Named the standout player of the 2007 State Futsal Championship, 22-year-old Diego Panazio is one of the key players on the CRFlamengo adult team, led by coach Cid Escarlate. The player, who began his career at age nine with Grajaú Tênis, has played for other clubs in Rio de Janeiro, where he won championships in several categories.

For Panazio, the main difference in playing for Flamengo is the fanatical fans and the media presence. "City clubs, like Teresópolis, may have a lot of media coverage, but they don't have a fanatical fanbase as big as Flamengo's, who go to games and support the team," the athlete stated.

For him, the pressure of representing a club as big as Flamengo is a positive. "This pressure motivates everyone, players and coaching staff alike, to always give their best in pursuit of results. This makes everyone strive to perform at their best on and off the court."

The winger analyzed the current situation of futsal in Rio de Janeiro and highlighted some measures that could strengthen the sport in the state. "There should be greater incentives for futsal, more broadcasts of games, and more media coverage. This would ultimately bring more investment to the clubs, which could increasingly improve the level of the teams and, consequently, the Championship."

Panazio, who tested on the field, says the biggest gain from this experience was his physical fitness. "On the field, the physical aspect is worked on more than in the gym. They focus more on that," said the player, whose main goal in futsal is to play well in the league and make it to the Brazilian national team.