Giorgian de Arrascaeta is living some of the most memorable days of his life. Since lifting the CONMEBOL Libertadores trophy just over a week ago, the Uruguayan playmaker has continued to make history in a Flamengo shirt. Following the Brazilian league triumph, he struck twice to secure Flamengo’s 2-1 victory over Cruz Azul from Mexico in their FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ opener.
Beyond securing qualification and winning the FIFA Derby of the Americas, the No10’s masterclass had a deeper significance that went far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. Last Saturday, his wife, Camila, gave birth to their first child, Milano, just hours before the midfielder boarded a flight to Qatar. She even brought the delivery forward so that they could share the moment.
“These goals are for them, for my wife and Milano,” de Arrascaeta said. “No doubt, it’s very special. My first goals since he was born. I’m over the moon, and I’m sure they’re celebrating just as much back home.”
The arrival of his first child marks one of the peaks of what has been the greatest year of de Arrascaeta’s career. Voted the best player in both the League and the Libertadores – both competitions he won – he also added the Brazilian Super Cup, the Rio state championship and the Derby of the Americas to his 2025 trophy haul.
With his brace against Cruz Azul, the Uruguayan ace reached 25 goals for the year, by far the most prolific season of his career.
“It’s a great moment for me and for the team. I’m thrilled to be sharing this season with all my teammates in what has been such a special year for me”, said de Arrascaeta, whose performance also drew praise from Everton ‘Cebolinha’.
“He’s a magician, a top-class player. We’re privileged to have him on our side”, said Everton. “He just became a father, and we’re all delighted for him. He’s a player who helps us so much.”
“When the game gets tough, the plan is just to give him the ball and he’ll find the solution. Today he scored twice, and fully deserved it.”
Flamengo head coach Filipe Luis believes that beyond de Arrascaeta’s technical brilliance, it’s his hunger and desire that keeps him at such a high level. Filipe Luis was still a player when the Uruguayan lifted his first major titles at the club; today, the playmaker is the most decorated player in Flamengo’s history.
“He’s an incredibly focused and ambitious guy. He’s always been like that; it’s not just this year. This season the whole team has matched his ambition. He might be the most ambitious player I have in the squad”, commented Filipe Luis.
“He always wants more. More triumphs, more trophies, more history. He pushes everyone – the club, the staff and his teammates. The credit is his alone. I’m just lucky to have enjoyed the best year of his career.”
As if leading Flamengo into the FIFA Challenger Cup wasn’t enough, de Arrascaeta also became the club’s top scorer in FIFA tournaments. He now has four goals across the FIFA Intercontinental Cups of 2019 and 2025, and this year’s FIFA Club World Cup™ in the United States.
The midfielder, who also scored twice for Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, avoids comparisons between different Flamengo generations, but he still holds on to the dream he’s had since his first appearance in this competition in 2019.
“I still haven’t won a title here [in Qatar]. “I’m happy to be back here, but the focus is first on reaching the final, and then on trying to become champions,” he said.
“Each team has its identity and its players. This is a team that works and fights incredibly hard on the pitch. We’re finishing off a season full of major achievements and still fighting for the dream of becoming world champions.”
