Doha, Qatar: Giorgian de Arrascaeta stands over a dead ball. His pin-point delivery finds its mark, as Danilo sprints in to meet it with a powerful header that leaves the net bulging. This was the history-making moment that won Flamengo their fourth Copa Libertadores title in Lima last month, and the very same sequence was repeated on Saturday as they claimed victory in the FIFA Challenger Cup in Qatar.
Seemingly unsatisfied with helping the Rubro-Negro to South American football’s most prestigious prize, the 34-year-old defender was at it again, scoring Flamengo’s second goal en route to a victory against Egypt’s Pyramids FC, to book a date with Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 final.
“I’m really having a great time of it right now. Everyone here’s fantastic and there’s a special energy around the club,” said the veteran.
“I’m enjoying every moment that I’m able to play and contribute to the team. If I can score a goal, like I did today, that makes it all the more special.”
Before Danilo found the target, his team had already opened the scoring from another free kick, as centre-back Leo Pereira converted from de Arrascaeta’s cross to put Flamengo a goal to the good. The Brazilian side are known for their threat from set pieces, and Danilo is a big part of this. In fact, all five of his goals for the Rio de Janeiro outfit have come from the same source.
“Everyone’s thoroughly prepared, and we all know what our role is and what we need to do in the box. We’ve also got some amazing free-kick takers, and their deliveries keep getting better and better. Obviously, we also need to have that desire to attack the ball and unlock tight games,” he explained.
“We’re good at playing with fluidity, but a set-piece goal is worth exactly as much as an open-play goal. At the end of the day, we’ve won the game and, God willing, it’ll be an incredible final.”
Head coach Filipe Luis spoke about the importance of dead ball situations and explained the work that Rodrigo Caio does with the side. The former centre-back, who played for the Brazilian national side alongside both Danilo and Filipe Luis, is part of the Flamengo coaching staff and is responsible for set pieces.
“Everyone knows how much I trust him and how important he is to me. Believe me, he’s exactly as much of a consummate pro as he looks. That said, both Rodrigo and I are just the supporting cast. The real stars are the players, and they’re the ones making the deliveries and scoring the goals out there on the pitch.”
“In fact, the biggest trophy of my career as a coach came from a corner kick, and that’s why I think it’s so important for players to be good in these phases of the game too,” added the Flamengo manager, recalling Danilo’s winner against Palmeiras.
This Danilo deja vu is not limited to headed goals in key games for Flamengo.
During his spell with Santos in 2011, he recorded a similar double, scoring in both the Copa Libertadores final against Penarol and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-final against Kashiwa Reysol.
On that occasion, Santos came up against a Barcelona side led by Pep Guardiola and inspired by Lionel Messi. The Catalan giants beat them 4-0, shattering Danilo’s dreams of a global title. This year, his team will have to overcome Paris Saint-Germain, and he is under no illusions about how dangerous the French team can be.
“It’s not going to be an easy game, because they’re one of the best teams in the world right now. We’re going to have to work to prepare and use every weapon in our arsenal to make it as hard for them as possible. We know they’re the favourites, because of all their investment into players and their recent history, but we’re going to do our part to make it a special match and maybe even win it.” FIFA
