Understanding the Brazilian Football Confederation and the National League
The Brazilian Football Confederation is the 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 with a promotion and relegation system with the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. The Brazilian Football Confederation declared the champions of the 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 in South America and the world.
Moreover, it is the most-watched football league in the Americas and has global exposure, being broadcast in 155 countries. With a value exceeding US$ 1.43 billion and an annual revenue of over US$ 1.17 billion in 2012, it is one of the richest championships in the world.
History and Format
When we talk about the pinnacle of Brazilian football, we are referring to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. It is where the best teams compete and is the main football competition in the country. With 20 clubs battling, the league uses a promotion and relegation system with the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B.
Historically, the Campeonato Brasileiro has been 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 greatly. For example, in 1979, the league peaked 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 was only in 2006 that the league established the round-robin system we know today, where each of the 20 teams plays against all other teams both home and away.
In 2010, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) recognized the champions of previous national tournaments, from 1959 to 1970, as official winners of the Brazilian championship. This included the Taça Brasil and the Torneio Roberto Gomes Pedrosa. And last August, in 2023, the CBF also declared the Torneio dos Campeões from 1937 as a Brazilian championship, adding another piece to the rich history of the tournament.
Clubs in the Campeonato Brasileiro
The Campeonato Brasileiro is not just a local powerhouse; it is also recognized globally. It has the second highest number of FIFA Club World Cup titles, with ten championships shared among six clubs, and the second highest number of Copa Libertadores titles, with 22 victories among ten clubs.
Since 1959, a total of 156 clubs have competed in the Campeonato Brasileiro. It has been quite a journey for these teams, with seventeen clubs having been crowned Brazilian football champions. Among them, thirteen clubs have won the title more than once. When it comes to league success, 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 secured seven titles each.
One of the most remarkable achievements in the league's history belongs to Os Santásticos of Santos, who won five consecutive titles from 1961 to 1965 — a feat still unmatched. The state of São Paulo has dominated the scene, accumulating 34 titles among its five clubs.
Records
When we look at the records of the Campeonato Brasileiro, there are some standout achievements that truly catch our attention.
Top Scorers
Let's start with the top scorers. Roberto Dinamite leads the group with an impressive 190 goals. Fred follows with 158 goals, while Romário is close behind with 154 goals. Edmundo also made his mark with 153 goals. Diego Souza scored 131 goals, and Zico added 135 goals to his record. Túlio scored 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 highest number of points, totaling 2368. Internacional follows closely with 2308 points. Atlético Mineiro is also nearby, with 2295 points, and Palmeiras is not far behind with 2294 points. Flamengo completes the top five with 2281 points.
Conclusion
By exploring the world of the Campeonato Brasileiro, you will discover that it is more than just a football league — it is a celebration of passion, skill, and history. From its dynamic formats to the incredible achievements of its players and clubs, this league offers an engaging experience for fans and participants alike.
Winning the Campeonato Brasileiro is a monumental achievement that requires a deep understanding of the unique dynamics of the league and the role of the governing body. Success here is not just about having the best players; it's about smart strategies, strong team management, and a commitment to talent development.
Navigating the intense pressure and fierce competition can be challenging, but with the right combination of skill, strategy, and determination, overcoming these challenges is possible. Embrace the journey, and you may find yourself celebrating victory in one of the most exciting football leagues in the world.
