Flamengo was first founded in 1895 during the proclamation of the Brazilian republic, not as a footballing team  but as a rowing club. They didn't play their first official match until 1912 where they beat the now non-existent club Mangueira 16-2. That remains Flamengo's largest numerical victory in their history.

Flamengo became only the second Brazilian club to win their state championship (2024 Campeonato Carioca), Campeonato Brasileiro, and Copa Libertadores in the same season, after Pel's 1962 Santos team.