Copa do Brasil

Lore & Background

The history of Flamengo in the Copa do Brasil begins with a breakthrough that signaled a new era. This victory was symbolic, proving that the club could conquer the nation beyond the Maracanã. The early 21st century brought fierce rivalries and further triumphs. After a final appearance in 2005 where they fell short against Vasco da Gama, the club returned to the summit in 2007 to reclaim glory. The journey continued with another runner-up finish in 2013 (where Cruzeiro and Goiás contested the final) before Flamengo secured titles in 2020 and 2022. While they have secured five titles, they currently share the record for most championships with Cruzeiro. Each victory added layers to the club's mythos, turning the Copa do Brasil into a recurring stage for Flamengo's national supremacy.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Maracanã was thick with humidity and anticipation, the stands a sea of red and black waving flags that seemed to ripple like blood in the wind. It was the second leg of a final, the scoreline hanging precariously in the balance. The roar of the crowd was not just noise; it was a physical force, pressing against the players' chests as they stepped onto the pitch. In the dying moments of regulation or the decisive penalty shootout, time seemed to suspend itself. The net rippled, the stadium erupted into a cacophony of pure ecstasy, and history was written in red and black once again. It was not just a goal; it was the culmination of decades of struggle, a moment where the nation bowed to the kings of Rio.

Reader's Guide

Flamengo's record in the Copa do Brasil is unmatched, standing as the most decorated club in the competition's history with five titles secured through eras of tactical evolution and individual brilliance. From Zico's magic to the modern era's collective strength, no team has navigated the knockout stages with such consistency or claimed the trophy with greater frequency.

Did You Know?

• Flamengo is currently tied with Cruzeiro for the record of most Copa do Brasil titles (5 each).
• The 1990 final victory was won under manager Carlos Alberto Silva, as Zico had left for Japan prior to the campaign.
• Flamengo has been runners-up four times: in 1997, 2005, 2013 (incorrectly attributed to a win over Atlético Mineiro in previous records), and other years depending on the specific final contested.

Early Life and Youth Journey

Wesley Vinícius França Lima entered the world in São Luís, Maranhão, on September 6, 2003, though his footballing journey began shortly after relocating to Florianópolis at age two. His early path involved local sides Clube Avante and ASCD Triunfo before facing significant hurdles; he was rejected during several trials while only ten years old. A turning point arrived in 2016 when he impressed scouts at a Real Madrid summer camp held in Floranópolis. This exposure led him to join Figueirense’s youth categories at fifteen, but the arrangement lasted merely five months before the club shut down its youth infrastructure. Consequently, Wesley transferred to Atlético Tubarão. There, he progressed from the under-17 squad to his senior debut on January 13, 2021, appearing in a Copa Santa Catarina match against Joinville. Although eliminated in the group stage after five appearances, this period laid the groundwork for his professional ascent beyond state competitions.

Rise at Flamengo

In April 2021, Wesley moved to Flamengo, initially joining their youth system before breaking into the first team. He made his Série A debut on December 9, starting in a defeat against Atlético Goianiense. However, he soon established himself as a key figure under head coach Jorge Sampaoli, surpassing Guillermo Varela in the defensive hierarchy.

International Career

Wesley’s national team journey commenced in March 2025 when coach Dorival Júnior selected him for World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. He earned his full international debut on March 20, coming off the bench to replace Vanderson in a win over Colombia at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha. By May 2026, Carlo Ancelotti included him in the 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup. Had he played, Wesley would have made history as the first player from Maranhão to represent Brazil in a World Cup tournament. Unfortunately, his participation ended prematurely after sustaining an injury during a pre-tournament friendly match against Egypt. Despite this setback, his inclusion highlighted his rapid rise on the global stage within just two years of senior international call-ups, marking him as a significant talent for the Seleção’s future defensive line.

European Move and Honours

Following his successful stint in Brazil, Wesley signed a five-year contract with Italian Serie A club Roma on July 28, 2025. He made an immediate impact on the European stage, scoring on his competitive debut during matchday one against Bologna in a narrow victory. Transitioning to Italy represents the next chapter in a career defined by resilience, having overcome early rejections to become a decorated defender capable of competing at the highest continental levels across South America and Europe.