A former full-back, he was the second Brazilian to win the Libertadores as a player and coach; In just over a year, the coach stacked up the Copa do Brasil, Supercopa, Carioca and, now, the continental tournament
Filipe Luís crowned a meteoric rise in command of Flamengo by winning the 2025 Libertadores and repeating a very rare feat on the continent: becoming champion of the competition as a player and as a coach. Among Brazilians, only Renato Gaúcho had reached this mark. Now, the former full-back definitely joins the select group of coaches who transformed their career, legacy and club identity into a successful trajectory on the sidelines of the pitch.
The title consolidates the Santa Catarina native as one of the most important names in Flamengo’s recent history. After lifting two Libertadores as an athlete (2019 and 2022), Filipe took over the main team in September 2024, after a series of changes in technical command, and quickly put the team back on the path to achievement. In just over a year, he stacked up the Copa do Brasil, Supercopa, Carioca and, now, the Libertadores — in addition to fighting for the Brasileirão.
This year’s winning campaign reinforces the idea that Flamengo was right to bet on those who knew the club inside out. Before reaching the professional ranks, the current red-and-black commander had successful spells in the under-17 and under-20 ranks, where he was Rio and Intercontinental champion in the category. The groundwork, combined with the influence of coaches such as Jorge Jesus and Diego Simeone, shaped a firm management style, obsessive about performance and with a strong emphasis on training culture.
“I wanted to start by saying what I always say after such a special achievement, which is the Ninho boys, who passed away in 2019”, recalled the coach. “It’s no coincidence after they passed away that Flamengo started winning so much. I believe in energy. I know that these boys are with me. One of their parents sends me a message, I feel that they are alive within the club and within me. I would like to send a hug to their families and to my grandfather. It’s very special”, he declared, emotionally.
In the main squad, the coach quickly showed personality. He rebuilt the players’ confidence, demanded posture when necessary and established clear criteria for discipline and performance — attitudes that strengthened his role as a leader and increased internal respect. With the cup won in Lima, Filipe Luís becomes the second Brazilian to lift the Libertadores on and off the field and the sixth name to do so for the same club, joining historic figures from the continent. In total, only nine professionals in South America achieved the “double”.
The result also renews the coach’s status on the international stage. Despite being desired by European clubs — he is watched by Atlético de Madrid, where he shone as a player — Filipe is enjoying his peak in Brazil. The expectation at Flamengo is a contract renewal, with a salary increase and a project that keeps him at the club.
