Everyone was wrong about Brazilian football.

Botafogo caused a surprise by defeating Paris Saint-Germain.

At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the biggest shock of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ so far occurred when Botafogo – the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions – defeated Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning Champions League champions, 1-0.

A huge shock

This victory marks a historic milestone for Brazilian football and serves as a strong reminder that Brazilian clubs, often underestimated when competing against European teams, possess a hidden strength that needs to be re-evaluated.

Speaking after the victory against PSG, Botafogo captain Marlon Freitas stated: “For many people, Botafogo only had a 1% chance of winning this match. But 1% is a lot for us. It was the same in the Copa Libertadores, and in the Brasileirão (Brazilian league) with the last three rounds of last season, and we did it. Nothing is impossible for Botafogo.”

The 1-0 victory over PSG, with Igor Jesus scoring the only goal in the 36th minute from a quick counter-attack, marked the first time a Brazilian team had beaten the European champions in an official match since Corinthians defeated Chelsea 1-0 at the 2012 Club World Cup.

This is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Botafogo, who defied all expectations to win the 2024 Copa Libertadores and now assert their position on the world stage. PSG, with their star-studded squad having just won the European Championship and thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the previous match, were outmaneuvered by the Brazilian team's tight defense combined with sharp counter-attacks.

Brazilian football has long been known for its outstanding individual talent, but club teams are often underestimated on the international stage due to a lack of financial investment compared to European "giants".

Botafogo is considered a significant underdog compared to PSG.

The strength of Brazilian clubs

However, Botafogo's victory over PSG serves as a warning that the Brasileirão and regional competitions like the Copa Libertadores are producing teams capable of competing on equal footing.

Earlier, teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense showed their potential with impressive performances in the opening rounds. Also on the morning of June 20th, Palmeiras defeated Al Ahly 2-0, almost securing their place in the round of 16.

Flamengo had previously won 2-0, while Fluminense held Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in a match where they clearly outplayed the Bundesliga side. Botafogo's victory is symbolic and could usher in a new era for Brazilian football, proving that the country's clubs can compete with the world's wealthiest teams.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville commented: "This is a wake-up call for European teams. South American football is still very formidable." It's worth remembering that in the past, São Paulo (2005) and Internacional (2006) also won the FIFA Club World Cup.

Brazilian club football is clearly regaining the respect it deserves. And if a Brazilian club wins the FIFA Club World Cup this year, no one should be surprised.

Veteran Thiago Silva stops Dortmund in FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ In the early hours of June 18th, Fluminense held European giants Dortmund to a draw in the group stage of the Club World Cup.