Rodinei is flying low with the Sacred Mantle. After returning from a loan spell at Mais Querido, the right-back has been standing out this season as one of the red-and-black team's main outlets, especially after the arrival of coach Dorival Júnior. The player's numbers prove his good form, and last Wednesday (19), the athlete was one of the heroes of the team's fourth Copa do Brasil title, in a thrilling penalty shootout in a packed Maracanã stadium.

Rodinei's strong performances even caught the attention of star player Arturo Vidal, who has been full of praise for the full-back since his arrival at Mengão. According to the Chilean, he drew attention for his on-field skills and his joy off the field. 

 "I really liked the way he plays. I found something that really surprised me: his speed, his strength, and, after getting to know him better, his joy. I have a special affection for him; he's always happy, just like me," said the midfielder.

Rodinei's growing development is largely due to Dorival Júnior. The coach, now in his third stint at Flamengo, began giving the full-back opportunities in the starting lineup as soon as he arrived. As the game progressed, Rodinei gained confidence and became an important part of the system implemented by the coach, who also heaped praise on the athlete.

"Rodinei has always been very good to me. He's responded positively, is important to the team, and is steadily improving. He and other players were being questioned, demanding a sudden change in the team, but we calmly and carefully sought each player's recovery," said the club's manager.

The right-back was also one of the leaders in assists in the Copa do Brasil, with three direct passes that led to goals:

Flamengo 2x0 Altos – 3rd phase (assist for Victor Hugo's goal)

Atlético-MG 2x1 Flamengo – Round of XNUMX (assist for Lázaro's goal)

Athletico-PR 0x1 Flamengo – Quarterfinals (assist for Pedro's goal)

Rodinei took the final penalty kick, which sealed Corinthians' fourth Copa do Brasil title. It's worth noting that the match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time and was decided on penalties (6-5 in Mengão's favor). Pedro scored the red-and-black goal in the first half. 

After winning the fourth title in the national competition, David Luiz, one of the leaders of the current squad, revealed the conversation he had with the full-back as soon as he arrived at Flamengo.

- I told him: "Rodi, I'm having the opportunity to meet you, I'm seeing a player with enormous potential, who perhaps doesn't have seen in some big clubs I played for abroad. But you are far from being a professional." And I told him: "I'm here to help you," said the defender.

In addition to the national competition, the right-back won five more titles with the Manto Sagrado: Campeonato Carioca (2017 and 2019), Campeonato Brasileiro (2019), Libertadores (2019) and Florida Cup (2019).