Fortaleza is one of the most traditional clubs in the Northeastern region of Brazil alongside Bahia, Vitria, Santa Cruz, Sport, Nutico and Cear, its biggest rival. The club's colors are red, blue and white.

Flamengo's fiercest and longest-standing rivalries are with the other "Big Four" of Rio de Janeiro: Fluminense, Botafogo and Vasco da Gama; as well as interstate rivalries with Atletico MG and Palmeiras.