A good-hearted man, betrayed by his wife and friends, fakes his death and takes up a new identity, as a nameless, wandering drunkard.

Luizinho is a young man passionate about Flamengo, fortunate enough to have his education paid for by the club, and plays in the team's lower divisions. A pupil of Rubens, the two compete for a spot on the professional team. Until Rubens introduces his friend to the woman he's in love with, Maria Helena. The problem is that she was Luizinho's childhood sweetheart, and the encounter rekindles their passion. A conflict begins between the two players that will be decided on the field.

Lampião's gang raids a farm just as the wedding of Antônio Saraiva and the Baroness's goddaughter is being prepared. In the shootout, Lampião's brother, Ezequiel, is killed, and in revenge, Lampião burns the Baroness alive and orders the bride to be beaten. Upon arriving at the farm, Antônio discovers everything and vows to follow the gang's footsteps to hell. The cangaceiros continue their atrocities, robbing, killing, and looting, until a priest places a curse on Lampião. The curse transforms into the avenging figure of Antônio, who acquires supernatural powers. He meets Lampião during Maria Bonita's birthday party, and a life-or-death duel ensues.