Flamengo mobilizes the Nation in action against Racism

Flamengo called on its fans for a major mobilization against racism at the Maracanã stadium tonight (February 19th), before the kickoff of the match against Remo. Players and fans crossed their arms in an "X" shape, a gesture that is FIFA's protocol against racism in cases of racial offenses during matches. 

The action at Maracanã is an expression of Flamengo's respect for racial diversity. Since 1980, combating racism has been part of the club's bylaws, and in 1992 a statutory amendment further expanded its scope. In 2025, Flamengo took further progress on the issue, including sanctions against any discriminatory practice or encouragement.

Respect for diversity is present in the club's daily life. As a sports association, Flamengo works to develop children and young people through sports. This translates into creating opportunities and having a real impact on the lives of these families. 

Flamengo currently has 1.181 athletes across various sports, with over a thousand in its youth categories. Of these, 47,5% live in situations of social vulnerability, either due to their family's economic situation or because they reside in at-risk areas. Last year, Flamengo's healthcare professionals provided 13.684 services in the areas of health and performance—from physiotherapy and psychology to medicine, dentistry, massage therapy, and nutrition—reinforcing Flamengo's role in the development not only of athletes but also of citizens.

In youth football, Flamengo maintains a department dedicated to human development. Today, 329 young people participate in a routine that integrates sport, education, and citizenship. The club monitors their academic performance and implements projects that address topics such as racism, violence, health, and decision-making. 

Furthermore, the Club promotes racial literacy initiatives across all sports, with special attention to youth athletes, expanding the discussion on identity, respect, and citizenship. These initiatives are carried out in partnership with institutions such as ID_BR, CUFA, and the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Secretariat of Culture, strengthening a qualified and consistent approach to the topic.

Dialogue with the UN global agenda

Today's action continues the campaign launched in 2025, which proposed the recognition of the Nation as the first "symbolic-cultural nation" in the world, and that every Nation has responsibilities. 

Attentive to global demands, Flamengo is active on all 17 fronts related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tonight, the club highlights the 18th SDG, created by Brazil, which combats racism. SDGs are a global UN agenda that sets goals for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world by 2030.

“Combating racism is one of our priorities. Flamengo is built on diversity, and that is one of our strengths. Tonight's action, at our home, with our players and our fans, aims to raise awareness not only in the world of sports, but throughout society, about such an important cause,” says Flamengo's president, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap.