Brasileirão 1973

Lore & Background

Palmeiras was founded by Italian immigrants and originally named Palestra Itália. During World War II, the club was forced to change its name, becoming Palmeiras on 14 September 1942. The club won the Copa Rio in 1951, an early intercontinental tournament, and has a storied rivalry with Corinthians.

In Their Own Story

The humidity of a late afternoon in São Paulo hung heavy over the Morumbi pitch as the final whistle approached. The scoreboard read a narrow victory against Botafogo-SP, but the tension was palpable; this result secured Palmeiras' place at the summit of Brazil. Roberto Dinamite, his green and red jersey stained with grass and sweat, collapsed to his knees in pure ecstasy. Around him, Telê Santana watched with a calm, knowing smile, having orchestrated every pass and movement like a grandmaster.

Reader's Guide

Palmeiras plays in the Campeonato Paulista and the Brasileirão Série A. The club's home stadium is Estádio Palestra Itália, which was the first Brazilian stadium with concrete grandstands. The club has a large fanbase of around 15 million supporters.

Did You Know?

• Palmeiras was founded by Italian immigrants on 26 August 1914.
• The club changed its name from Palestra Itália to Palmeiras on 14 September 1942.
• Palmeiras has won 12 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, a record.
• The club won the Copa Libertadores in 1999, 2020, and 2021.
• Palmeiras was the first Brazilian club to win the IFFHS Men's Club World Ranking in 2021.