Leonardo Jardim has agreed to become the new head coach of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo until June 2027. Softfootball reports.
This was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle. The 51-year-old Portuguese manager replaces Filipe Luís, who was dismissed just hours after Flamengo’s emphatic 8–0 victory over Madureira Esporte Clube in the Campeonato Carioca semi-finals.
Romano reported:
Leonardo Jardim has agreed all terms to become new Flamengo manager, here we go! Agreement sealed until June 2027 as he’s the replacement for Filipe Luis.
Flamengo officially confirmed Luís’ departure on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in a decision that stunned Brazilian football. The dismissal reportedly followed contract disputes involving salary and performance bonuses, overshadowing what appeared to be a dominant on-field performance.
Jardim returns to management after a six-month hiatus, having left Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in December for personal reasons. During his spell there, he guided the club to the Copa do Brasil semi-finals and a third-place Brasileirão finish, securing direct qualification to the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage. His record stood at 26 wins, 18 draws, and 11 defeats in 55 matches.
Previously, Jardim enjoyed major success with AS Monaco FC, winning the 2016–17 Ligue 1 title, and has also coached in the Middle East with Al-Hilal SFC and Al-Rayyan SC. He now aims to implement his preferred 4-3-3 system as Flamengo look to defend their titles following the recent €42 million return of Lucas Paquetá, sealing one of the most eye-catching transfers in Brazilian football history.
