In the 2021-22 season, Flamengo experienced a remarkable improvement and continued to dominate their domestic league, reaching the Copa Libertadores final for the first time since 2017. The team's star striker Gabriel Barbosa was one of the most influential players in the squad, scoring more goals than any other player in the competition.
Barbosa's performance was not only impressive but also quite controversial due to his controversial behavior on social media. In particular, he has been criticized for using racial slurs during training sessions and matches. However, this controversy has not dampened his popularity among fans and teammates.
Despite these controversies, Flamengo continued to perform well in the domestic league and qualified for the Copa Sudamericana. They were defeated by Santos FC in the round of 16, but they managed to advance to the final after defeating rivals Corinthians FC in the group stage.
Barbosa himself is known for his leadership and strategic thinking. He is often praised for his ability to score goals and his vision on the pitch. His goal-scoring prowess has helped Flamengo achieve several important victories, including winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 2020.
Overall, Flamengo's 2021-22 season was a successful one with Gabriel Barbosa leading the way. While there have been some controversies that have tarnished his reputation, his performances continue to be highly regarded in the football world.