In 1980, Lico moved to Rio de Janeiro joining Flamengo. He would arrive at the club at the request of manager Cláudio Coutinho to be a substitute for Zico. Lico did not become a starter immediately. He made sporadic appearances in the Campeonato Carioca that year, mostly coming off the bench. He returned to Joinville on loan at the beginning of 1981 but returned to Flamengo in May, fortunate to play alongside stars Zico, Leandro, Andrade, Júnior and Adílio, being a key part of the club's historic conquest of the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup of 1981.