Flamengo's ambassador, Zico, representing the nation with its 45 million fans, was received this Monday at the United Nations by the Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming. On the occasion, the greatest Flamengo idol presented the executive with a publication that portrays the strength of the club and its fanbase, a cultural reference in Brazil.

A nation has the power to mobilize and inspire people, but it also has responsibilities. Recently, Flamengo became a signatory to the Football for the Goals program, an initiative that mobilizes sport in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continuing the campaign for the nation to be recognized as the first Symbolic-Cultural Nation in the world.

At the meeting, held in the General Assembly hall, Zico and Flamengo, represented by its Communications Director, Flavia da Justa, received the Football for the Goals program certificate. On that occasion, Melissa Fleming announced Zico as the new 'Champion' of the initiative and presented him with the official scarf, a symbol awarded to the program's ambassadors. The star player, the first Brazilian to receive the honor, joins a select group of football personalities who use their platforms to inspire fans and the sports community, as well as promote environmental and human rights issues.

“Flamengo’s participation in Football for the Goals reinforces the potential of South American football – and Brazilian football in particular – as a powerful platform for social mobilization and positive transformation,” said Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications. “By bringing one of the world’s most influential clubs into this global initiative, we are strengthening a movement that connects the passion for the game to the urgent need to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and build a more just, inclusive and sustainable world for all,” she added.

Attentive to global agendas and aware of the transformative role it plays in society, Flamengo is now partnering with the UN to use the power of football as a tool for social impact. The club already develops initiatives aligned with the 17 SDGs, with projects focused on reducing inequalities, promoting health and well-being, and quality education, as well as combating racism, a topic that, in Brazil, has gained the status of the 18th goal on the sustainable development agenda. All initiatives are detailed in the book that Flamengo submitted to the UN.

“Flamengo understands its fanbase as a central asset in brand building, but also as a force capable of generating real impact on society. Being at the UN today, officially announcing our commitment to Football for the SDGs, is a recognition of Flamengo's size and its responsibility. The club already develops initiatives aligned with these principles and, from now on, expands its reach by connecting to a global agenda,” stated Flávia da Justa, Flamengo's Communications Director.

The tribute to Zico symbolizes the connection between sport, leadership, and social impact, reinforcing the role of sports idols as role models capable of mobilizing millions of people towards development.

“Receiving this recognition as a 'Champion' of Football for the SDGs is a great honor. Football has always had the power to unite and inspire people. If we can use this power to help build a fairer world, with more opportunities and respect, it will have been worthwhile,” Zico emphasized.

Flamengo's presence at the UN marks another step in consolidating the club as a global platform for impact that transcends sport. By mobilizing millions of people around relevant causes, Flamengo demonstrates the strength of the Nation, with its 45 million fans, in the movement for its recognition as the first symbolic-cultural Nation in the world.