The age-old debate continues: In the vibrant landscape of Brazilian football, which club reigns supreme – Flamengo or Fluminense? As the 2025 Club World Cup approaches, offering a global stage for these South American giants, the question takes on new significance. To gain insight, I consulted Kleberson, a Brazil World Cup winner from the 2002 squad, to weigh in on which team could potentially shock Europe's elite.
Kleberson's assessment is straightforward: "The best team in Brazil for now is Flamengo just because they have the best players." He highlights the influx of talent returning from Europe, players who have experienced the intensity of top leagues and the Champions League. This blend of international experience and Brazilian flair, according to Kleberson, gives Flamengo a distinct advantage.
The financial disparity between the two clubs further underscores Flamengo's current position. Flamengo anticipates a record revenue of R$ 1.4 billion in 2025, dwarfing Fluminense's estimated R$ 485 million. This financial muscle allows Flamengo to maintain a significantly higher monthly payroll, exceeding R$ 25 million compared to Fluminense's R$ 10 million. While Fluminense has invested approximately 20 million euros in reinforcements for 2025, Flamengo has the capacity to spend much more, with 25 million euros still available for signings.
However, money isn't everything, and history plays a crucial role in the Fla-Flu rivalry. The "Fla-Flu," a term coined by journalist Mário Filho, is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Since their first encounter in 1912, the derby has been synonymous with passion, drama, and overflowing stadiums. The Maracanã, Brazil's spiritual home of football, becomes a cauldron of energy when these two teams clash.
Despite Flamengo's recent dominance and financial strength, Fluminense cannot be written off. They have a knack for rising to the occasion, particularly in derbies. The final of the 2023 Campeonato Carioca serves as a potent reminder. Fluminense, with Marcelo making a significant impact, overturned Flamengo's advantage to secure the title.
Both Flamengo and Fluminense have secured their places in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament featuring 32 teams from across the globe. This new format presents a unique challenge, requiring teams to maintain their peak performance over a longer period. Kleberson acknowledges this, stating, "The difficulty is before the clubs from Brazil won this tournament, they prepare to play three games. Now it is a little bit different, you have to be more smart to play more games.”
Flamengo, led by a squad brimming with talent, including Champions League winner Danilo and Euro 2020 winner Jorginho, enters the Club World Cup as a team with high expectations. Kleberson believes that reaching the semi-finals would be a "really special" achievement for a Brazilian club, acknowledging the gap between South American and European powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain.
Ultimately, while Flamengo may possess the superior squad and financial resources, the Fla-Flu derby is unpredictable. As both teams prepare for the Club World Cup, the rivalry will add another layer of intrigue to their campaigns. Whether Flamengo's star-studded lineup can live up to its potential or Fluminense's fighting spirit will prevail remains to be seen. One thing is certain: both clubs will be carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation when they step onto the global stage.
