History of Flamengo football club

The history of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo football club widely known as Flamengo, is one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in Brazil and South America. Founded on November 17, 1895, the club began as a rowing team before expanding into football, a decision that would forever change its destiny. Based in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo’s roots run deep in Brazilian sports culture, and it is revered for its passionate fanbase and historic achievements.

Foundation as a Rowing Club

Flamengo was initially created as a rowing club, a popular sport in Rio de Janeiro at the time. A group of young men from the upper-middle class gathered at Café Lamas in Rio and decided to establish a rowing club. They named it “Clube de Regatas do Flamengo”, reflecting its primary focus on water sports. The name “Flamengo” was inspired by the neighborhood where the club’s activities began. By 1895, the club’s first rowing boat, the “Pherusa”, was purchased, and Flamengo soon started competing in rowing competitions.

The Transition to Football

In the early 20th century, football began to gain immense popularity in Brazil, and Flamengo recognized the opportunity to embrace the new sport. In 1911, a group of dissatisfied players from Fluminense FC – Flamengo’s future rival – decided to leave their club and join Flamengo. Led by Alberto Borgerth, these players convinced the Flamengo leadership to establish a football department, which officially started on November 8, 1911.

Flamengo played its first official football match on May 3, 1912, against Mangueira, winning by a remarkable 16-2. This victory marked the beginning of Flamengo’s journey in football and showcased the club’s potential to dominate the sport in Rio and beyond.

Early Growth and Rivalries

Flamengo quickly rose to prominence, attracting talented players and building a loyal fanbase. By the 1920s, the club had firmly established itself as one of Rio de Janeiro’s strongest teams, competing fiercely with rivals such as Fluminense and Botafogo. The Fla-Flu derby, contested between Flamengo and Fluminense, became one of the most historic and heated rivalries in Brazilian football.

Becoming a National Powerhouse

Throughout the 20th century, Flamengo grew into a symbol of pride for Rio and all of Brazil. The club won its first Campeonato Carioca title in 1914 and went on to dominate state and national competitions. Flamengo’s success reached new heights in the 1980s with legendary players like Zico, who led the club to its first Copa Libertadores title and the Intercontinental Cup in 1981.

Flamengo’s formation and early years laid the foundation for a club that would become a powerhouse in Brazilian football, adored by millions of fans worldwide. Its transformation from a rowing team to a football giant is a testament to the vision and resilience of its founders and players.

15 interesting facts about CR Flamengo football club

1. Flamengo Was Originally a Rowing Club
   Flamengo began as a rowing club on November 17, 1895, at a time when football was not yet popular in Brazil. It wasn’t until 1911 that Flamengo officially established its football team, which would eventually eclipse its rowing roots and become the club’s primary identity.
2. The Fla-Flu Derby’s Unique Origin
   Flamengo’s famous rivalry with Fluminense FC, known as the Fla-Flu Derby, started when a group of disgruntled Fluminense players left to join Flamengo in 1911. This move fueled one of the most intense and historic rivalries in Brazilian football. To this day, their matches attract huge crowds and are a cornerstone of Rio de Janeiro’s football culture.
3. Flamengo’s Record-Breaking Fanbase
   Flamengo is known for having one of the largest fanbases in the world. Estimates suggest that over 40 million people identify as Flamengo supporters. The club is often called “O Mais Querido” (The Most Beloved) because of its widespread popularity across Brazil and even globally.
4. The 1981 Golden Year
   Flamengo’s 1981 season remains legendary in the club’s history. With Zico, one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, leading the team, Flamengo won their first Copa Libertadores title and later defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup to become world champions.
5. Zico – The King of Flamengo
   Zico, often referred to as “The White Pelé,” is Flamengo’s all-time leading scorer, netting 508 goals during his time with the club. His brilliance in the 1980s not only defined an era for Flamengo but also helped elevate the club’s international profile.
6. Maracanã – Flamengo’s Fortress
   Flamengo has long called the iconic Maracanã Stadium its home ground. The Maracanã, one of the world’s largest and most historic stadiums, has witnessed many of Flamengo’s greatest triumphs and holds a special place in the hearts of their fans.
7. Unprecedented Domestic Success
   Flamengo holds the record for the most Campeonato Carioca titles, Rio de Janeiro’s prestigious state championship. They have consistently dominated Rio’s football scene for over a century, winning the competition more than 30 times.
8. Financial Turnaround and Modern Success
   In the early 2010s, Flamengo faced serious financial struggles. However, under new leadership and smart management, the club cleared its debts and invested heavily in infrastructure and players. This turnaround led to Flamengo’s dominance in the 2019 season, when they won the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores in the same year.
9. The “Urubu” Nickname Origin
   Flamengo is nicknamed the “Urubu” (vulture), a name initially used as an insult by rival fans in the 1960s. Flamengo supporters embraced the nickname, turning it into a positive symbol of resilience. The club’s fans even introduced a vulture mascot to proudly reclaim the term.
10. Flamengo and Multi-Sport Success
    While Flamengo is best known for its football achievements, it remains active in multiple sports, including basketball, volleyball, and rowing. Flamengo’s basketball team, in particular, has won several domestic and international titles, showcasing the club’s versatility and commitment to sports excellence.
11. The Global Reach of Flamengo
    Flamengo has a strong international following, especially in Portugal, Japan, and other parts of South America. Their iconic red-and-black striped jerseys are recognized worldwide, and the club has toured extensively to expand its global fanbase.
12. Highest Attendance in Maracanã
    Flamengo holds the record for the largest attendance in Maracanã Stadium history. In a match against Fluminense in 1963, over 194,000 fans packed into the stadium, a figure that remains unmatched in modern football due to current safety regulations.
13. A Women’s Football Legacy
    Flamengo has also made strides in women’s football. Their women’s team has quickly risen to prominence in Brazilian football, winning domestic championships and helping grow the women’s game in Brazil.
14. Flamengo’s Youth Academy Success
    Flamengo’s youth academy is one of the most productive in Brazil, nurturing talents like Vinícius Júnior, who went on to play for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. The club’s focus on developing young stars ensures a constant supply of future talent.
15. Red-and-Black Iconography
    Flamengo’s iconic red and black colors have deep significance. The colors were chosen to represent passion and strength, two qualities that Flamengo embodies on and off the pitch.

Flamengo’s illustrious history, passionate fanbase, and on-field achievements make it one of the most remarkable and recognizable clubs in the world. It stands as a symbol of Brazilian football culture and continues to write new chapters of success year after year.