Matheus is a passionate Flamengo fan from São Gonçalo, just outside of Rio de Janeiro. For the past two years, he’s led Homefans adventures in Rio and is one of our most popular hosts on the platform.

Read more about his story in this blog on why he loves Flamengo so much and meeting like-minded fans from around the world.

How did your adventure with Homefans start?

I first started hosting on Homefans in 2018, when I met Pedro from Homefans  ahead of the Fla-Flu derby.

I helped Homefans with the group of travelers at that match. From then on I was responsible for the match days and Ultimate Brazil Experience here in Rio!

What do you love about being a Homefans host?

Football is a link that unites people from different cultures and backgrounds, as if it were a common language among all. 

For me what makes me more excited is this exchange of experience, conversations and the possibility of creating friendships all over the world!

What do you like doing when you aren’t leading Flamengo matchday experiences?

In my daily life I study History at university, and I work as a teacher. I also play electric guitar in my local church and practice a lot at home. 

In my spare time, I like to go out with my girlfriend and sometimes with friends to the gym or for some drinks. I also like reading and, of course, going to the Flamengo matches at Maracanã!

What makes Rio so special?

What I like the most about Rio de Janeiro is the way of life, football, the sun, and the beaches.

Brazil is a country that breathes football. In fact, it eats football for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Although we are in South America, football here is unique and different from all other countries. 

Always in the rhythm of samba and funk carioca, you will always see someone on the street wearing your club’s shirt, no matter what corner you pass. Besides that, Brazilian hospitality is unique and football is a brilliant way to make friends here.

There’s also so much to do asides from football, and you need plenty of time to enjoy everything.

You’ve got the classic attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, Jardim Botânico, Parque Lage and others. Of course,  you also have the most famous beaches in the world like Copacabana and Ipanema. As well as loads of great walking trails and a brilliant nightlife. It’s amazing!

What match people should try to see in Rio?

Derby days are amazing here. Everything in town stops to see the game. All the attention of the carioca is on the Derby, even if his team is not playing. 

Sometimes it can even be dangerous because of fights between torcidas organizadas. As we say, it’s a war!

The atmosphere at football matches here in Rio are festive. Fans usually have a barbecue, start drinking beer early with friends and head towards Maracanã together. Upon arriving at the stadium, they make their pre-match with lots of music, samba and funk from Rio.

I love to show travelers how we experience a matchday here.

Why is watching football in Brazil unique?

Usually we arrive early and drink some beers with my friends and torcida’s lads on the streets around Maracanã. We don’t usually stay in bars, but there are those who stay. We prefer to take our drinks on the street with street vendors.

When we are hungry, we enjoy a churrasco before entering the stadium. But for big matches we like to have a big barbecue at home with friends and go to the game, already drunk!

Want to join a Flamengo matchday experience with Matheus in Rio de Janeiro? See his experience here and join an unforgettable day in Rio.