Stars, trophies and Unimed cap: Celso Barros’ Fluminense legacy | OneFootball

Fluminense lost a distinguished supporter and one of the great figures in tricolor politics on Saturday (15). Celso Barros, former president of Unimed, passed away, leaving a profound legacy in the club's history. Under his leadership, the healthcare company sponsored Flu from 1999 to 2014.The partnership began when Fluminense was at the lowest point in its history, playing in the Série C of the Brazilian Championship. The arrival of Unimed represented a rescue. With investment, the Tricolor quickly returned to the elite and lifted titles that marked a generation: the 2007 Copa do Brasil and the 2010 and 2012 Brazilian Championships. The club also came close twice in South American tournaments, finishing as runners-up in the 2008 Libertadores and the 2009 Copa Sudamericana.But Celso Barros’s impact was not limited to these achievements. Fluminense also became the destination for major stars. Among them, idols and historic players such as Romário, Edmundo, Leandro Amaral, Conca, Dodô, Fred, Deco, and Thiago Neves, in addition to the returns of Roger Flores and Carlos Alberto.

Photo: Divulgação/FFC

The image of new signings arriving at the club alongside Celso Barros, always wearing the “Unimed cap,” became a symbol for the fans. After the 1990s, marked by crises and relegations, the tricolores regained their self-esteem and pride. The Unimed sponsorship, led by Celso, represented for many the feeling of Fluminense’s rebirth.

With Celso, Flu dreamed big and lived through some of the most memorable chapters in its recent history. This weekend, the club says goodbye not only to a passionate supporter, but to one of the main figures responsible for a tricolor revolution.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.