The Brazilian Serie A, also known as the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, is undoubtedly the most popular domestic league in South America.
Thanks to historic clubs such as Palmeiras, Santos, Corinthians, Flamengo and Sao Paulo, Brazil’s top division has always attracted attention from across the world.
Os públicos presentes da minha primeira rodada! Que show nas arquibancadas de todo o Brasil! Mostrando #NossoMelhor sempre! Esse é o #CampeonatoDoBrasileiro 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/XeIcGnPgdI— Brasileirão Assaí (@Brasileirao) April 18, 2023
Os públicos presentes da minha primeira rodada! Que show nas arquibancadas de todo o Brasil! Mostrando #NossoMelhor sempre! Esse é o #CampeonatoDoBrasileiro 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/XeIcGnPgdI
With the 2023 season underway, now is the perfect time to look back at the history of the league. Below, we cover the most successful teams, top goalscorers and other important stats.
Brazil’s top-flight division was founded in 1959. Originally known as the Taca Brasil, the league was formed relatively late due to historical boundaries and the sheer geographical size of the country.
The Taca Brasil ran until 1968, with the Taca de Prata running until 1970. After rebranding the league on several other occasions, the Campeonato Brasileiro was born in 1989.
Since 2006, Brazil’s Serie A has comprised 20 teams. The current format sees the top four teams qualify for the Copa Libertadores, while the bottom four sides are relegated.
Here are the most successful clubs in the history of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Palmeiras have won more Serie A titles than any other side, with recent triumphs coming in 2016, 2018 and 2022. Santos find themselves second on the list, although their last title came back in 2004.
Corinthians and Flamengo both have seven titles, while Sao Paulo have four. Cruzeiro, Vasco da Gama and Fluminense have all triumphed on four occasions, with Internacional winning the league three times.
Below is a list of the all-time leading goalscorers in Serie A history.
Between 1971 and 1992, Roberto Dinamite scored 190 Serie A goals, spending the majority of his career with Vasco da Gama. As you can see, iconic forwards Fred and Romario sit behind Dinamite on the leaderboard.
It is worth noting that the legendary Pele finds himself in 17th place on this list, having scored 101 league goals for Santos between 1959 and 1974.
Here are the players with the most Brazilian Serie A appearances in history.
Goalkeeper Fabio occupies top spot on the all-time Serie A appearances leaderboard. Believe it or not, the 42-year-old still plays for Fluminense to this day.
Rogerio Ceni is the only other player to have surpassed the 500-appearance milestone, while Diego Souza, Wellington Paulista and Fabio Santos are still active today.