The "greatest Flamengo fan" in the world
Meet Leandro Vissotto, a volleyball player from Trentino, who challenges: "To this day I have never met or heard of anyone greater than me"
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Standing at 2,12 feet 26 inches tall, Brazilian volleyball player Leandro Vissotto for Trentino, likes to joke about his height: "I'm the biggest Flamengo fan in the world," he says. At 104, the 1995 kg athlete born in São Paulo began his career at Gávea. He played for Flamengo between 2000 and 16. At just XNUMX, he was already a starter in the Brazilian Volleyball Super League. After stints at Unisul, Suzano, and Minas Tênis Clube, the player headed to Europe.
In Italy, he played for Maggiora Latina, Prisma Taranto and, since the 2008/2009 season, he has been with Trentino Volley, where he has just won an impressive title, the Club World Cup Champion, in Doha, Qatar, where he was the second highest scorer of the competition, with 96 points. With the Italian team, he also won the European Champions League (2008/09) - the first in Trentino's history.
Check out the interview given by Vissotto to the Flamengo official website team.
Flamengo's official website – How did you become a Flamengo fan? And how does your wife view this "fan madness"?
Vissotto – When I was born!!! My whole family is Flamengo fans, and the first thing I wore was a Flamengo jumpsuit. When my father found out I was a boy, he didn't hesitate and named me "Leandro," after our right-back, who won the 1981 World Cup. My father was a huge fan. My wife is very relaxed, especially because due to the time difference and the distance, I can't watch the games as much.
Flamengo's official website – What memorable Flamengo game did you have the chance to watch at a stadium?
Vissotto – The third championship against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã. I remember their fans were already chanting "We're champions" when Pet scored that unforgettable goal, a free kick, in the 43rd minute of the second half. I'm proud to have witnessed that final with my entire family. This victory was special because it was against the perennial runner-up, Vasco da Gama.
Flamengo's official website – Did you start your career at Flamengo? What memories do you have of your time at the club?
Vissotto – In 1995, I started my career at Flamengo, and I have only fond memories, because I stepped onto the court with immense pride. Wearing and competing in the red-and-black jersey is an honor. Besides winning three state titles in five years, I remember the day-to-day life at the club, like grabbing a knee at Zé's bar after training. Plus, it was great to be there on the sidelines, watching the professionals train. I saw Romário, Sávio, Júlio César, and so many other idols of our fans up close.
Flamengo's official website Who are your Flamengo idols—past and present? Have you ever had the chance to meet any of them in person?
Vissotto – Leandro and Zico, through my father's inheritance. Besides them, Júnior, Júlio César, Romário, and Bebeto. When I was a child, I had the opportunity to take photos with Romário, Bebeto, and Júnior. I met Zico through my brother-in-law Beto, who is a friend of his son.
Flamengo's official website Have you been following the club's campaign in the Brasileirão? What do you think of the team?
Vissotto – I've been following along, and despite the inconsistent start, Flamengo has grown significantly throughout the competition. The team needs to focus on these decisive matches and forget everything off the field. Ideally, we should put all our physical and mental energy into these final matches, and victory will pass through the hands, or rather, the feet, of our players. Winning a championship repays all the sacrifice or abstinence.
Flamengo's official website – An unforgettable goal?
Vissotto – Without a doubt, Pet’s foul against Vasco in the third Rio de Janeiro title.
Flamengo's official website – Being Flamengo is...?
Vissotto – To be proud to see the love and loyalty of our nation!!!
Flamengo's official website – Do you parade with the Sacred Mantle abroad? Have you ever had a funny experience being greeted by another red-and-black fan on the streets?
Vissotto – Ever since I went to play in Italy four years ago, I've had my Flamengo jersey with me. Once, during a decisive match for my team in 2008, I gave one of the fans a Flamengo flag as a gift. I told him to leave it on display. I did this because seeing it would remind me that Flamengo represents grit, resilience, and strength. That's what our Mengão team is all about. We won the match 3 sets to 1, and I was named the best player of the match.
Flamengo's official website – After all, are you really the 'greatest Flamengo fan' in the world?
Vissotto – To this day, I have never met or heard of anyone greater than me (laughs). The challenge has been launched!!!
In Italy, he played for Maggiora Latina, Prisma Taranto and, since the 2008/2009 season, he has been with Trentino Volley, where he has just won an impressive title, the Club World Cup Champion, in Doha, Qatar, where he was the second highest scorer of the competition, with 96 points. With the Italian team, he also won the European Champions League (2008/09) - the first in Trentino's history.
Check out the interview given by Vissotto to the Flamengo official website team.
Flamengo's official website – How did you become a Flamengo fan? And how does your wife view this "fan madness"?
Vissotto – When I was born!!! My whole family is Flamengo fans, and the first thing I wore was a Flamengo jumpsuit. When my father found out I was a boy, he didn't hesitate and named me "Leandro," after our right-back, who won the 1981 World Cup. My father was a huge fan. My wife is very relaxed, especially because due to the time difference and the distance, I can't watch the games as much.
Flamengo's official website – What memorable Flamengo game did you have the chance to watch at a stadium?
Vissotto – The third championship against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã. I remember their fans were already chanting "We're champions" when Pet scored that unforgettable goal, a free kick, in the 43rd minute of the second half. I'm proud to have witnessed that final with my entire family. This victory was special because it was against the perennial runner-up, Vasco da Gama.
Flamengo's official website – Did you start your career at Flamengo? What memories do you have of your time at the club?
Vissotto – In 1995, I started my career at Flamengo, and I have only fond memories, because I stepped onto the court with immense pride. Wearing and competing in the red-and-black jersey is an honor. Besides winning three state titles in five years, I remember the day-to-day life at the club, like grabbing a knee at Zé's bar after training. Plus, it was great to be there on the sidelines, watching the professionals train. I saw Romário, Sávio, Júlio César, and so many other idols of our fans up close.
Flamengo's official website Who are your Flamengo idols—past and present? Have you ever had the chance to meet any of them in person?
Vissotto – Leandro and Zico, through my father's inheritance. Besides them, Júnior, Júlio César, Romário, and Bebeto. When I was a child, I had the opportunity to take photos with Romário, Bebeto, and Júnior. I met Zico through my brother-in-law Beto, who is a friend of his son.
Flamengo's official website Have you been following the club's campaign in the Brasileirão? What do you think of the team?
Vissotto – I've been following along, and despite the inconsistent start, Flamengo has grown significantly throughout the competition. The team needs to focus on these decisive matches and forget everything off the field. Ideally, we should put all our physical and mental energy into these final matches, and victory will pass through the hands, or rather, the feet, of our players. Winning a championship repays all the sacrifice or abstinence.
Flamengo's official website – An unforgettable goal?
Vissotto – Without a doubt, Pet’s foul against Vasco in the third Rio de Janeiro title.
Flamengo's official website – Being Flamengo is...?
Vissotto – To be proud to see the love and loyalty of our nation!!!
Flamengo's official website – Do you parade with the Sacred Mantle abroad? Have you ever had a funny experience being greeted by another red-and-black fan on the streets?
Vissotto – Ever since I went to play in Italy four years ago, I've had my Flamengo jersey with me. Once, during a decisive match for my team in 2008, I gave one of the fans a Flamengo flag as a gift. I told him to leave it on display. I did this because seeing it would remind me that Flamengo represents grit, resilience, and strength. That's what our Mengão team is all about. We won the match 3 sets to 1, and I was named the best player of the match.
Flamengo's official website – After all, are you really the 'greatest Flamengo fan' in the world?
Vissotto – To this day, I have never met or heard of anyone greater than me (laughs). The challenge has been launched!!!