1986-1989

Aldair started playing football in his hometown: moved to Rio, he auditioned for Vasco da Gama, but was rejected; noticed by Juarez, a former Flamengo player, while playing a game among friends, he joined the Flamengo youth team. In 1985 he played a few unofficial matches with the first team, but it was in 1986 that he found more space, and was used as a starter: he played 23 times in the Brazilian national championship, and scored one goal; he also won the Carioca Championship, the tournament of the State of Rio. In 1987 Flamengo won the national title, and Aldair appeared on seven occasions; in 1988 he played 24 matches, scoring two goals.