The most popular sport in Rio and throughout Brazil is football.Brazil have won the World Cup five times and is the home nation for the next World Cup.

Serie A consists of 20 teams of which four teams are from Rio de Janeiro and six are from São Paulo area and the atmosphere at matches is amazing. Famous international football players from Rio includes Adriano, Romário, Ronalo and Zico.

There are four big soccer teams in Rio

Rio is basically split in four soccer teams: Botafogo which is the smallest club, Flamingo (Mengo) which is Brazil’s most popular sports club with 35 million fans and Vasco da Gama (Vasco) and Fluminense (Nense). Flamengo is considered the most corrupt, violent and unruly club in Brazil. Its nickname is “Clube dos Bandidos’ but for most fans it was a suprise when the captain, Bruno Fernandes das Dores de Souzas was charged with murder and the disappearance of a former lover last year. Some of the Flamengo’s supporters gather in the Clipper Bar before the match. Located at the corner Ataúlfo de Paiva (the main street in Leblon) and Rua Carlos Gois. When Flamengo and Fluminese play it is calleed the FlaFlu game.

Brazilian series

Brazilian series goes from April to December and is followed by regional State cups and the Brazilian Cup between January and April. Copa das Liberadores is South America’s Champions League. By the way in case you have not heard – FIFA World Cup 2014 will be in Brazil.

Maracanã Stadium – home of football

Rio De Janeiro is the proud owner of the world most famous football stadium, the Maracanã Stadium – Brazil’s largest stadium. The stadium hosted the 1950 World Cup Final where Uruguay defeated Brazil in front of almost 200 000 people. Officials had initially promised that not a single real of taxpayer money would be spent in Maracanã . By now, though, the government has pumped hundreds of millions into the project.

The photo shows Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro stadium playground for world-famous stars such as Ronaldo, Romario, Sócrates, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Rivelino, Romario, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Socrates, Zico and Pele. There are museums open every day of 8-17 and two days a week at Rio’s clubs matches are here!