History of the São Paulo State Championship
The Campeonato Paulista, or Paulistão, holds a special place in Brazilian football, especially in the state of São Paulo. Its history begins with Charles Miller, a man who, after studying in England, brought football back home. 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), in 1901. In 1933, the establishment of the Liga Bandeirante de Futebol marked the transition to professionalism in the sport. The original Liga Bandeirante de Futebol eventually transformed into 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, began in 1902, featuring five teams: São Paulo Athletic Club, Internacional, Mackenzie, Germânia, and Paulistano. São Paulo AC claimed the first title during the inaugural tournament, with Miller leading as the top scorer. Interestingly, in the early days, football was a more exclusive activity, practiced mainly by the elite—quite different from how it is now.
But things began to change, especially after the visit of an amateur team from London called Corinthians. They played so well that they inspired local workers to form their own team, the Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. This was a turning point, marking the beginning of football becoming a game for everyone, not just the wealthy. Football in São Paulo began to gain widespread popularity, with events and club formations marking its evolution. From there, the Campeonato Paulista grew to become the vibrant and competitive league that fans love today.
Competition Format by the Federação Paulista de Futebol
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 compete in Série A1, the championship's first division. Since 2007, the competitive league format has been quite straightforward: each team plays against the others once in a round-robin format. After that, the top four teams advance to a playoff, where they face off in a two-legged series to determine the champion. The teams that advance 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. The teams that finish the regular season in positions 5 to 8, provided they are not from the cities of São Paulo or Santos, have the chance for a different title: the "Champion of the Interior." This gives clubs outside the major urban centers something extra to compete for. Meanwhile, the four teams that finish at the bottom of the table are relegated to Série A2 in the following season.
The competition does not stop at Série A1. In Série A2, 20 teams are divided into two groups, playing against each other in home-and-away matches. The stakes are high: the bottom two teams from each group are relegated to Série A3, while the top four advance to the next phase. Those who continue their winning streak may even gain promotion to Série A1, with the final stage determining the overall tournament winner. The eight teams that advance move from Phase Two to the final stage of the Série A2 tournament.
Série A3 follows a similar format, with teams also competing for promotion and trying to avoid relegation. Below it is Série B, the second division, where smaller teams compete during the São Paulo championship season. The number of teams involved varies significantly across the different divisions, but the top four always secure promotion to Série A3. This structure makes the Campeonato Paulista an exciting and dynamic competition, with many opportunities for teams to rise or fall between the tiers.
Championship Records
Titles and Past Tournament Winners
- The Corinthians have consistently been one of the most successful teams in the Campeonato Paulista, accumulating over 30 titles. The club's ability to remain competitive across different eras is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The major periods of dominance include the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s, when Corinthians frequently topped the Paulista standings.
- The Campeonato Paulista has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments and legendary players from Corinthians. In the 1977 edition, Corinthians ended a 23-year title drought, a victory that is still celebrated by the club's fans. 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 solidified the club's status as a perennial powerhouse in São Paulo football. These victories not only highlight the club's ongoing excellence but also its ability to navigate the evolving landscape of Brazilian football.
- The Santos FC, founded in 1912 by Raimundo Marques, Mário Ferraz de Campos, and Argemiro de Souza Júnior, quickly became a symbol of excellence in football. 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 an impressive 24 titles during that decade, including five consecutive Campeonato Paulista titles and a historic quadruple in 1962, with the Campeonato Paulista, Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores, and the European/South American Cup.
- Despite its illustrious history, Santos FC faced a significant setback in 2023 when it was relegated from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for the first time. 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 the most popular football clubs in South America, with approximately 21 million fans and 184,680 affiliated supporters, boasts a remarkable record in the Campeonato Paulista. The club has secured 26 state championship titles, asserting its dominance at the regional level. This impressive achievement highlights the long-standing success of Palmeiras and its deep connection with its passionate fanbase, solidifying 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. Often hailed as one of the greatest players of all time, Pelé's extraordinary career is marked by his impressive goal-scoring feats. He scored an astonishing 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches, including friendlies, a record recognized by the 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 matches for Santos FC, he set benchmarks that have inspired generations of football players. Pelé's impact extended beyond the pitch as he became a global ambassador for the sport after retiring in 1977.
Neymar is another notable player who has made a significant mark in 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 Brazil's all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 matches. Neymar's accolades include winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and leading Brazil to its first Olympic gold medal in men's football in 2016. He has also won the Samba de Ouro award six times and became the third Brazilian to score in three World Cups at the 2022 tournament.
Giovanni, while not as universally celebrated as Pelé or Neymar, was a formidable force during his playing days. Known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder and forward, Giovanni was renowned for his technical skills, 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 the most successful Brazilian national team that reached the final of the FIFA World Cup in 1998. His career is fondly remembered by fans, especially for his impactful performances at Olympiacos.
Results of the 2024 Campeonato Paulista
In the final of the 2024 Campeonato Paulista, SE Palmeiras triumphed with a 2-1 victory over Santos FC, securing yet another prestigious title. The match was a demonstration of Palmeiras' resilience and skill as they overcame a determined Santos team to claim the championship. With this victory, Palmeiras added to its illustrious history in the Campeonato Paulista, further cementing its status as one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football. The game was an exciting conclusion to a highly competitive season, showcasing Palmeiras' strength and tactical prowess on the biggest stage in the state.
