Understanding the Brazilian Football Confederation and the National League
The Brazilian Football Confederation is the governing body responsible for organizing the national league and tournaments. The national league, also known as the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, is the top division of Brazilian football. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. The Brazilian Football Confederation has declared the champions of national tournaments from 1959 to 1970 as official winners of the Brazilian championship. In 2021, the league was chosen by the IFFHS as the strongest national league in South America and the world.
It’s also the most-watched football league in the Americas and enjoys global exposure, being broadcast in 155 nations. With a value of over $1.43 billion and an annual turnover of over $1.17 billion in 2012, it’s one of the world’s richest championships.
History and Format
When we talk about the top of Brazilian football, we’re referring to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. This is where the best teams compete, and it’s the main football competition in the country. With 20 clubs battling it out, the league uses a promotion and relegation system with the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B.
Historically, the Brazilian Championship has been quite a rollercoaster. The competition system, rules, and number of participants have changed almost every season. This lack of standardization meant that sometimes there was no promotion and relegation system, and at other times, the number of clubs fluctuated wildly. For instance, in 1979, the league hit a high with 92 teams.
Different formats have been tried over the years. From 1959 to 1968, it was a knockout tournament. Then from 1967 to 2002, we saw a mixed system with a group stage followed by playoffs. It wasn’t until 2006 that the league settled into the round-robin system we know today, where each of the 20 teams plays against every other team at home and away.
In 2010, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) recognized the champions of earlier national tournaments, from 1959 to 1970, as official winners of the Brazilian championship. This included the Taça Brasil and Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa. And just last August, in 2023, the CBF also declared the 1937 Torneio dos Campeões as a Brazilian championship, adding another piece to the tournament’s rich history.
Clubs in the Brazilian Championship
The Campeonato Brasileiro is not just a local powerhouse; it’s also recognized globally. It has the second-most club world champions titles, with ten championships shared among six clubs, and the second-most Copa Libertadores titles, with 22 wins across ten clubs.
Since 1959, a total of 156 clubs have competed in the Campeonato Brasileiro. It’s been quite a journey for these teams, with seventeen clubs having been crowned Brazilian football champions. Among them, thirteen clubs have claimed the title more than once. When it comes to success in the league, Palmeiras stands out as the most successful club, having won the competition twelve times. Santos follows with eight titles, and both Corinthians and Flamengo have each secured seven titles.
One of the most remarkable achievements in the league’s history belongs to Santos’ Os Santásticos, who won five consecutive titles from 1961 to 1965—a feat that’s still unmatched. The state of São Paulo has dominated the scene, collecting 34 titles among its five clubs.
Records
When we look at the records in the Brazilian Championship, there are some standout achievements that really capture our attention.
Top Scorers
Let’s start with the top scorers. Roberto Dinamite leads the pack with an impressive 190 goals. Fred follows with 158 goals, while Romário is close behind with 154 goals. Edmundo also made a mark with 153 goals. Diego Souza scored 131 goals, and Zico added 135 goals to his record. Túlio netted 129 goals, Serginho Chulapa had 127, Washington scored 126, and Luis Fabiano rounded out the top scorers with 117 goals.
Top Clubs
On the club side, São Paulo stands out with the most points, totaling 2368. Internacional is right behind with 2308 points. Atlético Mineiro is close as well, with 2295 points, and Palmeiras isn’t far behind with 2294 points. Flamengo rounds out the top five with 2281 points.
Conclusion
As you explore the world of the Brazilian Championship, you’ll find it’s more than just a football league—it’s a celebration of passion, skill, and history. From its dynamic formats to the incredible achievements of its players and clubs, this league offers a captivating experience for fans and participants alike.
Winning the Brazilian Championship is a monumental achievement that demands a deep understanding of the league’s unique dynamics and the role of the governing body. Success here isn’t just about having the best players; it’s about smart strategies, strong team management, and a commitment to developing talent.
Navigating the intense pressure and fierce competition can be tough, but with the right mix of skill, strategy, and determination, overcoming these challenges is possible. Embrace the journey, and you might just find yourself celebrating victory in one of the most exciting football leagues in the world.
