A complete analysis of the record-breaking campaign in the points race era and a comparison with other great championship performances
Since the implementation of the points system with 20 teams in 2006, the Brazilian Championship has established itself as one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The search for the title requires consistency, strength and, above all, a large number of points over 38 rounds. The question about which team scored the most points in the history of the 20-team Brasileirão has a clear answer and a name that marked an era: Flamengo in 2019. This article details the record-breaking campaign, compares it with other notable performances and analyzes the factors that led to this historic feat.
The points record: Flamengo 2019
The campaign that holds the record for the highest points in the history of the Brasileirão with 20 clubs belongs to Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, which reached the mark of 90 points in 2019. Under the command of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the red-black team not only won the title, but did so in an overwhelming way, breaking multiple records and presenting football that enchanted the country.
The campaign numbers illustrate the team’s dominance:
- Total score: 90 points
- Utilization: 78.9%
- Wins: 28
- Draws: 6
- Defeats: 4
- Goals scored: 86 (best attack in the history of the format)
- Goals conceded: 37
- Goal difference: +49
The team had a star-studded squad, led by a historic attacking duo formed by Gabriel Barbosa, Gabigol, the championship’s top scorer with 25 goals, and Bruno Henrique, elected the star of the competition. The midfield, with the creativity of Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro, was the engine of a team that stood out for its intensity and offensive vocation.
Comparison with other major campaigns
Although the 2019 Flamengo is the record holder, other teams also had memorable campaigns, with scores that place them in the pantheon of great champions of the points-run era. Analyzing these teams helps to assess the magnitude of the red and black achievement.
The highest scores in the Brasileirão with 20 teams (since 2006):
1. Flamengo (2019): 90 points
2. Atlético-MG (2021): 84 points
3. Palmeiras (2022): 81 points
4. Corinthians (2015): 81 points
5. Cruzeiro (2014): 80 points
6. Palmeiras (2016): 80 points
7. Palmeiras (2018): 80 points
The 2021 Atlético-MG, led by Cuca and led by Hulk, was another dominant force, winning the title with 84 points and a solid defense. The 2015 Corinthians, under Tite, are remembered for their collective and consistent play, which earned them 81 points. Palmeiras also appears on the list with three campaigns of 80 or more points, demonstrating its strength in the last decade.
Dominance factors and other records
Flamengo’s campaign in 2019 was historic not only because of the score, but because of the way it was constructed. Some factors were decisive for the success and breaking of records.
- Jorge Jesus’ tactical impact: The Portuguese coach implemented an aggressive style of play, with pressing when the opponent’s ball leaves, high lines and a fast offensive transition, something uncommon in Brazilian football until then.
- Decisive individual performance: In addition to the duo Gabigol and Bruno Henrique, players like Arrascaeta (leader in assists), Gerson and Willian Arão dominated the midfield, while the experience of Filipe Luís and Rafinha solidified the defense.
- Additional records: In addition to the highest score, the 2019 team established other important marks in the history of the championship, such as the best attack (86 goals) and the longest undefeated streak in the same edition (24 games).
The combination of an innovative tactical proposal, a squad with above-average individual talent and a winning mentality resulted in the most impressive campaign of the modern era of the Brazilian Championship.
The record of 90 points set by Flamengo in 2019 remains the biggest milestone in the history of the Brazilian Championship in the 20-team format. The analysis of their numbers, when compared to other major champion teams such as Atlético-MG in 2021 and Corinthians in 2015, highlights the exceptional nature of that season. The campaign not only guaranteed the title, but redefined the paradigm of excellence and dominance in the main national football competition.