The “drama” of Flamengo’s goalkeepers for the 2025 Intercontinental Cup is real, but there is an explanation. To summarize: yes, Flamengo is without its immediate reserve (Matheus Cunha) and only has young Dyogo Alves on the bench in case something happens to Agustín Rossi.
But what happened? Why did Matheus Cunha return to Brazil? THE Sporting News show.
MORE: Is the Flamengo game at the Intercontinental today? – Friday (12/12)
Why did Matheus Cunha return to Brazil?
The confusion about the “return” is due to destiny. Matheus Cunha didn’t return to the team, he returned to Brazil. The goalkeeper was released by the board and technical committee to leave the concentration in Doha, Qatar, and quickly travel to Rio de Janeiro. The reason is noble: to accompany the birth of your first child.
As the trip is long and the tournament calendar is short (the semi-final against Pyramids is this Saturday, the 13th), there would not be enough time or ideal physical conditions for him to return to Qatar and be available if Flamengo advances to the final against Real Madrid.
Furthermore, this release marks, in practice, the end of Matheus Cunha’s cycle at the club, as he has a pre-contract signed with Cruzeiro for 2026.
Flamengo commented on SporTV’s post in relation to Matheus Cunha.
Via @Lemos_Santos pic.twitter.com/BE858952Ya
— Planeta do Flamengo 🌎 (@fla_infos) December 12, 2025
Can Flamengo register other players?
The Intercontinental Cup regulations are strict: New athletes are not allowed to register with the tournament underway, except in very specific cases of serious injury proven before the debut (which is not the case). In other words, Flamengo cannot call another goalkeeper from Brazil to join the squad. The group of 26 players now has 25.
Who is Dyogo Alves?
With Cunha’s departure, Rossi’s immediate reserve role falls into the lap of Dyogo Alves. Cearense from Fortaleza, he is 21 years old (2004 generation) and has been at Flamengo since the Under-15s. He is a goalkeeper considered very agile and, above all, a specialist in taking penalties. He was the great hero of the 2023 Brasileirão Under-20 title, defending decisive shots.
Although he has a lot of prestige at the youth level and has been training with the professionals for some time, he has very little experience with the top team in high-pressure official games. His presence on the bench in the semi-final of a World Cup is the biggest litmus test of his career so far, even if he doesn’t take the field.
