Anyone who thinks Flamengo was born red and black is sorely mistaken. The colors that today make the heart of Brazil's largest fan base beat stronger — red and black — were not the club's original colors.
The Surprising Origin of the Red and Black Colors
Flamengo was founded on November 15, 1899, as a rowing club. The colors chosen by its founders were blue and gold. The change occurred in 1898 for a very practical reason: with this shimmering combination, the shirts quickly deteriorated from the sun and sea salt.
It was then that the iconic red and black horizontal stripes came to represent Mengão — a choice that would become the most recognized identity in Brazilian football.
The Shirt That Conquered the World in 1981
The red and black shirt gained worldwide fame in 1981 when Flamengo, with the duo Zico and Nunes (number 9), defeated Liverpool 3-0 in the Intercontinental Cup. It was the first title for a Brazilian club in this tournament, and the red and black stripes were featured on newspaper covers around the world.
In that historic team, the shirt was simple and without sponsors — just the stripes and the crest. A purity that still inspires collectors and passionate fans today.
Zico and the Legend of the Number 10 Shirt
No Flamengo shirt is more iconic than the number 10 worn by Zico. In 16 seasons with the red and black mantle, Galinho won 13 titles for the club — a record that is still impressive. The number 10 shirt became a symbol of magic and genius in Brazilian football.
Curiosity: The Most Beautiful Anthem in Rio
The red and black shirt carries more than just colors — it carries culture. As recorded by Placar magazine, with the sympathy of nine out of ten Cariocas, Flamengo can boast of having the most beautiful anthem in Rio de Janeiro. All fan bases are unanimous in pointing out Lamartine Babo's lyrics as the most beautiful ever composed for a club.
Why the Flamengo Shirt is an Object of Desire
With over 40 million fans spread across Brazil and the world, the red and black shirt goes far beyond sports. It represents identity, belonging, and the greatest passion of the Brazilian people. Whether in a retro version from the 80s or in modern models, it is always one of the most desired uniforms by collectors.
At Garrincha Shirts, you'll find historic and current Flamengo shirts to proudly wear this living piece of national football history.