Life as a top-flight footballer comes with incredible pressure. For Samuel Lino, a 25-year-old winger for Flamengo, that pressure is hitting hard. He arrived in Brazil this past summer as the club’s most expensive signing ever, joining from Atlético Madrid for roughly 22 million euros. Expectations were sky-high, but his time has been far from smooth.
Flamengo’s passionate fan groups are now watching Lino closely. They are openly frustrated with him. The main concern? He has been seen out late at night on multiple occasions. These late outings coincide with a clear dip in his performance on the field. It’s a bad mix, especially as the team recently lost its lead in the Brasileirão championship to Abel Ferreira’s Palmeiras.
The fan groups have delivered a direct message to Samuel Lino. They want him to stop “pulling all-nighters” immediately. This warning comes right before a crucial stretch of games for the club. According to the ‘R7 Esportes’ portal, former Sporting player Gonzalo Plata is facing similar criticism for the same reasons.
The upcoming schedule is tough, starting October 15 against Botafogo. After that, Flamengo will face Palmeiras, Racing, Fortaleza, and then Racing again at the Maracanã stadium. These matches are considered decisive for the team’s season.
Lino joined Flamengo in July and has played in 16 games since then. He has contributed with two goals and four assists in his appearances.