Overview
Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, commonly known as Palmeiras, is a prestigious Brazilian football club located in São Paulo. Established on August 26, 1914, the club adopted green and white as its official colors, which have been symbolic ever since. Initially founded as Palestra Italia by Italian immigrants, the club was forced to change its name during World War II under pressure from the Brazilian government. The name Palmeiras was chosen, and the club’s journey toward success truly began.
Palmeiras is one of the most successful football clubs in South America, recognized for its strong fanbase and record-breaking victories. The club’s most notable achievements include the Copa Libertadores titles won in 1999, 2020, and 2021, as well as the 1951 Rio Cup, acknowledged by FIFA as an international title. Despite debates, the Rio Cup was a groundbreaking victory in Brazilian football history, often compared to winning a World Cup at the club level. Palmeiras continues to shine, with the team being named the world’s best club by the IFFHS in 2021.
Domestically, Palmeiras holds the record for most national titles in Brazil, including victories in the Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil. The club has claimed numerous regional honors as well, with a standout performance in the 1996 Campeonato Paulista, scoring 102 goals in 30 matches—a feat unmatched to this day.
History
Palmeiras was born on August 26, 1914, when Italian immigrants in São Paulo founded Palestra Italia. The club’s first official match took place on January 24, 1915, against Savoia, a team from Sorocaba, and Palmeiras won 2-0, with goals from Bianco and Alegretti.
The club’s early years were marked by domestic dominance, but its first major international success came in 1951. Palmeiras defeated Italy’s Juventus in the Rio Cup final at the Maracanã Stadium before a crowd of over 100,000 spectators. This win is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in Brazilian football history, and FIFA officially recognized it as an international title decades later.
During the golden era of Brazilian football (1958-1970), Palmeiras was one of the few teams that could rival Santos, home to the legendary Pelé. Palmeiras’ competitive spirit helped shape this remarkable period in Brazilian football history.
Current Squad
The current Palmeiras roster includes a blend of experienced players and emerging talents:
- Weverton
- Gustavo Gómez
- Marcos Rocha
- Rony
- Raphael Veiga
- Dudu
- Joaquín Piquerez
- Felipe Anderson
This talented lineup has brought recent success to Palmeiras, securing key domestic and international titles.
Player Profiles of the Captain
Marcos Rocha
Marcos Rocha has played a pivotal role in Palmeiras’ recent achievements. On November 27, 2021, Palmeiras defeated Flamengo 2-1 in the Copa Libertadores final at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. This victory marked Rocha’s second Copa Libertadores title with Palmeiras. Rocha also surpassed 186 appearances for the club, cementing his place as one of the top right-backs in Palmeiras’ history.
Gustavo Gómez
Gustavo Gómez has established himself as one of Palmeiras’ most reliable defenders and leaders. He reached 100 appearances for the club during the 2020 Copa Libertadores and captained Palmeiras to a historic 1-0 victory over Santos in the 2021 final, securing the club’s third Libertadores title. By 2022, Gómez had played 200 matches and became the foreign player with the most wins for Palmeiras.
Notable Players in Palmeiras’ History
Palmeiras has produced and hosted many legendary players throughout its history.
- Ademir da Guia
Ademir da Guia is the player with the most appearances for Palmeiras, having played 902 matches for the club. Known for his elegance and vision, he became a symbol of Palmeiras’ golden era in the 1960s and 1970s. - Émerson Leão
Leão holds the record for the most games played by a goalkeeper for Palmeiras, with 617 appearances. His outstanding performances between the posts earned him a place among the club’s most respected players. - Heitor
Heitor remains the club’s top scorer, with 327 goals in 358 matches. His goal-scoring prowess earned him legendary status, and he was also the first Palmeiras player to be called up to the Brazilian national team.
Rivalries
Paulista Derby
Palmeiras’ fiercest rivalry is with Corinthians, a matchup known as the Paulista Derby. This is one of the most significant derbies in Brazilian football and dates back to 1917, with Palmeiras winning the inaugural clash 3-0. Iconic moments, such as Palmeiras’ 8-0 victory over Corinthians in 1933 and their 4-0 triumph in the 1993 Campeonato Paulista final, continue to fuel this rivalry.
Choque-Rei
The rivalry between Palmeiras and São Paulo FC is another intense fixture, known as Choque-Rei. The rivalry began in 1930 when São Paulo FC was founded, and over the years, numerous events have deepened the animosity between the clubs. Key moments include the 1994 Paulista final and Palmeiras’ dominance in regional football.
Sans Rivalry
Palmeiras also maintains a historic rivalry with Santos, known as the “Clássico da Saudade.” During the late 1950s and 1960s, Palmeiras and Santos were the two strongest teams in Brazilian football, leading to thrilling encounters. Notably, Palmeiras defeated Santos in the 2021 Copa Libertadores final to claim their third title.
Conclusion
Palmeiras’ legacy as one of Brazil’s most successful football clubs is unquestionable. From its early beginnings as Palestra Italia to its modern-day triumphs in both domestic and international competitions, Palmeiras has consistently demonstrated resilience, skill, and excellence. The club’s passionate fanbase, rich history, and fierce rivalries make it a cornerstone of Brazilian football. With legendary players, unforgettable matches, and ongoing success, Palmeiras’ future continues to shine brightly.
