Brasileirao returns with more stars and the ambition to regain its world throne
A new edition of the Brasileirao, one of the most important leagues in South America and, potentially, the world, kicked off this Saturday 29 March. With top-level reinforcements, as well as the arrival of European players in recent seasons, the Brazilian championship continues to grow with its sights set on regaining greatness.
From absolute domination to mass departure
The greatness of the Brazilian league is not in doubt, but to understand where it started you have to go back in time. Brazil not only dominated football at national team level, but its league was the epicentre of some of the best players in the world. Pele’s Santos, Garrincha’s Botafogo and Flamengo were teams that competed on equal terms with Europe’s best. The quality of the Brasileirao was such that the Brazilian national team won three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970) with a core of players who competed in the local championship.
Brazilian clubs have conquered the world with titles in the Intercontinental Cup, the tournament that preceded today’s FIFA Club World Cup. Pele’s Santos were two-time champions in 1962 and 1963, beating Benfica and Milan. Flamengo, with Zico as their star player, beat Liverpool in 1981 and São Paulo had their golden era, winning in 1992 and 1993.
However, with the globalisation of football and the growing economic influence of European leagues, the Brasileirao suffered. The export of young players became a problem, and the lack of organisational stability meant that the Brazilian league took a back seat to the European leagues.
A revival with investment and international stars
In recent years, the Brasileirao has worked to regain its prestige. The creation of a more sustainable financial model, together with the support of sponsors and the growth of television rights, has allowed Brazilian clubs to compete again in the transfer market.
The arrival of European players such as Dimitri Payet at Vasco da Gama, Yannick Bolasie at Cruzeiro and Martin Braithwaite at Santos are signs that the Brasileirao is no longer just a league that exports talent, but can also attract big-name players. However, this season’s star signing is undoubtedly Neymar. The return of the Brazilian star, after spells at PSG and Al-Hilal, is a media and footballing coup that could make the competition even more competitive.
Can the Brasileirao be the best league in the world?
The Brasileirao can still be one of football´s most important leagues. The quality of young talent is still unmatched and has proven that Brazil is a factory of elite footballers. On the other hand, the level of investment has increased considerably, allowing it to attract players with European experience.
In 2023, the IFFHS published the top 10 best football leagues, and to the surprise of many football fans, the Brasileirao was ranked first. Against all odds, the Brasileirao was considered the best league in the world, surpassing even the Premier League, traditionally seen as the best league in the world for some. This recognition not only validates the growth of the Brazilian championship, but also highlights its ability to compete on a global level.
Brazilian teams have dominated the Copa Libertadores in the last six years. Since 2019, no team from another country has managed to lift the continental trophy: Flamengo (2019), Palmeiras (2020, 2021), Flamengo (2022), Fluminense (2023) and Botafogo (2024) have dominated South America’s most prestigious tournament. This winning streak demonstrates the superiority of Brazilian football on the continent and reinforces the idea that the Brasileirao is on its way to regaining its elite status.
A promising future for the Brasileirao
The Brasileirao will look to consolidate itself as one of the most competitive leagues in the world. With the return of Neymar, the presence of European players, the economic growth of the clubs and dominance of the Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian tournament can restore its legacy as one of the best leagues in the world surpassing the Premier League.
