With the level of the game and the players improving, defining the best teams in Brazil of all time is far from a simple task.
In the country of samba and bossa nova, soccer is what unites us. The stadiums are transformed into true temples, where fans go into a trance to the sound of the chants from the stands and the drumming of the organized supporters;
It’s a party that never ends, where the colors of the teams mix with the colors of the national flag, creating a unique spectacle full of emotion. Without further ado, let’s get to know the best teams in Brazil!
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The history of soccer in Brazil
The history of soccer in Brazil is as rich and vibrant as the colors of our teams’ shirts. It all started back in 1894, when Charles Miller, a young Brazilian son of a Scottish father and a Brazilian mother, brought two soccer balls and a set of rules from England.
It was he who officially introduced the sport to the country, organizing the first game between Brazilians in São Paulo in 1895.
Since then, soccer has spread like wildfire through dry grass in Brazil, conquering hearts and minds everywhere.
The first clubs began to appear in the main cities, such as the São Paulo Athletic Club, Sport Club Internacional and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
However, it was in 1914 that Brazilian soccer took a giant leap forward with the founding of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), which today is responsible for organizing and managing the sport in the country.
From then on, soccer gained more and more ground in Brazilian culture, becoming a true national passion.
Over the decades, Brazil has established itself as a powerhouse in world soccer, winning countless trophies and revealing talents who have become true legends of the sport, such as Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho and many others.
Best teams in Brazil: the clubs with the most titles
Listing the top 10 teams in Brazil based on the number of national and international titles is a challenging task, as there are many teams with rich histories and notable achievements. However, here is a list that attempts to cover some of the most outstanding clubs:
Santos – 33 titles
Santos is one of the best teams in Brazil. The alvinegro have won approximately 25 national titles and 8 international titles, totaling around 33 titles in all.
São Paulo – 24 titles
São Paulo has won around 12 national titles and 12 international titles, for a total of around 24 titles. The team has a silver medal among the best teams in Brazil.
Palmeiras – 16 titles
Palmeiras have won around 14 national titles and 2 international titles, making a total of around 16 titles. Recently winning everything, Verdão couldn’t be left out of the best teams in Brazil.
Flamengo – 13 titles
Flamengo has won around 10 national titles and 3 international titles, for a total of around 13 titles. With a long tradition, Mengão is ranked 4th among the best teams in Brazil.
Vasco da Gama – 10 titles
Vasco da Gama has won around 9 national titles and 1 international title, making a total of around 10 titles.
Internacional – 9 titles
Internacional has won around 7 national titles and 2 international titles, for a total of around 9 titles.
Grêmio – 9 titles
Grêmio has won around 6 national titles and 3 international titles, for a total of around 9 titles.
Corinthians – 8 titles
Corinthians have won around 7 national titles and 1 international title, making a total of around 8 titles.
Atlético-MG – 5 titles
Atlético-MG has won around 4 national titles and 1 international title, making a total of around 5 titles.
Fluminense – 4 titles
Fluminense has around 4 national titles and 0 international titles, totaling around 4 titles in all.
List of the 10 best teams in Brazil
- Santos
- São Paulo
- Palmeiras
- Flamengo
- Vasco da Gama
- Internacional
- Grêmio
- Corinthians
- Atlético-MG
- Fluminense
Best teams in Brazil: the clubs that have won the most Brazilian championships
Now that you’ve seen the most successful teams in all national and international competitions, we’re going to show you the biggest teams in Brazil that have won the country’s most important championship: the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Remember that the Brasileirão has had different formats and here we are taking them all into account!
- Palmeiras
Palmeiras is the club that has won the Brazilian Championship the most times, with 10 titles: in 1960, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1993, 1994, 2016 and 2018.
- Santos
Santos is the club with the second most Campeonato Brasileiro titles, with 8: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 2002 and 2004.
- Flamengo
Flamengo come next, with 7 titles: in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1987, 1992, 2009 and 2019.
- São Paulo
São Paulo FC have won 6 Campeonato Brasileiro titles, in 1977, 1986, 1991, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
- Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama have won 4 Campeonato Brasileiro titles, in 1974, 1989, 1997 and 2000.
Best teams in Brazil: the 5 biggest fans in the country
Data updated in 2024 from the portal Placar reveals that the biggest teams in Brazil with significant fans are:
- Flamengo: 46.9 million fans (21.9%)
- Corinthians: 30.4 million fans (14.2%)
- São Paulo: 21.2 million fans (9.9%)
- Palmeiras: 16.5 million fans (7.7%)
- Vasco: 13.2 million fans (6.2%)
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