Rafael Mineiro stays at Mengão! The World Cup-winning power forward with FlaBasquete has renewed his contract and will continue wearing the Sacred Mantle in the 2022/23 season. In his second stint with the Gávea club, Mineiro begins his fifth consecutive year seeking more titles with the Pride of the Nation. The red-and-black team already boasts a Champions League of the Americas, three NBB titles, two Super 8 Cups, and five State Championships, as well as the Intercontinental Cup.

"I'm very happy with the renewal and the confidence that Gustavo (De Conti, coach) and the board have in me. It's a pleasure to wear the Sacred Mantle and defend Flamengo, this giant club. I always strive to give my best and hope to continue contributing so that we can achieve ever greater goals and fight for every possible title this season," said the number 12. 

A regular call-up to the Brazilian national team, Rafael Mineiro won gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Among his individual awards, he was named Defender of the Year in the 2020/21 season, when FlaBasquete won every championship they played thanks to the power forward's crucial performances. In 2021/22, the Uberaba native averaged 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 10.9 efficiency in the NBB.

"Rafa is the kind of player any coach wants on the court. He's a star on and off the court. He's tenacious. He trains to the limit. All of this has given him a unique position. He has the stamina to face the tallest centers in Brazil, but he also has the skills to shine outside the paint. He already has a great history at Flamengo and promises to be a key player again next season. The FlaBasquete Intelligence Center isn't even considering losing him. He embodies what we call the Flamengo DNA.", said Guilherme Kroll, Flamengo's vice president of Olympic Sports.

In addition to Rafa, the newly signed captain and power forward Olivinha, point guard Yago, power forward Gabriel Jaú, and point guard Penka Aguirre have already been announced by Orgulho da Nação. Coach Gustavo De Conti also renewed his contract with FlaBasquete and remains in charge of the team.

The basketball teams of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo rely on resources from their sponsors – BRB, MOSS, TIM, ABC da Construção, PixBet, AmBev, Rede D'or, IRB Brasil RE, CSN, Brasil Plural, EY – via the Federal Incentive Law/Ministry of Sports (IR) and the State Incentive Law/State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth (Seelje) of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to support from the Brazilian Club Committee (CBC).