Despite the article’s contradictory title, Flamengo and Palmeiras have a lot in common. However, the success of both has specific characteristics that make them quite different.

Initially, it is impossible to talk about them without mentioning the 2025 Copa Libertadores de América final. “Mengão” (Flamengo) was much better than “Verdão” (Palmeiras), and this is where the differences begin: one proposes the game, the other plays reactively. But both, in common, spent a lot of money (the São Paulo team alone reached, surprisingly, almost R$800 million in signings).

In common, there are two complaints that make sense: Raphael Veiga hit Carrascal in a tackle (serious rough play) and Erick Pulgar assaulted Bruno Fuchs during a stoppage of play – and they should have received Red Cards, but referee Darío Herrera compromised with Yellow Cards.

Then come other similarities: both exert pressure through the press, or rather, through a pseudo-press! There is an abundance of “Fulano’s Blog,” “Zezinho’s Channel,” and other alternative media that fail to hold the clubs accountable when given the opportunity… and end up taking opportunities away from the real press and serious journalists to ask their questions.

Let’s remember: Flamengo and Palmeiras had shock managements, and accepted living through “lean times” (running the risk of relegation) to fix their finances (under the managements of Bandeira de Melo and Paulo Nobre, respectively).

This common action by the two is what should be mirrored by their co-rivals Corinthians and São Paulo! “Timão” (Corinthians) owes R$2.4 billion, but keeps Memphis Depay in its squad for R$5 million per month (not including perks). And “Tricolor Paulista” (São Paulo), which was thrashed 6-0 by Fluminense, is close to reaching its first billion in debt!

If both are doing well “in the coffers,” they differ in political stability, as we know. How many coaches have both teams had since 2020? Palmeiras only had Abel, with full board support. Flamengo had several, always after pressure from the fans. In this, the clubs seem very different; after all, Leila Pereira removed the Organizadas (organized fan groups) from interfering in the Football Department.

Someone might say: “But in 2025, Flamengo won the State Championship, is expected to win the National, and has already taken the Continental title, while Palmeiras won nothing.” That is true… but football is cyclical, and only one can win. The current year was poor in achievements for “Alviverde” (Palmeiras), but let’s be fair: they reached the final, and Abel has credit.

Both clubs are similar in terms of respect in South America and bipolarize the disputes, but the style of their coaches is extremely different! Filipe Luís gives excellent interviews, is calm and respectful. He also does not yell or throw tantrums on the sidelines. Abel Ferreira, on the other hand… is ill-mannered, fights, yells, and irritates. Oh, and he pressures the refereeing too much, creating post-game narratives that distort some facts (his own president warned him this week).

I don’t fall for the trend of resultism, as that can be dangerous. I prefer to evaluate the work of coaches and directors, and on this matter, Flamengo and Palmeiras are clearly ahead of their rivals. They will probably alternate titles next year due to their competence and the enormous incompetence of the other rivals. And this leads to the discussion: are we experiencing the Hispanization of Brazilian football, with the two teams playing the role of Real Madrid and Barcelona? Probably yes, especially with the Financial Fair Play set to be installed in Brazil. Consequently, those who have balanced accounts and raise a lot of money will be able to sign athletes and have the best players. As for those with negative balance sheets… forget it!