The best midfielders in Flamengo’s history have been fundamental to all the achievements that this Brazilian soccer giant has to its name.
These players have not only led the midfield, but have also been instrumental in decisive moments.
That’s why in this article we’ve rounded up the 15 best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, highlighting their achievements, defining moments and legacies at the club.
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15 best midfielders in Flamengo’s history
1. Zico
The greatest idol in Flamengo’s history, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, better known as Zico, was born on March 3, 1953, in Rio de Janeiro. Considered one of the greatest players of all time, he was the protagonist in winning the Libertadores and the World Cup in 1981, leading Flamengo with his incomparable skill and vision of the game.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1974, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
- Roberto Gomes Pedrosa Tournament: 1967 (name of the competition at the time)
- Libertadores Super Cup: 1981
2. Petkovic
Dejan Petković, born on January 10, 1973, in Titovo Užice, in the former Yugoslavia, had a remarkable spell with Flamengo in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1999, 2000
- Mercosur Cup: 1999
Petkovic is famous for his free-kick in the 1999 Campeonato Carioca final, which secured victory over Vasco.
One of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, he isknown for his free-kick skills and is one of the greatest free-kick specialists in history.
3. Adílio
Adílio dos Santos, born on September 22, 1959, in Rio de Janeiro, was one of Flamengo’s big names in the 1980s, known for his technical ability and vision of the game.
Flamengo titles:
- Carioca Championship: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
Adílio was a fundamental part of the team that won the Libertadores and the World Cup in 1981, stamping his name among the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
He is remembered for his incredible ability to distribute play and for being a pillar of the 1981 World Cup-winning team.
4. Sávio
Sávio Bortolini, born on September 12, 1974, in São Bernardo do Campo, stood out at Flamengo in the early 1990s with his skill and speed.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1991
Sávio shone with his performances in winning the 1991 Carioca Championship and was fundamental to the team’s success.
One of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, he is remembered for his dribbling ability and speed, which marked his time with the Reds.
5. Júnior
Júnior is known as one of the best left-backs in Flamengo’s history, but his performances as a midfielder also put him on this list, proving his versatility.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
Júnior was a key player in the 1981 World Cup, playing a crucial role in both defense and midfield.
He is remembered for his versatility and longevity, being one of the most complete players in Flamengo’s history.
6. Djalminha
Djalminha was known for his technical ability and creativity, marking his time at Flamengo in the late 90s.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1999
Djalminha stood out for his dribbling skills and vision of the game, and was a key player in the 1999 Carioca championship.
He is remembered for his creativity and technical skills, which delighted the fans during his time there.
7. Zinho
Zinho had a remarkable spell at Flamengo between 1991 and 1996, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1991
- Mercosur Cup: 1999
He played an outstanding role in the 1991 Carioca Championship and in winning the Mercosur Cup in 1999.
He is known for his skill and crucial contribution to the titles won in the 90s.
8. Renato Abreu
Renato Abreu, born on September 6, 1979 in São Paulo, had a successful spell at Flamengo in the early 2000s.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 2007, 2008
Renato Abreu stood out for his ability to take free-kicks and was instrumental in winning the state championship in 2007 and 2008.
He is remembered for his accurate free-kicks, which resulted in decisive goals for Flamengo.
9. Everton Ribeiro
Everton Ribeiro is one of Flamengo’s recent highlights, known for his technical ability and creativity, which have made him one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 2019, 2020
- Carioca Championship: 2019
Everton Ribeiro played a crucial role in winning the 2019 and 2020Campeonato Brasileiro titles , showing his importance in midfield.
He is known for his assists and vision, which have been key to Flamengo’s recent success.
10. Arrascaeta
Giorgian De Arrascaeta has been one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history since his arrival in 2019.
Titles at Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 2019, 2020
- Carioca Championship: 2019, 2020
- Copa Libertadores: 2019, 2022
Arrascaeta excelled in winning the 2019 and 2022 Libertadores, and was a key player in the Brazilian Championship.
He is known for his technical skills, assists and decisive goals at crucial moments.
11. Tita
Marcos Evangelista de Morais, known as Tita, was born on March 12, 1959, in Rio de Janeiro. Tita had a brilliant career at Flamengo during the 80s.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1981, 1986
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
Tita was part of the 1981 World Cup-winning team and made a significant contribution to Flamengo’s success in the 80s.
He is remembered for his decisive performances and his technical ability, and is one of the fans’ idols.
12. Bebeto
José Roberto Gama de Oliveira, known as Bebeto, was born on February 16, 1964, in Salvador. Although he is best remembered as a striker, he also played as a midfielder for Flamengo.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1984
Bebeto had a brief but significant spell with Flamengo, helping them win the 1984 Carioca Championship.
He is known for his skill and versatility on the pitch, which marked his time at the club.
13. Andrade
Andrade was one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, known for his defensive strength and skill in midfield.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1981, 1986
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
Andrade was a defensive pillar in the team that won the Libertadores and the World Cup in 1981. His performance on the pitch was essential to the team’s success, providing balance and security in midfield.
He is remembered for his fundamental contribution in defense and for his leadership role during one of Flamengo’s most successful eras.
14. Leandro Ávila
Leandro Ávila had a remarkable career as a midfielder at Flamengo. Known for his technique and vision of the game, Leandro was a key player in several of the club’s achievements.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 1991
- Mercosur Cup: 1999
The midfielder played a crucial role in winning the 1991 Carioca Championship and the 1999 Mercosur Cup, being a constant and influential presence in midfield.
He is remembered for his technical ability and decisive contribution to the titles he won with Flamengo.
15. Gerson
Gerson Santos da Silva arrived at the rubro-negro in 2019 from Italian side Roma and became one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 2019, 2020
- Copa Libertadores: 2019
- Brazilian Super Cup: 2020, 2021
- South American Cup: 2020
- Carioca Championship: 2020, 2021
Essential in winning the Libertadores in 2019, with brilliant performances.
His technical ability and vision have made Gerson one of Flamengo’s key players in recent years.
15 best midfielders in Flamengo’s history
Here’s a list of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history:
- Zico
- Petkovic
- Adílio
- Savio
- Junior
- Djalminha
- Zinho
- Renato Abreu
- Everton Ribeiro
- Arrascaeta
- Tita
- Bebeto
- Andrade
- Leandro Ávila
- Gerson
This article seeks to capture the essence and impact of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, celebrating their contributions and legacies that continue to inspire new generations of fans and players.
Who will be the team’s next idols in future seasons?
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