Could this be the next Brazilian sensation?
Ryan Roberto is gaining recognition as one of Brazil’s brightest upcoming talents, attracting the attention of several major European clubs. Despite being only 17 and yet to make his professional debut, he has built an impressive reputation through his performances with Flamengo’s youth academy. In 2025, Roberto scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in just 33 matches for Flamengo’s U17 team, solidifying his status as a wonderkid.
Roberto made the switch to Flamengo from Athletico Paranaense in 2023, although the latter still retains a 50% stake in his rights. Flamengo reportedly has the option to acquire an additional 20% ownership from Paranaense, a strategic move considering his immense potential. According to the respected Brazilian outlet Globo, both Barcelona and Ajax have expressed significant interest in the talented winger. Reports from Spain indicate that Barcelona has already approached Flamengo to discuss their asking price and other conditions. While Roberto remains an emerging talent, Brazilian football expert and journalist Thiago Rabelo has shared intriguing insights about this Flamengo prospect.
Who is Ryan Roberto? Insights from a Brazilian expert
Flamengo’s record sale is Vinicius Junior’s €45 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2018, and Rabelo believes that Roberto is the most promising player to arise from the club’s academy since Vinicius. “Ryan Roberto is the most exciting prospect to come out of Flamengo’s youth ranks since Vinicius Junior, but their journeys differ,” Rabelo noted. “While Vinicius was heralded as a prodigy in Brazilian football from age 12, Ryan started drawing attention in 2023 when he transitioned from Athletico Paranaense to Flamengo.
“Their playing styles are also quite distinct. Ryan’s game resembles Neymar’s, emphasizing dribbling in tight spaces as opposed to Vinicius, who is more about speed. Ryan excels in dribbling and one-on-one situations. Given the substantial investment in the senior team, he hasn’t yet been considered for first-team duties, but Flamengo is aiming to include him next year. While Ryan is still developing and needs further improvement, I’m uncertain if he fits Barcelona’s profile at this moment—perhaps in the future.”
Is Ryan Roberto leaving this summer?
The complicated ownership situation—Athletico Paranaense holds a 50% share—adds layers to Barcelona’s interest in the winger. Despite the challenges, the pursuit from La Liga teams is serious, along with interest from Premier League clubs. Vinicius Jr serves as a prime example of Spanish clubs securing talented South American players early, yet Flamengo isn’t under pressure to sell. As Rabelo explains, “Flamengo has not set a price for him, but given the club’s management style and financial stability, I don’t see them letting him go for anything less than €15-20 million. Flamengo is currently the wealthiest club in Brazil and South America; they are firm sellers and do not need to offload young talent for financial needs.”
