Fluminense secured its first-ever Copa Libertadores title on Saturday, defeating Boca Juniors 2-1 after extra time.
The Copa Libertadores tournament is synonymous with the passion displayed by coaches, fans, and players both on and off the field. The 2023 final was no exception, featuring two red cards and a winning goal in extra time. Even more intriguingly, the hero of the match, John Kennedy, was later sent off for a excessive celebration.
Fluminense’s 21-year-old forward, John Kennedy, emerged as the match winner, scoring the decisive goal nine minutes into extra time. Despite a VAR review for offside, Kennedy’s goal stood. Following the goal, Kennedy ran to the far side of the field and celebrated with the ecstatic Fluminense fans in attendance at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
However, the joyous celebration proved costly for Kennedy as he had already received a yellow card in the 89th minute for a foul. His exuberant celebration led to a second caution, resulting in his dismissal and leaving Fluminense with 10 players on the field.
Boca Juniors’ numerical advantage did not last long, however, as they aggressively pursued an equalizing goal in extra time. Just eleven minutes after Kennedy’s dismissal, Frank Fabra received a straight red card after a VAR review for striking a Fluminense player during a post-whistle altercation.
Fluminense now joins Flamengo (2019, 2022) and Palmeiras (2020, 2021) as Copa Libertadores champions from Brazil since the tournament adopted a single-match final format in 2019.
This was Fluminense’s first appearance in the Copa Libertadores final since their defeat in the 2008 final. The team’s coach, Fernando Diniz, also serves as the head coach of the Brazilian men’s national team, but his tenure is expected to end next summer, with Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti taking over ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
