When you hear the roar of 60,000 fans echoing through the Maracanã, chances are it’s not a Beyoncé concert but Flamengo, Brazil’s most beloved football club. The famous red and black stripes originally founded as a rowing club in 1895 but in 1911, they laced up their boots and started writing one of the most passionate chapters in world football history. Over the decades, Flamengo became synonymous with samba, skill, and success, thanks to legends like Zico, Júnior, Leandro, and more recently, Gabigol and Arrascaeta.
They’re not just Brazil’s team, they’re Latin America’s biggest brand. With more than 46 million fans and an incredible following on social media of over 40 million in all platforms they boast as the most followed team outside Europe. Flamengo is a force both on the pitch and in the hearts of millions. The club also has one of the most prolific youth academies that produced players like Vinícius Júnior, Lucas Paquetá and Júlio César.
I was properly introduced to Flamengo during the Club World Cup final in 2019 while supporting my team Liverpool FC. A tough and cagey match that was decided by Liverpool’s fan favorite and Brazilian Roberto Firmino in extra time. Surprisingly, that was not the only time these two great clubs faced each other. The year was 1981 and the man was Zico. One of Flamengo’s greatest icon led the team to a 3-0 victory over Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in a freezing afternoon in Tokyo for the InterContinental cup which some would argue is the modern day Club World Cup.
Currently the team has one player from Africa, 20 year old Nigerian winger Shola Ogundana who made his senior debut in November 2024. He made history as the first Nigerian to play for the club and third African in the history of the club.
How did Flamengo qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
Flamengo are one of six CONMEBOL teams competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and qualified as the winners of the 2022 Copa Libertadores. They defeated domestic rivals Athletico Paranaense in a 1-0 encounter to lift the trophy, thanks to an injury-time finish from Gabriel Barbosa.
Flamengo have been drawn in Group D alongside:
- Chelsea (England)
- Los Angeles FC (USA)
- Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia)
Chelsea are the clear favorites to win Group D because of their experience, quality and squad depth but Flamengo is generally tipped to take second place ahead of Esperance de Tunis and Los Angeles FC which is sufficient to progress.
So keep an eye on this team throughout the tournament in their quest for global glory.
