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Afolabi Ezekiel - June 25, 2025
When the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in the United States, few predicted that it would become a showcase for Brazilian football. Most anticipated the usual dominance of European giants or perhaps a commercial extravaganza catered to North American audiences. But as the matches unfolded, a different narrative took hold, one where Brazilian club not only competed but stood tall against the best in the world.
From Flamengo’s tactical victory over Chelsea to Botafogo’s stunning win over Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil’s clubs have announced their return to the global conversation in emphatic fashion. This Club World Cup is doing more than just offering competitive entertainment, it’s reshaping perceptions about the status of Brazil’s domestic league in the world football hierarchy.
Brazil’s League Status: The Numbers Reflect a Global Force
While much of the spotlight has focused on host cities and big European names, a look at the squad list paints a compelling picture. Of the 508 players who featured in the first round of group stage matches, 70 were Brazilian. That’s nearly 14 percent, more than any other country represented at the tournament. Argentina followed with 57 players, while Spain had just 26.
This isn’t just a coincidence. It speaks to Brazil’s unique role in the football ecosystem. Brazilian players aren’t just confined to domestic clubs; they’re scattered across the tournament’s landscape. From Real Madrid and Manchester City to Pachuca, Esperance de Tunis, and Urawa Red Diamonds, Brazilians are present at every level. For Brazil, football is more than a sport.
This vast reach reinforces the country’s footballing influence. In a world where many nations trade in natural resources or manufactured goods, Brazil trades in footballing excellence. The Club World Cup is simply confirming a trend that has been building for years: Brazil remains one of the most important talent producers on the planet.
As impressive as the representation of Brazilian players is, it’s the club results that have truly stolen the headlines. Crucially, these results haven’t come against soft opponents.
Flamengo overcame Chelsea, Fluminense earned a gritty draw against Borussia Dortmund, and Botafogo shocked PSG, Europe’s reigning champions. That latter result, in particular, sent shockwaves through the footballing world. PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted post-match, “No one has defended better against us this season.”
It has been over a decade since a Brazilian club last beat a top European side in a competitive fixture, which is Corinthians’ famous 2012 Club World Cup win over Chelsea. Now, not only is it happening again, but it’s happening more than once in the same tournament. This is not a fluke. It’s a pattern, and one that suggests Brazil’s domestic football has entered a new phase of global competitiveness.
For many fans, especially those who remember football from the 20th century, Brazil’s current success will feel like a return to tradition. During the 1960s, Pele’s Santos reigned supreme, winning back-to-back Intercontinental Cups. Flamengo humbled Liverpool in 1981. Sao Paulo and Internacional added Club World Cup titles in the early 2000s, cementing Brazil’s club pedigree.
However, the years that followed weren’t kind. Brazilian teams began to fall behind. From Internacional’s shock loss to TP Mazembe in 2010 to Santos being outclassed by Barcelona in 2011, and Flamengo, Gremio, and Palmeiras all losing to European opposition in finals, the trend was clear: Brazilian clubs were struggling to compete on the global stage.
That’s why the results of this tournament feel so significant. They don’t just represent good form, they feel like the rekindling of a long-lost flame. Brazil’s club football is once again demanding respect.
This resurgence isn’t down to luck. A variety of structural, cultural, and tactical factors have contributed to the Brazilian league’s rise in recent years, and this Club World Cup is showcasing the results of that evolution.
One major factor is the timing of the season. Brazilian teams are currently in peak condition, midway through their domestic campaigns, while many European clubs are coming off long, draining seasons. Playing in the heat of the American summer also plays into the hands of Brazilian clubs, who are more accustomed to such conditions.
Motivation is another differentiator. European teams may view the Club World Cup as secondary to domestic leagues or the Champions League. For Brazilian clubs, it’s the pinnacle of international recognition. That hunger has translated into more intense, focused performances.
Additionally, Brazilian football has undergone a quiet revolution in recent years. Since 2021, reforms have allowed clubs to be structured more professionally. This has opened the doors to foreign investment and corporate ownership.
John Textor’s involvement with Botafogo, Red Bull’s project with Bragantino, and City Football Group’s acquisition of Bahia are all signs of international confidence in Brazil’s club ecosystem.
Clubs like Flamengo and Palmeiras have taken advantage of these changes. They’ve built modern training facilities, strengthened their administrative arms, and learned to monetize their massive fanbases.
Importantly, they are also managing to retain players in their prime. Flamengo’s repurchase of Gerson from Marseille at age 25 is just one example of how Brazil’s top clubs are no longer feeder teams, but destinations in their own right.
The coaching culture has evolved too. Four of the last six Brazilian league titles were won by Portuguese managers. The introduction of foreign ideas and tactical discipline has made Brazil’s top teams more adaptable and resilient on the global stage.
If Brazil’s dominance at the Club World Cup seems sudden, it isn’t. The signs were already there in South America. Brazilian clubs have won the last six Copa Libertadores titles, with four of the last six finals being all-Brazilian affairs. That’s a level of regional dominance not seen in decades.
This continental supremacy has been fueled by Brazil’s financial muscle. As Javier Mascherano recently put it, “They clearly have an economic strength that the rest of the countries do not.” With greater resources, Brazilian clubs can attract top talent from other South American countries and invest in better facilities and scouting systems.
What we’re seeing now is the natural spillover of that regional dominance onto the global stage.
Of course, no one is arguing that Botafogo or Fluminense are on par with Manchester City or Real Madrid. But the performance gap is smaller than many assumed. Flamengo manager Filipe Luis recently remarked, “There’s an elite group of 8 or 10 teams in world football. Beyond that, Brazilian clubs are on the next rung.”
This is a fair assessment. Brazil may not be leading the global football race, but they’re back in the conversation. In terms of squad depth, tactical readiness, and mental resilience, Brazil’s clubs have proven that they can compete with nearly anyone outside that elite circle.
The potential is there. Brazil has a massive population of over 200 million, a passionate fan culture, and improved infrastructure. Foreign investment is pouring in, and the football quality is catching up with the best. Even The Economist published an article recently titled, “Brazilian Football Looks Like the Next Premier League.”
Still, challenges remain. The calendar is overcrowded, with some clubs playing up to 80 matches a season. Some pitches remain substandard. Coaching tenures are often short-lived, with too many clubs lacking long-term planning. And the league has yet to secure a global television deal that would allow its growth to scale internationally.
But if the 2025 Club World Cup is any indication, the groundwork has been laid. Brazil’s league is not only climbing back up, it’s building a ladder others might soon follow.
The performance of Brazilian clubs in the 2025 Club World Cup has been a timely reminder of the country’s enduring football strength.
It’s not just about talent, it’s about structure, ambition, and evolution. After years of playing catch-up, Brazil is no longer looking back.
This tournament has shown that Brazil’s league status in global football is rising once again.
Whether or not a Brazilian club lifts the trophy this year, the message has been sent, Brazil isn’t just a nursery for footballers. It’s a nation whose clubs deserve a seat at the top table.
