Fuelling the Marathon

With five matchdays remaining in the Brasileirão, physical and mental fatigue presents yet another hurdle for the squad. At Flamengo, every precaution is being taken to ensure players are in peak condition during this crucial run-in. Performance nutrition, in particular, has emerged as a vital ally.

Nutritionists Paulo Cavalcanti and Matheus Phena oversee the club's nutritional strategies for athlete recovery. Each player follows a bespoke plan tailored to different stages of the season. "In this final stretch, for example, players are advised to consume more carbohydrates before and after matches. Our priority now is to replenish energy reserves after games and prepare them for the matches ahead", explains Paulinho, Flamengo's performance nutritionist since 2022.

Replenishment before and after training sessions is crucial for the squad to sustain itself through the demanding fixture list. To put it in perspective, a Flamengo player covers an average of 10.7 kilometres per match. Chilean midfielder Erick Pulgar, for instance, regularly exceeds 12 kilometres. Over 41 matches this season, he has logged approximately 490 kilometres—the equivalent of running more than 10 marathons (42.195 km) so far in 2026. An elite marathoner competes in no more than three races per season.

This level of commitment, natural for a high-performance athlete, justifies the daily intake of capsules, tablets, vitamins, isotonic drinks and shakes. A meticulous supplementation protocol exists for all players, accounting for each individual's specific needs. Beyond Jardim's training ground, athletes also follow nutritionists' recommendations at home.

"Our recovery strategy, particularly post-match, centres on carbohydrate-based supplements, proteins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds", Matheus emphasises, adding that the approach extends beyond the immediate aftermath. "We also intervene in the days following matches to repair tissue damage sustained by the athletes. This also prepares them for the next fixture", adds the nutritionist, who has worked in professional football since 2023.