Kevin Serna Shines in Fluminense Debut, Earning Praise from Fans and Media

Kevin Serna received many applause in his first two matches with Fluminense (Getty)

Kevin Serna continues to shine in Brazilian football after his impressive debut with Fluminense. On July 28, the young Colombian winger played his first match as a starter, putting in a prominent performance in the 1-0 victory against RB Bragantino. Although he did not score or assist this time, his ability to create danger on his flank and a stunning volley left a good impression among fans.

Serna, who joined Fluminense just six months ago after signing with Alianza Lima, confessed that he is living a dream and described excitedly how he reacted when he received the offer from the defending Copa Libertadores champion.

The outlook for Serna is promising. In his debut with Fluminense, he assisted in the 1-0 victory over Palmeiras, a start that put the spotlight on him. A local media outlet highlighted him as a young talent who showed confidence and skill from the very first moment, contributing decisively to the team’s attack.

His ability to quickly adapt to Brazilian football has been emphasized by various sports news platforms. “Serna’s flair and ability to take on defenders down the flank are establishing him as a key option for Fluminense,” noted Globo Esporte.

“As a player, you always dream that a big club is interested in you. I was surprised because I thought I would receive a call by the end of the year, but they told me right away, and I told the businessman to do what he needed to do to make it happen. When it was finalized, my family and I were shocked. I am happy and hope to keep that happiness as I know what I will do here,” he declared.

Let us remember that, despite his excitement at the opportunity offered by the ‘Flu’, the operation was not going to be easy, as he had a contract for three and a half seasons with the club in La Victoria. It was necessary for the Brazilians to pay nearly three million dollars for the ‘intimos’ to let him go.

Kevin Serna played 24 matches with Alianza Lima, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists (EFE/Andre Coelho)

There is no doubt that the two best matches of Kevin Serna with Alianza Lima were the ones he played against Fluminense in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores. Although the ‘blanquiazules’ did not achieve a good result on either occasion; they drew 1-1 at Matute and lost 3-2 at Maracanã; the player from Popayán managed to score a stunning goal in each of the matches. Now as a player of the ‘Flu’, he recalled those episodes:

“I was fortunate to have good performances with Alianza Lima and be able to score against them. When I came to play here, the fans made themselves heard. Now that I’m on this side, it’s much better. All the messages have been welcoming, something that as a player fills you with confidence. It’s very special, and I hope to repay that trust on the field,” he commented.

The forward scored a sensational ‘volley’ goal for the Peruvian team, which meant the 2-1 lead. (Video: ESPN)

One of the people who has helped Kevin Serna integrate into the Fluminense squad the most is his compatriot Jhon Arias. The midfielder has spent four seasons at the club, where he has become a key figure and managed to be called up to the Colombian national team, a path that the former ADT player hopes to emulate.

“I have talked a lot with Arias because he has advised me and taught me things that were new to me. I try to listen to him so I can adjust as quickly as possible. I thank my teammates, I feel happy with the reception I have received from everyone,” expressed Serna Jaramillo.

Jhon Arias and Kevin Serna celebrate Fluminense’s winning goal against Palmeiras with Richard Ríos in the background – credit Fluminense

The great moment of Serna excites many Peruvian fans, who viewed him as an interesting possibility for the Peruvian national team, as he held citizenship and had been playing in the country for a long time.

However, after his departure to Fluminense, the skillful winger could not complete the 5 consecutive years required by FIFA for a naturalized player to represent a country with which he has no blood ties.