Six-time Brazilian champion in 2009, Flamengo continues to demonstrate that one of its greatest strengths is the size of its fan base. The team's higher average attendance in the last Brazilian Championship wasn't just a reflection of its strong campaign. According to the most recent Datafolha survey, Flamengo's fans not only remain the largest in Brazil but are also increasing their lead over the second-place team.

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The survey, conducted days after Andrade's men won the Brasileirão, found that 19% of Brazilians over 16 support Flamengo. In the previous survey, conducted in November 2008, the Gávea club had a 17% supporter.

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The big secret to Flamengo's popularity, according to the survey, is that the club manages to attract many fans outside of Rio de Janeiro. In the Northeast, for example, the club received 25% of the fans surveyed. In the North and Central-West regions, the club has 30% of the fans. What's even more incredible is that no other club in the world has managed to surpass the 10% mark.

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Among young people, Fla is even more popular: 23% of Brazilian fans between 16 and 24 years old have their hearts beating in red and black.

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The second most popular team in the country, Corinthians, came in at 13%. Flamengo's lead over the São Paulo team increased by two points, opening up a margin of error for the survey, which is plus or minus 2%.

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The highest-ranked Rio de Janeiro team after Flamengo was Vasco, in fifth place with 5%. São Paulo is third with 8%, followed by Palmeiras with 7%. Botafogo is 11th with 2%, and Fluminense is 12th with 1%.