The Gávea headquarters' society field was the stage, this Saturday (30), for another edition of the Flapel Tournament. This time, the game had a special meaning: to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the group's founding, recognized as the oldest game of the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo. 

Throughout the day, games were played between 12 teams, divided into two groups: six teams in the 'Veterans' category, over 50 years old, and six in the 'New Generation' category, under 50. Each team was named after great idols, such as Zico, Adílio, Leandro, Nunes, Andrade and Raul, paying homage to Flamengo's history on the field.

Founded in 1976, Flapel has established itself as the club's oldest soccer team, bringing together members weekly for matches that combine competitiveness, friendship, passion for soccer, and, above all, for Flamengo. "In the beginning, we played barefoot here. There are many stories, many players have passed through, and it's always been a close-knit group. I'm happy to see that we're still here today, and I'm hopeful of reaching 50 years," says Nelson Gomes, one of the group's founders.

“We’re celebrating 49 years and already thinking about our golden anniversary next year,” jokes Márcio Oliveira, a member since 2017 and current president of Flapel.

Among the veterans are Nunes, a former Flamengo player and fan favorite, and Alair de Almeida, 83, who has played right-back for Flapel for over 40 years. "I'm one of the oldest. Even at 83, I'm here every Sunday to play; I don't give up," says Alair.