The Three-Time State Championships

1942 -1943-1944

Flamengo's first three-peat in Rio de Janeiro had a great mentor: coach Flávio Costa. He was the one who structured the team that prevented Fluminense from winning their third title in 1942, led on the field by one of the greatest Flamengo players of all time: Thomaz Soares da Silva, known as Zizinho. Accompanying him were stars such as Domingos da Guia, Biguá, Bria, Jayme, Valido, Pirillo, and Vevé.

In three years, they won 44 times, scored 188 goals, and lost only six. The team averaged an incredible three goals per game, with Pirilo as the campaign's top scorer: 6 goals. The three-peat came thanks to Valido's class and determination: at 46, the Argentine right winger returned to football and scored the winning goal with a header in the 30st minute of the second half of the final against Vasco, in front of 41 fans at Gávea.

1953 -1954 - 1955

Paraguayan blood played a crucial role in the club's second three-peat. Coming from the neighboring country, legendary coach Fleitas Solich brought his fellow Paraguayans Chamorro and Benítez. The four joined a great generation that included Pavão, Jodir, Dequinha, Jordan, Joel, Rubens, Paulinho, Índio, Evaristo, Esquerdinha, Zagallo, and Dida—a striker who was Zico's childhood idol.

The third title came in the final against América, over three matches. In the first, a 1-0 victory; in the second, a surprising 5-1 defeat; and, in the final, the return with a 4-1 rout for the red-and-blacks.

1978 - 1979

Flamengo's third three-peat was the first major achievement for the most successful team in the club's history. Led by Zico, the generation of Adílio, Rondinelli, Tita, and Júnior, reinforced by the experienced Raul and Carpegiani, won everything possible—in Rio, Brazil, South America, and the world.

In 1978, the title over Vasco came with an epic header from defender Rondinelli, the "God of Race," who powerfully headed in Zico's corner kick to beat goalkeeper Leão and deny his rival a second title. Early the following year, amid uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian Championship, the Rio de Janeiro Federation decided to organize a tournament known as the "Special"—both of which were won by Flamengo, undefeated, with Zico as the top scorer. Thus, 1979 saw two state championships, but only one champion: the second tournament had three rounds, and once again, Flamengo won them all, with Zico once again crowned top scorer.

1999 -2000 - 2001

The turn of the century brought Flamengo its fourth three-peat in the Rio de Janeiro championship. Starting in 1999, three consecutive finals against Vasco da Gama were won, creating unforgettable stories for a generation of Flamengo fans.

In their first title, a packed Maracanã stadium watched Flamengo press their opponents for most of the decisive match, a tension that only eased when Rodrigo Mendes's long-range free kick deflected off the wall and beat the Cruzmaltino goalkeeper. In 2000, after winning the first leg of the final 3-0, Flamengo packed the stands to celebrate their second title with a 2-1 victory, with goals from Reinaldo and Tuta.

And in 2001, the excitement reached its peak in the 43rd minute of the second half of the decisive match. After winning the first leg of the finals 2-1, Vasco could have lost by up to a goal to secure the championship. But a perfect free kick from Petkovic sealed the 3-1 victory that brought the title to Gávea. With his place in club history already secured, the Serbian midfielder returned for a second stint with Flamengo in 2009, where he also played a key role in the team's sixth Brazilian championship.

2007 -2008 - 2009

While Vasco lost three consecutive finals in the fourth quarter, the fifth came with back-to-back victories over Botafogo. The streak began in 2007; Renato Augusto, with a powerful shot from midfield, scored the stunning goal that equalized the score in the second match; with the score tied at 2-2, identical to the first, the decision went to penalties, and Flamengo emerged victorious.

In 2008, Obina scored in both victories against Flamengo, 1-0 and 3-1, securing the second title. And in 2009, the third title came with a repeat of 2007: two 2-2 draws preceded the Flamengo victory on penalties. Coached by Cuca and with defender Fábio Luciano as captain, Flamengo not only secured its fifth title but also established itself as the most successful team in the history of the Campeonato Carioca, surpassing all its rivals in terms of titles.