Flamengo launched this Tuesday (09/09/2025) a campaign that could only be born of boldness, irreverence, and healthy red-and-black arrogance: asking the UN to officially recognize the Red-Black Nation as the first "symbolic-cultural Nation" on the planet. After all, who would doubt the strength and size of this Nation?

The campaign, which celebrates the greatness and passion of the Flamengo brand, was revealed in a special speech by Zico, live from Maracanã, shared with the Nation by FlamengoTV.

"If we were a country, we would have the 36th largest population in the world. We are more than 45 million people united by the same flag, the same culture, and the same sentiment that spans generations. Flamengo is not just a club, it is a nation," declared Zico.

The campaign aims to engage the club's immense fan base around a symbolic movement that reflects what is already a reality: Flamengo's cultural, social, and emotional strength transcends borders. UN recognition, albeit symbolic, would be international validation of a phenomenon already evident in Brazil and around the world.

The campaign opens up space for direct participation from fans, who can support the cause by signing the digital petition. To do so, simply visit the page petition.flamengo.com.br

"A nation defined not by geography, but by collective sentiment. A nation with music, stories, heroes, customs, and traditions. And, most importantly, a people spread across the planet. This is the Red-Black Nation," Zico emphasized in his address. 

If the pronouncement came from King Zico, the call for the petition gained even more strength under Hadrian, the Emperor. Because, let's face it: what other nation can claim to have both a king and an emperor?

From international protocol to the stands, one thing is certain: the world is already red and black. The UN just needs to confirm it.

About the campaign:

The campaign was created by Artplan, while the agency Quintal was responsible for the content strategy and creation of its developments across various media channels. With over 45 million fans—a population that would be among the largest in the world if it were a country—the initiative reinforces Flamengo as a cultural expression that goes beyond sport, with symbols, rituals, and collective identity. The campaign was launched with a speech by Zico, broadcast on FlamengoTV, and unfolds through digital activations, multiplatform content, and engagement initiatives, positioning the club in dialogue with international sports and cultural marketing examples. 

Check out the official statement: