Orlando City Soccer Club and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo are set to face off in a friendly that not only warms up the engines for the 2024 season but also offers a unique brand expansion opportunity for both clubs in Brazilian and American lands.
Ricardo Villar, CEO of FC Series, emphasizes the importance of this clash: "We are excited to bring renowned South American clubs to our traditional preseason window. This friendly is not just a game; it is an opportunity to provide a first-class experience for Flamengo and also to consolidate Orlando City's presence on the international stage."
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Gustavo Oliveira, Vice President of Communication and Marketing at Flamengo, highlights the strategy behind participating in the preseason in the United States: "With the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and investments in American soccer, the U.S. market is crucial. Flamengo is attentive to this and seeks to strengthen its presence, whether on American-targeted social media or in in-person events, as will be this preseason."
Orlando City's EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Luiz Muzzi, shares the excitement and the club's strategic vision: "Flamengo is one of the most historic clubs in Brazil, and this friendly is an exciting way to kick off the new year. We look forward to having the eyes of the Nation on Orlando during this period and hope that this match will be a springboard for a successful 2024 for our team and fans."
The clash, scheduled for January 27, 2024, is not just a battle on the field but a strategic opportunity for the two football giants to explore new horizons and win hearts in both Brazil and the United States. With the growing globalization of the sport, this friendly promises to go beyond the game results, becoming a milestone in brand expansion beyond traditional borders.