Players leave Galeão Airport wearing the themed jersey launched by the board, which is the target of criticism.

Flamengo fans celebrated wildly with the players' victory in the South American Basketball League, an unprecedented title for the club. However, the approximately 100 Flamengo supporters present at the International Airport also protested against the financial crisis plaguing the club, which owes salaries to its players.

The fans held up a banner that read: 'Playing for love, yes. Delayed salaries, no.' President Marcio Braga was also not spared and was harshly criticized by the fans, who also took a dig at the football team: 'It's not easy, basketball is the pride of the nation.'

The entire delegation wore the shirt launched by the board to raise funds for the sport. The first player to disembark was Duda, who brought the championship trophy. From then on, the protests disappeared and celebration took over at the airport. All the players had their names chanted, especially Marcelinho - the top scorer of the South American Championship, and Coloneze (one of the heroes of the victory).

"It's a great joy for us, who are going through a very difficult time. Everyone deserves congratulations. We fought hard because we know that Flamengo is going through a difficult moment, but it's much bigger than anything else. It's a very great emotion," said Marcelinho, who points to the fuel for the victory:

- This fanbase. They never let us get discouraged, they always support us. It's a great joy.

Duda, a player who stood out especially in the final period and even felt unwell from the effort, also commented on the warm reception:

- It's incredibly emotional. There's nothing better than arriving here and seeing this amazing crowd welcoming us. This is better than any medal or prize.

The party will continue on Sunday at Maracanãzinho, when Flamengo hosts Brasília for the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) at 11 am. Starting at 9 am, fans can enjoy musical performances and a street basketball exhibition.