Flamengo Secure Third Copa Gramado Laghetto Title with Dominant Sub-16 Victory

Flamengo's U-16 academy side lifted the Copa Gramado Laghetto trophy on Thursday (22 October), securing the club's third title in the competition's history. A dominant 4-0 victory over Fortaleza in the final saw the young Rubro-Negro establish themselves as the tournament's most decorated champions following previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022.

Divulgação Copa Gramado Laghetto

The competition in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, proved invaluable for the development of Flamengo's youth prospects. The sixth edition of the tournament brought together ten elite Brazilian clubs: Grêmio, Atlético-MG, Bahia, Santos, Gramadense, Juventude, Flamengo, Internacional, Fortaleza and Corinthians. Facing opposition of varying strengths and competitive standards provided the academy players with essential experience and exposure at the highest youth level.

All matches were staged at Arena Gramadense, the new stadium of Centro Esportivo Gramadense.

During the tournament, Flamengo scored 12 goals while conceding four. Individual honours reflected the collective performance: Leonardo Gabriel finished as the competition's top scorer with five goals and was named Player of the Tournament. Teammate Thomas led the side's assists chart, setting up four goals.

Divulgação Copa Gramado Laghetto

Flamengo's campaign began with consecutive victories—2-0 against Juventude and 1-0 over Fortaleza. The side then drew 2-2 with Corinthians before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Internacional. A convincing 2-0 semi-final win over Grêmio secured progression to the final.

Against Fortaleza in the final, Flamengo's controlled display produced a commanding 4-0 scoreline to seal the trophy.

Head coach Diogo Calhau emphasised the value of competing at the highest youth level. "It's vital for their development to play in tournaments like this. We brought the players to an important setting, with excellent facilities, a well-organised tournament and top-class infrastructure. We leave here confident that they've arrived one way and will depart considerably improved", he stated.

The coach also linked the trophy to the academy's established development philosophy—one that prioritises collective strength to create the conditions for individual talents to flourish.

"We believe the title is simply confirmation of the work being done at Flamengo's academy, emphasising the importance of the group and collective play. That's what allows individual qualities to emerge naturally", Diogo concluded.