After announcing his retirement from football on Thursday, Flamengo defender Filipe Luis—who has previously played for Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and Brazil—will likely make his Flamengo debut on Sunday at the Maracana Stadium.

The left back, who is 38 years old and has battled multiple ailments this season, made the decision.

“Unfortunately, that is not possible,” Luis stated in a video shared on his club’s social media platforms, after expressing his desire to play until the age of 45. The encounter versus Cuiabá in the Brazilian league’s last round will probably be his last.

 

Luis might perhaps play in a match in Sao Paulo if Flamengo advances to the championship round. The team from Rio de Janeiro is presently in fourth position, trailing Palmeiras by three points.

I told myself I would quit if I could never play at a high level again. A player who can play in 70 matches a year and compete fairly for a starting position is what Flamengo deserves, according to Luis. “Since I am unable to play for Flamengo upon my return to Brazil, I have decided to retire and seek out a new challenge.”

After his playing career concludes, Luis has stated time and time again that he plans to become a coach or team executive.

In 2003, Luis began playing professionally for the Brazilian team Figueirense. He played for Real Madrid Castilla for a short time before joining Deportivo La Coruña in 2006 and then Atletico Madrid in 2010.

His initial contract was for five years with the Colchoneros. In 2014, he spent a season with Chelsea before heading back to Atletico Madrid. In 2019, Luis returned to his childhood club Flamengo.With Atletico Madrid, Luis won the Spanish League in 2013 and the Europa League twice. During his sole season with Chelsea, he achieved the Premier League title.

Luis won the Brazilian league twice and the Copa Libertadores in 2019 and 2022 while playing for Flamengo.

Brazil won the 2019 Copa America and Luis was a member of the Brazilian team that competed in both tournaments.