Driver's Day: Chicão has been driving the Flamengo team for 15 years.

Driver's Day: For 15 years, Chicão has been driving the Flamengo team.

The official team bus driver highlights the emotion of driving his beloved team and recalls memorable moments alongside the club.

By Football Communication - in 25/07/2026 às 10:30

On Driver's Day, celebrated this Saturday (25), Flamengo honors the professionals who are part of the club's routine. Among them is Celso Francisco da Silva, better known as Chicão, responsible for driving the bus and for carrying, in addition to the athletes and the technical staff, a history of dedication and love for Rubro-Negro.

A driver for about 40 years, Chicão has dedicated 15 years of service to the beloved club, spread across different periods. The first began in the 1980s, when he had the opportunity to transport one of the most remarkable teams in the club's history, featuring idols. like Zico. He is currently in his fourth spell at Flamengo, where he has been for four years.

Photo: Adriano Fontes / CRF

As a Flamengo fan, he says there have been many special moments throughout his career, but one in particular stands out.

"It's always an AeroFla. Without a doubt, it's AeroFla. This last one is etched in history. The fans are something else. There's no other like them. They leave you with tears in your eyes and a heavy heart."

For Chicão, driving the team bus is a dream come true.

"I feel complete. I don't want anything else in this life. Just titles, lots of titles."

On game and travel days, preparations begin long before the team even departs. The bus is inspected while still in the garage and arrives at the George Helal Training Center well in advance to ensure everything is ready for departure.

In addition to the driving, small gestures help make the environment more comfortable for the players, such as leaving a bottle of cold water on the seats before each outing.

In celebrating the date, Chicão also made a point of highlighting the pride he feels for his profession and the responsibility of representing Flamengo.

"This is an immense, immeasurable satisfaction. I wish all drivers could feel a little of the satisfaction I get from transporting Clube de Regatas do Flamengo."