Thursday was a day of celebration in Gávea. Dozens of events marked the 117th anniversary of Brazil's Most Beloved Club. Among the celebrations was the "artists' kickabout." A group of musicians and actors split into two teams for a soccer match on the field at the club's headquarters. The "artistic soccer" event featured actors Marcelo Melo Jr., José Loreto, Heitor Martinez, Nicóla Siri, Márcio Kieling, André Mattos, and others.

The "players" were honored to be part of Mengão's celebration. Marcelo Melo Jr., who is currently on the air in the TV Globo soap opera "Lado a Lado," scored two goals and took the opportunity to joke with his friends after the match.

"It's an honor for us to play at Flamengo's home ground. I scored two goals and I'm aiming for the top scorer award (laughs)," joked the actor, who previously played a goalkeeper in the series "Malhação," also on the Rio de Janeiro network, giving his experience as justification for his goals in the game.

"In fiction, I was a goalkeeper. So I already know the tactics. When you're face to face with the goalkeeper, you have to know how to use your best weapon," he concluded.

José Loreto, who recently played the fun Darkson in "Avenida Brasil", on TV Globo, was another who showed off his skills with the ball.

"It's a party day here at Flamengo. It's a pleasure to play with friends. I always play the end-of-year games here and I can say I'm undefeated (laughs). I haven't lost here yet," boasted the actor, who intends to play (soccer) for another 5 years.

"I'm 28 years old, almost a retired player. I have another 5 years to hang up my boots and play in the masters. But football is a pleasure. It's a joy to be here," he commented.

A die-hard Flamengo fan, Sylvinho Blau-Blau represented the band in a pickup game. The singer, who reached the height of his success in the 80s, spoke about his relationship with the world's most beloved black and red.

 

"I've been coming to Gávea for many years, almost my entire life. It's always a wonderful feeling to be here, and we're always very well received. So, another birthday, 117 years. I can say that I spent my 50th birthday here. I've been coming to Flamengo since I was 4 years old," he says, adding that he wants to celebrate more of the club's anniversaries by playing football. 

"I think I can play for another 10 years (laughs). I take care of myself, right? Flamengo is this locomotive of emotions," concludes Blau-Blau.