Duty Fulfilled: Flamengo Reaches 26th Copa da Amizade Brasil-Japão Final

Some tournaments are remembered for their winners. Others, for what they represent. The Copa da Amizade Brasil-Japão is one of the latter. Founded by Zico in 2000, the tournament reached its 26th edition in 2026 and has firmly established itself over more than two decades as one of Brazilian football's premier youth competitions, bringing together elite clubs from Brazil and Japan.

Flamengo reached the final once again. At CFZ on Wednesday, the Rubro-Negro drew 2-2 with Vasco in regular time and faced a grueling penalty shootout. After 21 attempts, Vasco prevailed 11-10 to claim the title. Flamengo's U-15 side, competing in their 11th Copa da Amizade final, finished the competition with a record of four wins, one draw and one defeat across six matches. The team scored 20 goals, averaging more than three per game.

The campaign began with a 2-1 setback against Vitória, but Flamengo responded decisively in the next round with a crushing 6-1 victory over Grêmio. In their final group match, Flamengo beat J League 4-2 to secure qualification. The team then edged Fluminense 3-1 in the quarter-finals and Atlético-MG 4-2 in the semi-final.

In the final against Vasco, both sides played a closely contested match from the opening whistle. The first half ended goalless, but the second period was action-packed. In the fourth minute, Deivid Lucas, the Rubro-Negro's number 9 and top scorer in the tournament, found Davi Moura unmarked in the box. Moura let the ball run across his body and Pedro Pinheiro arrived to score a fine angled strike.

Vasco equalized in the 13th minute from a free-kick, but Flamengo regained the lead at the 31-minute mark. Deivid initiated the move again, this time picking out Jean Carlos, who crossed for Matheus Eduardo to finish. At the 36-minute mark, Vasco drew level once more, forcing the tie to a penalty shootout.

 

The balance held until the final kick. Flamengo goalkeeper Fabrício Merede saved two penalties and converted his own, but after 21 attempts, Vasco prevailed 11-10.

Yet the outcome tells only part of the story Flamengo wrote in the tournament. For those immersed in the daily work of youth development, the Copa da Amizade offers lessons that extend far beyond silverware:

"First, I want to congratulate the competition. There were no losers here — there were 12 teams that gained experience, world-class organization and a fantastic environment. I believe this competition allows young athletes to take a step forward in their development as human beings and in their preparation for future professional careers," said Alfredo Almeida, Flamengo's youth football director.
 

For the young Rubro-Negro players, being here also means wearing Flamengo's colours in a place intrinsically linked to the club's greatest icon.

"When you're in Zico's house, you have to show respect. Wearing the Flamengo shirt here is a privilege and an enormous source of pride. As for the tournament itself, it's a high-level competition featuring top national teams. These experiences are vital for raising their competitive level," said João Marcos, the U-15 team's head coach.

The Copa da Amizade carries a legacy built across generations. Since its inaugural edition in 2000, numerous players who passed through the tournament have gone on to prominent careers. For Flamengo, Vini Jr., Paquetá and Reinier are standout examples. Rodrygo at Santos, and Andrey and Rayan at Vasco, also came through CFZ and the competition during their youth development.

It is precisely this opportunity to witness young talents taking their first steps that makes the Copa da Amizade so special. In 2026, a new generation had their chance to occupy this stage and forge their own memories.

Deivid Lucas is one of them. With Flamengo since the U-12 level, the number 9 finished the competition as the Rubro-Negro's leading scorer with four goals:

"We are very grateful to have the opportunity to compete in the tournament of our greatest idol and the club's greatest idol. Unfortunately we couldn't bring home the title, but we're extremely happy to have been here, for everything we built and what we managed to achieve throughout the competition."

The importance of this work is also recognized by the CBF. Present for the final, Rodrigo Caetano, general executive coordinator of the Brazilian men's national teams, stressed the need to expand youth competitions and highlighted the Copa da Amizade as a cornerstone of Brazil's football calendar:

"The CBF supports every youth competition across the country, especially one organized by Zico. The success of this event speaks for itself through all its editions. It's a benchmark in Brazilian football's calendar and in Brazil-Japan football relations."
 

The closing ceremony also honoured those who keep the Copa da Amizade alive year after year. Before the trophy presentations, there was a special tribute to the participating clubs and institutions that made the 26th edition possible, including the CBF, SAFERJ, the General Consulate of Japan in Rio de Janeiro and other key partners.

At the presentation, four-time World Cup winner Jorginho handed the runners-up medals to Flamengo's players. Zico presented the club with a commemorative plaque for Flamengo's title win in the 2025 edition, while Rodrigo Caetano handed the trophy to captain João Victor.
 

For Zico, witnessing another generation compete in the tournament represents the continuation of a project built over 26 years:

"The feeling is of duty fulfilled. Once again we're offering this opportunity to these young lads. It's an age group I always say defines whether you want to be a footballer, and to be able to deliver this for 26 years with people so important to world football always backing us — that's something truly special."

Every player who competes in the Copa da Amizade carries with them the experience of competing, learning and sharing the pitch with peers who, in the future, may become household names:

"It's important to learn how to lose too. It was a beautiful, thrilling match where football won out, and it showed the importance of not letting any rivalry cloud your judgment," Zico concluded.