Brazilian giants Flamengo have announced the sacking of manager Filipe Luis, despite the former Chelsea defender leading the team to a massive 8-0 victory only hours prior.
The dismissal came at 00:59 local time on Tuesday, shortly after Flamengo completed a dominant 11-0 aggregate win over Madureira to secure their place in this weekend’s Campeonato Carioca final.
Despite the lopsided scoreline on Monday night, the club’s hierarchy acted swiftly to end Luis’s tenure. In a brief official statement, the club confirmed that assistant coach Ivan Palanco and physical trainer Diogo Linhares would also be departing.
“Flamengo thanks former player and coach Filipe Luis for everything that was achieved and shared during this journey,” the statement read. “The club wishes him success and the best of luck in the continuation of his professional career.”
The 40-year-old’s departure brings an end to a remarkably successful, albeit brief, stint in the dugout. Since replacing Tite in September 2024, Luis maintained an extraordinary record, averaging one trophy every 14 games.
His 100-match reign was highlighted by:
• Copa Libertadores Glory: Winning the 2025 title, making him one of only nine men to win the prestigious tournament as both a player and a manager.
• Domestic Dominance: Securing Serie A, Copa do Brasil, and Supercopa do Brasil titles.
• Global Impact: Leading Flamengo to the last 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which included a group-stage victory over his former club, Chelsea.
While the 8-0 win suggested a team in peak form, cracks had begun to show in recent weeks. Flamengo suffered back-to-back final defeats last month in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Recopa Sudamericana.
Additionally, the club’s league form has been sluggish. Flamengo currently sits 11th in the Serie A table after three matches. While they hold a game in hand, they already trail leaders Palmeiras by six points—a gap the board seemingly felt was unacceptable.
The timing is particularly awkward for the Rubro-Negro, who are scheduled to face rivals Fluminense in the Campeonato Carioca final this Sunday. The club is now seeking a third consecutive state title without the man who steered them to the final.
Luis, who won the Premier League with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2015, leaves with his reputation as a rising coaching star intact. Having already won league titles with Flamengo’s U17 and U20 sides before his senior success, he is unlikely to remain out of work for long.
Flamengo has not yet announced a replacement for Sunday’s final.
