Flamengo’s bond with Peru runs deeper than Libertadores titles | OneFootball

Peru has become sacred ground for Flamengo, their connection stretching beyond trophies to songs, idols and a teenage voice. According to Globo.com, that bond frames the start of their 2026 Libertadores campaign in Cusco.

Flamengo visit the city’s namesake side on Wednesday at 3,350 metres, kick-off 21:30 Brasília time at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium.

They have four Libertadores, one in Uruguay, another in Ecuador and two in Peru, with Lima staging the 2019 late comeback v River Plate and Danilo’s 2025 header v Palmeiras.

Lima even spawned a Maracanã chant, Ô Lima, adapted from Netinho’s 1990s hit Milla.

The 2025 final also spotlighted 15-year-old Peruvian commentator Cliver Sanchez, who called the second half from a hillside when he could not enter, his cry for Danilo’s goal going viral. Dubbed "Pol Deportes", he later visited the Bernabéu and saw Flamengo beat Remo 3-0 at the Maracanã.

Only three Peruvians have represented Flamengo, Jorge Soto who did not play, left-back Trauco and striker Paolo Guerrero. Guerrero scored 43 in 115 and won only the 2017 Carioca, yet his 2015 move from Corinthians for R$ 40 million signalled a new era.

Beyond the two Lima finals, Flamengo’s three other games in Peru this century are unbeaten, four wins and one draw, a 0-0 with Coronel Bolognesi in 2008. Overall they have 26 in the country, 19 wins, four draws and three losses.

One leading Peruvian club now has a distinct Flamengo flavour, with Gabriel Bahia, Felipe Vizeu and coach Zé Ricardo, the latter two academy graduates.

Source: Globo.com