Clássico Fla-Flu

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Lore & Background

The rivalry between these two clubs began in October 1911, when a group of dissatisfied players from Fluminense left the club, and went to Flamengo, which at the time had no football department. The first Fla–Flu ever was played the following year, on July 7, 1912, at Laranjeiras stadium. Fluminense won this match 3–2, with 800 people in attendance. The name 'Fla–Flu' was created by the journalist Mário Filho during the professionalization of Rio de Janeiro's football. The Fla–Flu rivalry is one of the most fiery and passionate football rivalries in the world. This deeply rooted rivalry is a microcosm of the socio-economic backgrounds and class divisions that have molded the city’s history. Fluminense was founded in 1902 by the elites of Rio de Janeiro and historically drew fans from Rio’s upper and middle classes. Flamengo, on the other hand, was founded as a rowing club originally and emerged as the club of the working class as football fever was spreading in the early 20th century. One hundred years later, the class distinction evolved in the city, but it remains a critical component of the rivalry’s cultural and social significance. The Fla–Flu matches are mentioned in Lamartine Babo's unofficial, but very popular, Flamengo anthem composed in 1942.

In Their Own Story

The most contested tournament for these rivals is the Carioca Championship, where Fluminense has claimed 33 titles and Botafogo 21. In the Brazilian Championship, Botafogo holds three titles while Fluminense holds four, with Fluminense also securing one Brazil Cup. At the international level, both sides have tasted continental glory; Botafogo won a CONMEBOL Cup and a Copa Libertadores, while Fluminense secured a Copa Libertadores and a Copa Rio, which they claim is equivalent to a Club World Cup. Uniquely, Fluminense holds the IOC Olympic Cup ('Coupe Olympique'), awarded in 1949 for distinguished service to the Olympic Movement, making them the only football team globally with this non-competitive honor. A dramatic moment occurred in the 2006 Copa Sudamericana second stage, the first time the derby was played as a knockout match at any national or international level; after two 1–1 draws, Fluminense won 4–2 on penalties.

Reader's Guide

Important matches include: On November 23, 1941, Flamengo and Fluminense disputed the Campeonato Carioca final, at Gávea Stadium, nicknamed Lagoa's Fla-Flu; Fluminense won the competition. In 1991, the Campeonato Carioca final was again disputed between Flamengo and Fluminense; Flamengo won the second leg 4–2. One of the most famous matches was the 1995 Campeonato Carioca final stage match, played on June 25 at Maracanã stadium, where Fluminense's Renato Gaúcho scored a belly goal, and his team won 3–2. The 2004 Campeonato Carioca had two matches: on February 1, Flamengo won 4–3; on February 21, Flamengo defeated Fluminense 3–2, giving Flamengo the Taça Guanabara title. Highest attendances include the 1963 derby with 194,603 people. In the Campeonato Carioca history, Fluminense beat Flamengo to the title in 1919, 1936, 1941, 1969, 1973, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2022 and 2023. Flamengo beat Fluminense in 1963, 1972, 1991, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2025 and 2026. There is disagreement on the decision criterion for the 1919, 1969 and 1983 championships won by Fluminense.

Did You Know?

• The Fla–Flu holds the world's record football match attendance of 194,603 people in a 1963 derby.
• Fluminense is the only football team in the world that holds the IOC's Olympic Cup, conquered in 1949.
• The name 'Fla–Flu' was created by the journalist Mário Filho.
• The first Fla–Flu was played on July 7, 1912, at Laranjeiras stadium, with Fluminense winning 3–2.