions this week, emerges as a viable alternative to bolster the attacking sector. The player’s potential inclusion in the squad list marks an important moment in the youngster’s transition to professional football, as he is considered one of the coaching staff’s main prospects to fill specific absences.
Investment and Youth Academy Standout
Signed from Avaí at the start of the 2026 season for R$ 3.5 million, Josmar quickly proved his worth. The center-forward was a key player in the team’s runner-up campaign in the U-20 Libertadores, racking up impressive stats in the red-and-black jersey: 14 goals and one assist in 28 matches. His goal-scoring instinct caught the attention of the football department, which signed the prospect to a three-year deal.
Battle for a Bench Spot
To be on the bench for next Sunday’s match at 4 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, Josmar is in direct competition with Wallace Yan, who currently serves as Leonardo Jardim’s third attacking option. The final decision will depend on the tactical approach the coach wishes to implement against the Rio rival.
“The rise of talents developed or refined at the club is fundamental for maintaining squad competitiveness throughout a grueling schedule like that of Brazilian football,” highlighted the M360 Team.
Josmar’s potential debut in official matches for Flamengo symbolizes the constant renewal of the squad. As the Rubro-Negro seeks to bounce back in the Brazilian Serie A after the defeat to Cruzeiro, the presence of a new talent from the youth academy could inject new life into the attacking sector in one of the most traditional and anticipated matchups in national football.
