History of the São Paulo State Tournament
The Campeonato Paulista, or Paulistão, holds a special place in Brazilian football, especially in the state of São Paulo. Its story begins with Charles Miller, a man who, after studying in England, brought football back home with him. He loved the game so much that he helped establish the first organized football league in São Paulo, the Liga Paulista de Foot-Ball (LPF), back in 1901. In 1933, the establishment of the Bandeirante Football League marked the transition to professionalism in the sport. The original Bandeirante Football League eventually transitioned to the Federação Paulista de Futebol in 1941, shaping the competitive landscape of football in the region.
The first edition of the São Paulo state tournament, the Campeonato Paulista, kicked off in 1902, featuring five teams: São Paulo Athletic Club, Internacional, Mackenzie, Germânia, and Paulistano. São Paulo AC took home the first title during the inaugural state tournament, with Miller himself leading the way as the top goalscorer. It’s interesting to note that, in those early days, football was more of an exclusive activity, played mostly by the elite—quite different from how it is now.
But things started to change, especially after a visit from an amateur team from London called Corinthians. They played so well that they inspired local workers to start their own team, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. This was a turning point, as it marked the beginning of football becoming a game for everyone, not just the wealthy. São Paulo football began to gain widespread popularity, with key events and club formations marking its evolution. And from there, the Campeonato Paulista grew into the vibrant, competitive league that fans love today.
Competition Format by São Paulo Football Federation
The Campeonato Paulista, organized by the Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF), is an annual football competition that brings together 20 clubs from across the state of São Paulo. These teams battle it out in the Série A1, the top tier of the championship. Since 2007, the format of competing league has been pretty straightforward: each team plays the others once in a round-robin format. After this, the top four teams move on to a playoff, where they face off in a home-and-away series to determine the champion. The advancing teams are organized in a way that facilitates competition for championship titles.
The Campeonato Paulista Série A1, organized by the Federação Paulista de Futebol, is not just about crowning the overall winner. Teams finishing the regular season in positions 5 through 8, provided they’re not from the cities of São Paulo or Santos, get a shot at a different title: the “Campeão do Interior” (Upstate Champion). This gives clubs outside the big city hubs something extra to play for. Meanwhile, the four teams that finish at the bottom of the table are relegated to Série A2 for the next season.
The competition doesn’t stop with Série A1. In Série A2, 20 teams are split into two groups, playing each other in home-and-home series. The stakes are high: the bottom two teams from each group drop down to Série A3, while the top four advance to the next phase. Those who continue their winning streak might even earn promotion to Série A1, with the final phase deciding the overall winner of the tournament. The eight advancing teams progress from Phase Two to the final phase of the Série A2 tournament.
Série A3 follows a similar format, with teams also competing for promotion and trying to avoid relegation. Below that is Série B, the second division, where smaller teams compete during the Brazilian league season. The number of teams involved varies significantly across different divisions, but the top four always earn promotion to Série A3. This structure makes the Campeonato Paulista an exciting and dynamic competition, with plenty of opportunities for teams to rise or fall across the tiers.
Championship Records
Titles and Past Tournaments Winners
- Corinthians has consistently been one of the most successful teams in the Campeonato Paulista, amassing over 30 titles. The club’s ability to remain competitive across different eras is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. Key periods of dominance include the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s, where Corinthians frequently topped the Paulista standings.
The Campeonato Paulista has been the stage for some of Corinthians’ most iconic moments and legendary players. In the 1977 edition, Corinthians ended a 23-year title drought, a victory that is still celebrated by the club’s supporters. Players like Sócrates, Rivelino, and Marcelinho Carioca became heroes, etching their names into the club’s rich history with their performances in the competition.
In recent years, Corinthians has continued to add to its Paulista trophy cabinet. Titles in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019 have solidified the club’s status as a perennial powerhouse in São Paulo football. These victories not only highlight the club’s continued excellence but also its ability to navigate the evolving landscape of Brazilian football.
- Santos FC, founded in 1912 by Raimundo Marques, Mário Ferraz de Campos, and Argemiro de Souza Júnior, quickly became a symbol of football excellence. The club’s golden era in the 1960s, led by the legendary Pelé and other icons like Gilmar and Coutinho, saw Santos achieve unprecedented success. The team, known as “Os Santásticos,” won a remarkable 24 titles during that decade, including five consecutive Campeonato Paulista titles and a historic quadruple in 1962, featuring the Campeonato Paulista, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores, and the European/South American Cup.
Despite its illustrious history, Santos FC faced a major setback in 2023 when it was relegated from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for the first time ever. Now competing in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B and the Campeonato Paulista, the club is working to rebuild and return to its former glory.
- SE Palmeiras, one of South America’s most popular football clubs with approximately 21 million supporters and 184,680 affiliated fans, boasts a remarkable record in the Campeonato Paulista. The club has secured 26 State Championship titles, affirming its dominance at the regional level. This impressive achievement highlights Palmeiras’ longstanding success and deep-rooted connection with its passionate fanbase, cementing its status as a powerhouse in São Paulo football.
Top Scorers in History
In the realm of football’s top scorers, Pelé stands out as an iconic figure. People often hail Pelé as one of the greatest players of all time, with his extraordinary career being marked by his impressive goal-scoring feats. He scored an astonishing 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, including friendlies, a record recognized by Guinness World Records. Pelé’s career highlights include winning three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), a record that remains unmatched. With 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil and 643 goals in 659 games for Santos FC, he set benchmarks that have inspired generations of footballers. Pelé’s impact extended beyond the pitch, as he became a global ambassador for the sport after retiring in 1977.
Neymar is another remarkable player who has left a significant mark on football history. Known for his flamboyant style, exceptional dribbling, and versatility, Neymar has scored over 100 goals for each of the three major clubs he has played for. He is the all-time top scorer for the Brazil national team, with 79 goals in 128 matches. Neymar’s accolades include winning the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and leading Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal in men’s football in 2016. He has also been awarded the Samba Gold award six times and became the third Brazilian to score in three World Cups at the 2022 tournament.
Giovanni, although not as universally celebrated as Pelé or Neymar, was a formidable force during his playing days. Known for his versatility as both an attacking midfielder and forward, Giovanni was renowned for his technical skill, dribbling, and creativity. He had notable stints with Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Santos FC. Giovanni’s career highlights include contributing to Barcelona’s success in the late 1990s and being part of most successful team of the Brazil squad that reached the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final. Fans fondly remember Pelé’s career, particularly for his impactful performances at Olympiacos.
Campeonato Paulista 2024 Results
In the 2024 Campeonato Paulista final, SE Palmeiras triumphed with a 2-1 victory over Santos FC, securing yet another prestigious title. The match was a showcase of Palmeiras’ resilience and skill, as they overcame a determined Santos side to clinch the championship. With this win, Palmeiras added to their illustrious history in the Campeonato Paulista, further cementing their status as one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football. The game was a thrilling conclusion to a highly competitive season, highlighting Palmeiras’ strength and tactical prowess on the state’s biggest stage.
