Jorginho talks about the ‘sweet taste’ of beating Palmeiras

Jorginho, the Flamengo midfielder, explained in an interview on the show The Noite that beating Palmeiras has a special taste. The reason, according to the player, is linked to the rejection he suffered during trials at the São Paulo club before starting his career in Europe.

What motivated the ‘sweet taste’ in the Libertadores

When asked about winning the 2025 Libertadores against Palmeiras, Jorginho said: “It had an extra sweet taste, mainly because they closed their doors to me back then.” He recalled that, before moving to Italy, he had trials at Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Inter, but was not accepted.

How rejection turned into victory

The midfielder recalled that, upon arriving at Flamengo, he won the Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro, becoming a Rubro-Negro idol in just over a year. The victory over their São Paulo rivals, which took place in the continental final, represented for him a form of revenge against the club that did not give him an opportunity in the past.

Teasing over Palmeiras' world title

During the interview, Jorginho was also teased about Palmeiras' claim of having a Club World Cup title due to the 1951 Copa Rio. The player replied laughing: “Not as far as I know.”

Return to Brazil and current perspective

Jorginho explained that he returned to Brazilian football out of curiosity, stating that he had never played in the country before. He said he does not miss Europe and is “very happy” at Flamengo. In 2026, Flamengo and Palmeiras lead the race for the Campeonato Brasileiro and could meet again in the Libertadores final, should they advance through the semifinals.

What to expect from the upcoming clashes

If Flamengo defeats Estudiantes and Palmeiras overcomes Fluminense, the grand final of the Libertadores will be played on November 28 in Uruguay, bringing together once again the two rivals who starred in the recent history mentioned by Jorginho.

With information from ge, Estadão.