Nação Rubro-Negra

Once you are Flamengo, you are Flamengo 'til you die.

The 'Nação Rubro-Negra' represents the collective identity of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo's supporters, recognized as the most popular football club in Brazil. With over 46.9 million fans, this group accounts for 21.9% of the Brazilian population that supports a specific team. Originating from the club founded on November 17, 1895, as a rowing entity in the Flamengo neighborhood, the supporter base grew significantly after the football department was established in 1911 and turned professional in 1933. The nickname 'o mais querido do Brasil' ('the most beloved of Brazil') stems from early victories in fan polls, such as the 1927 Jornal do Brasil contest where Flamengo defeated Vasco da Gama.

Quick Facts

Primary home ground: Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro)

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.

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?

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.