Flamengo, one of the most traditional and successful clubs in Brazilian soccer, has always had great players in its history. Among these essential positions, the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history stand out for their importance both in defense and in supporting the attack.
In this article, we’re going to explore the 10 best midfielders to have worn the Flamengo shirt, highlighting their achievements, defining moments and legacies at the club.
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Best midfielders in Flamengo’s history
1. Andrade
Jorge Luís Andrade da Silva, born on April 21, 1957, in Rio de Janeiro, began his career at Americano-RJ before moving to Flamengo in 1977.
Titles with Flamengo
- Brazilian Championship: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
- Carioca Championship: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
Andrade was one of the pillars of the team that won the Copa Libertadores and the Interclub World Cup in 1981. His performance in the final against Liverpool was key to the world title.
As well as being one of the most successful midfielders in the club’s history, Andrade is also remembered for his return to coaching, leading Flamengo to the Brazilian title in 2009.
2. Adílio
Adílio de Oliveira Gonçalves, born on May 15, 1956, in Rio de Janeiro, began his career in Flamengo’s youth ranks, moving up to the first team in 1975.
Titles with Flamengo
- Brazilian Championship: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
- Carioca Championship: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
Among the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, Adílio played a crucial role in the historic victory over Liverpool in the 1981 Club World Cup final, with an impeccable performance in midfield.
Adílio is known for his technical ability and vision of the game, being one of the most skillful players of Flamengo’s golden generation.
3. Júnior
One of the best left-backs in Flamengo’s history, Júnior was born on June 29, 1954, in João Pessoa, and also played an important role as a midfielder throughout his career with the club.
He began his career at Flamengo in 1974 and became one of the club’s greatest idols, being one of the strongest names in the 1981 campaign, when the team won the Copa Libertadores and the World Cup.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987
- Copa Libertadores: 1981
- Interclub World Cup: 1981
- Carioca Championship: 1974, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1986
Júnior was instrumental in winning the Libertadores and the World Cup in 1981, being one of the team’s technical and emotional leaders.
In addition to the titles, Júnior is remembered for his longevity and versatility, playing both as a midfielder and as a left-back.
4. Ibson
Ibson Barreto da Silva, born on November 7, 1983, in Rio de Janeiro, was revealed by Flamengo, where he began his professional career in 2003.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 2004, 2007, 2008
- Brazilian Cup: 2006
Ibson was one of the main players to win the 2006 Copa do Brasil, standing out for his skill in midfield.
His time at Flamengo was marked by his dynamism and ability to distribute the game, making him one of the idols of the 2000s.
5. Willian Arão
Willian Souza Arão da Silva, born on March 12, 1992, in São Paulo, arrived at Flamengo in 2016, after spells at Botafogo and Corinthians, and became one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history, being a key player in winning the 2019 Libertadores.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 2019, 2020
- Copa Libertadores: 2019
- Brazilian Super Cup: 2020, 2021
- South American Cup: 2020
- Carioca Championship: 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021
Arão is remembered for his consistency and versatility, contributing in both defense and attack during one of Flamengo’s most successful periods.
6. Gerson
In the brilliant year of 2019, Gerson won the Mesa Redonda trophy (Tv Gazeta) as the best midfielder in the 2019 Brazilian Championship, a tournament that Flamengo won.
Gerson was also instrumental in winning the 2019 Libertadores, with brilliant performances in the final stages, including the decider against River Plate.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Brazilian Championship: 2019, 2020
- Copa Libertadores: 2019
- Brazilian Super Cup: 2020, 2021
- South American Cup: 2020
- Carioca Championship: 2020, 2021
His technical ability and vision of the game have made Gerson one of Flamengo’s key players in recent years, earning him the nickname “Joker” from the fans.
7. Toró
Sebastião Miranda da Silva Filho, known as Toró, was born on October 13, 1976, in Fortaleza. He arrived at Flamengo in 2007 and quickly stood out for his physical strength and marking ability.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Carioca Championship: 2007, 2008
Toró was a key player in winning the Carioca Championship in 2007, with consistent performances that ensured the team’s defensive solidity.
His dedication and determination on the pitch made Toró one of the players most loved by the fans during his time at the club.
8. Márcio Araújo
Márcio Rodrigues Araújo, born on June 11, 1984, in São Luís, arrived at Flamengo in 2014 after spells at other Brazilian clubs.
Titles at Flamengo:
- Campeonato Carioca: 2014, 2017
- Copa do Brasil: 2013 (although he joined the club after winning it)
Márcio Araújo was instrumental in winning the 2014 Carioca Championship, being one of the team’s most regular players during the tournament, and one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
His defensive consistency and marking ability are Márcio Araújo’s main legacies at Flamengo.
9. Renato Abreu
Renato Abreu was born on June 9, 1978 in São Paulo. He began his professional career at Santa Cruz, but it was at Flamengo that he left an indelible mark as one of the best midfielders in Flamengo’s history.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Copa do Brasil: 2006 and 2013
- Carioca Championship: 2007 and 2011
- Guanabara Cup: 2007 and 2011
- Rio Cup: 2011
- Super Classics Trophy: 2013
Renato Abreu is remembered for his powerful long-range shots, often decisive in important matches. One of the most memorable moments of his Flamengo career was his free-kick goal against Fluminense in the semi-final of the 2007 Rio Cup, which secured Flamengo’s victory and qualification for the final of the championship.
10. André Gomes
André was a midfielder who stood out for his technical ability, vision and ability to distribute the ball.
Titles with Flamengo:
- Mercosur Cup: 1999
- Carioca Championship: 1999, 2000, 2001
- Champions Cup: 2001
- Guanabara Cup: 1999, 2001
One of André Gomes’ most memorable moments at Flamengo was his performance in the 2001 Cup Winners’ Cup, where he helped the team win the title that guaranteed a place in the following year’s Copa Libertadores. His constant performance and ability to control the midfield were key to the team’s achievements in the late 90s and early 2000s.
10 best midfielders in Flamengo’s history
The 10 best midfielders in Flamengo’s history are:
- Andrade
- Adílio
- Junior
- Ibson
- Willian Arão
- Gerson
- Toró
- Márcio Araújo
- Renato Abreu
- André Gomes
The best midfielders in Flamengo’s history listed in this article are true legends who have contributed significantly to Flamengo’s history.
Each of them, with their unique skills and dedication, helped build a solid, winning team. To celebrate these players is to recognize the importance of the midfield position in Flamengo’s success over the years.
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