Flamengo integrates youth players in Portugal interseason amid World Cup absences

Flamengo is holding its mid‑season training camp in Portugal while the senior squad is largely away at the World Cup. The club used the period to give young prospects more exposure, notably 17‑year‑old Daniel Thuram and 19‑year‑old Johnny. Thuram started in a 2‑0 friendly win over Lausanne, and Johnny came on in the second half of the same match and later covered the left‑back role after Alex Sandro’s vacation and Ayrton Lucas’s injury, earning praise from coach Leonardo Jardim.

The youngsters also featured in a 2‑2 draw with River Plate and will face Benfica next. Veteran players such as Jorginho and national‑team regular Danilo have been mentoring the youths during daily sessions. Flamengo, which sent nine players to the World Cup – the most of any Brazilian club – is also considering a loan move for Lorran to Europe, though no deal is finalized.