Leonardo Jardim favourite to succeed Filipe Luis at Flamengo

Flamengo have reportedly identified former Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim as their primary candidate to succeed Filipe Luis at the Maracanã.

Luis was sacked in the aftermath of Flamengo's 8-0 win over Madureira to secure their place in this weekend's Campeonato Carioca final.

Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid left-back Luis had overseen a glittering stint since assuming managerial duties in September 2024 as he guided Flamengo to seven trophies, including the Brazilian Serie A, Copa do Brasil and the most coveted South American competition, the Copa Libertadores.

But a slow start to the campaign, coupled with back-to-back defeats in the Supercopa do Brasil and Recopa Sudamericana finals last month have ultimately led to Luis' demise.

Flamengo are acting swiftly in naming a permanent successor and according to reports in Brazil, Jardim is the most likely candidate to take over the Rio de Janeiro club.

It's understood Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista is a long-term admirer of Jardim and the club's board had contacted the 51-year-old in December amid uncertainty over whether Luis would commit to a contract extension.

Jardim was previously manager of Flamengo's Serie A rivals Cruzeiro when he announced his premature departure in December. The Portuguese tactician had led Cruzeiro to third in the league and they progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil before being beaten by Corinthians.

Jardim boasts an extensive CV which has included spells with Braga, Olympiacos, Sporting CP and Monaco. It was his stint in the Principality where he earned great acclaim, leading Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2016/17.

He later ventured to Saudi Arabia where he won the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League with Al Hilal, before touring the Middle East with stints in UAE and Qatar.