The athletes and coaching staff of Flamengo's under-13 team departed for the United Arab Emirates on February 9th to compete in the U13 Dubai Intercontinental Football Cup 2026 and, above all, to provide an unforgettable experience for the athletes. Members of the delegation, Leonam Kasali and Arthur Figueiredo, manager and market coordinator of Flamengo's youth categories, respectively, embarked on a mission to explore football in the Middle East.

The duo was responsible for representing Flamengo on technical visits to some of the main clubs in the Emirates: Al Wasl, Al Ain, Al Nasr, and Shabab Al Ahli. The immersion was an opportunity to strengthen ties with the most modern aspects of football in the country. Leonam and Arthur were able to see firsthand world-class training centers, which feature cutting-edge technology and highly developed management.

Meetings were held with key leaders and decision-makers, not only from the youth categories but also from the professional department. Highlights included conversations with Éric Abdal, a Barcelona idol and director of professional football at Al Wasl, a star both on and off the field, known for his story of overcoming cancer; and Michel Salgado—organizer of the competition—who played in almost 400 games for Real Madrid during the Galácticos era and was called up numerous times for the Spanish national team.

The exchange also provided opportunities to meet with Rodrigo Mendes, former Flamengo player and director of professional football at Al Ain, and with Paulo Filipe, director of youth categories at Al Nasr. The topics discussed included exchanges of methodologies, with discussions on game models, talent management, and specific demands of the local market.

The opening of direct channels for future transfers was a source of satisfaction for Leonam and Arthur. The idea of ​​understanding the culture and needs of the main clubs in the United Arab Emirates will greatly facilitate relations with one of the countries that invests the most in football.

"We are ready to position Brazilian talent more effectively, creating solid bridges between Brazil and the Arab market. This network of contacts ranges from government sports management to the technical directors who decide on signings for professional football and youth categories," Leonam emphasizes.

On and off the field, the Flamengo youth team completed another stage in the planning for the youth categories of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. The under-13 team was able to experience one of the main things that football offers: getting to know different countries and cultures. In addition, they had the opportunity to become familiar with major matches, since the U13 Dubai Intercontinental Football Cup 2026 featured clubs of the caliber of Real Madrid-ESP, Ajax-HOL, Bayern Munich-GER (champion), Milan-ITA and Racing-ARG, Chelsea, among others.