Nação Rubro-Negra

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Lore & Background

The history of Flamengo's supporters is deeply rooted in the club's early years. Initially established as a rowing group by members gathering at Nestor de Barros's manor on November 17, 1895, the foundation date was later commemorated on November 15 to align with Republic Proclamation Day. The football department emerged from ten dissatisfied Fluminense players who joined in 1911 because their captain, Alberto Borgerth, was a Flamengo rower. Support surged during the 1930s under president José Bastos Padilha, who popularized the phrase 'uma vez Flamengo, Flamengo até morrer' ('Once you are Flamengo, you are Flamengo 'til you die') through school contests. By 1942, Brazil's first organized supporters group, Charanga Rubro-Negra, was founded. The fan base expanded nationwide during World War II due to radio broadcasts reaching the North and Northeast regions, coinciding with on-field success featuring idols like Zizinho.

In Their Own Story

The bond between Flamengo and its fans is evidenced by consistent recognition as the nation's most popular club since at least 1927. The supporter base grew exponentially in the 1930s following the professionalization of the football department and the signing of stars like Leônidas da Silva and Domingos da Guia. In the modern era, Flamengo holds the distinction of being the non-European football club with the most followers on social media, reaching 65 million across all platforms as of December 2, 2025. The fans have consistently backed the team through its status as one of only two clubs never relegated from Brazil's top division. This loyalty is reflected in the club's financial strength, with an annual revenue of R$1.2 billion and a valuation exceeding R$5.096 billion, making it Brazil's richest football club.

Reader's Guide

To understand the 'Nação Rubro-Negra,' one must recognize the significance of the vulture (urubu), adopted as the mascot in 1969. The supporter experience centers on the Maracanã Stadium, where Flamengo has played home matches since its completion in 1950. Fans gather to support a team that is the most successful Brazilian side of the 21st century so far. The identity is also linked to the 'Ninho do Urubu' ('Vulture's Nest') training center in Vargem Grande, which houses the youth academy responsible for developing legends like Zico and Vinícius Júnior. The culture celebrates national representation, noting that at the 1938 World Cup, Flamengo player Leônidas da Silva won both the Golden Boot (7 goals) and the Golden Ball, while Zizinho won the Golden Ball in 1950.

Did You Know?

• Flamengo was founded on November 17, 1895, specifically as a rowing club before establishing its football department in 1911.
• The club's traditional uniform features red and black striped shirts with white shorts, nicknamed the 'cobra coral' (coral snake) from 1914 to 1916.
• Flamengo is one of only two clubs in Brazil, alongside São Paulo, that has never been relegated from the top division.
• As of December 2, 2025, Flamengo holds 65 million social media followers, making it the non-European club with the most online support.
• The vulture (urubu) became the official mascot of Flamengo in 1969.