Fla-Flu

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.

In Their Own Story

The sun beats down on the Maracanã, turning the grass into a shimmering green sea under a sky choked with smoke and confetti. On one side, the red-and-black ocean of Flamengo roars with the rhythm of samba; on the other, Fluminense's tricolor flags wave in defiant unison. The air vibrates with the clash of drums that has echoed for over a century. As the referee blows his whistle, the tension is palpable—a silent acknowledgment that this is more than a game; it is a battle for the soul of Rio de Janeiro.

Reader's Guide

Flamengo is the most successful team in the Campeonato Carioca, with 40 titles, while Fluminense is the second, with 33. At a national level, Flamengo has won the Campeonato Brasileiro eight times and the Copa do Brasil five times, while Fluminense has four Campeonato Brasileiro titles and has won the Cup once. Flamengo has won four Copa Libertadores and one Intercontinental Cup, whereas Fluminense has won the Copa Libertadores once and also the Copa Rio once, which it claims to be equivalent to a club's world cup tournament. Fluminense is the only football team in the world that holds the IOC's Olympic Cup, conquered in 1949. Notable matches include the 1941 Campeonato Carioca final (nicknamed Lagoa's Fla-Flu), the 1991 final won by Flamengo, the 1995 final stage match featuring Renato Gaúcho's belly goal, and the 2004 Taça Guanabara matches. The highest attendance is 194,603 for a 0–0 draw on December 12, 1963.

Did You Know?

• The Fla–Flu holds the world's record football match attendance of 194,603 people in a 1963 derby.
• The name 'Fla–Flu' was created by the journalist Mário Filho during the professionalization of Rio de Janeiro's football.
• Fluminense is the only football team in the world that holds the IOC's Olympic Cup, conquered in 1949.
• The Fla–Flu matches are mentioned in Lamartine Babo's unofficial, but very popular, Flamengo anthem composed in 1942.