Benfica Alan Santos set to depart Flamengo, cites family gratitude

Alan Santos is packed and ready to leave Flamengo after the club finalized his transfer to Benfica in Portugal last week, a move that costs the Portuguese side nothing while Flamengo retains 50% of his economic rights and the 19‑year‑old forward looks forward to new challenges.

Family gratitude drives the move

Speaking about the decision, the striker said, “Estou no caminho do bem graças à família e ao Flamengo.” He repeatedly used the word “gratidão” when describing both the club that gave him his break and the parents who guided his early life.

Born in the Tabajaras community in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Alan grew up under the watchful eyes of his mother Maria, his father Reginaldo and his agent Vinicius. At the 36th minute of the second half he celebrated a Gol for Flamengo, a moment he still recalls with pride.

His path was not smooth; he was released by Vasco at age ten or eleven because he could not attend every training session. Later, while playing for Boavista, he scored three goals against Palmeiras in a youth tournament, prompting Flamengo to sign him.

This year he joined Flamengo’s pre‑season camp in Portugal during the World Cup break, earned a single call‑up from Leonardo Jardim to the senior squad and featured in three Campeonato Carioca matches. The transfer to Benfica will be free for the Portuguese club, with Flamengo keeping half of his future economic rights.

When the base manager told him Benfica were interested, Alan replied, “Eu sempre corri atrás.” He informed his parents, who were delighted, and recalled his father’s advice: “Ele pensou fora da bolha.” The young forward now prepares for his next chapter in Europe.