Kennedy Faces Challenges Gaining Trust Under Renato Gaúcho

John Kennedy’s position at Fluminense is unclear. As reported by Globo Esporte, the striker, who helped secure the 2023 Copa Libertadores title, is still waiting for more playing time under coach Renato Gaúcho. In the recent draw against Santos at Vila Belmiro, the coach chose to keep him and Everaldo on the bench, even with the team’s lack of offensive production and a subdued performance from Germán Cano.

Since rejoining the team in July, Kennedy has played just four matches, totaling only 82 minutes. His only start came in a 3–1 loss against São Paulo. This sharply contrasts with the memorable night he scored the winning goal in the Libertadores final.

Despite these challenges, Fluminense has secured his future. After finishing his loan at Pachuca in Mexico, Kennedy extended his contract until December 2027. He also rejected an offer from Shakhtar Donetsk worth 6 million euros plus 3 million in bonuses, totaling around 57 million reais.

The FIFA break allows the team some time to regroup. Training will resume on Friday at the Carlos Castilho complex as they prepare for the September 10 matchup against Bahia in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. For Kennedy, this could be another opportunity to see if Renato Gaúcho is willing to give him a chance to return to the form that once made him a standout young forward in South America.