Football in 2023 saw new chapters unfold, with some competitions seeing clubs lifting the trophy for the first time, such as Manchester City in the Champions League and Fluminense in the Libertadores, for example. In the Copa do Brasil, it was no different: São Paulo prevailed over Flamengo in the finals and claimed the tournament title for the first time.
The absence of this trophy in Morumbi’s gallery was a subject of jokes among rivals. However, the team, led by Dorival Júnior at the time, put an end to the title drought. But which Brazilian club has lifted the trophy of the knockout competition the most times? Check it out below.
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Historical Competition
In the list below brought by Sambafoot, Cruzeiro and Grêmio remain the biggest winners of the Copa do Brasil. The Minas Gerais club has lifted the tournament trophy six times. Meanwhile, the Gaúcho side has clinched the title five times in its history. Palmeiras and Flamengo also feature prominently in the ranking as some of the most successful champions.
Unforgettable Titles
Some finals have been etched in the memory of Brazilian football fans, whether for the joy of winning the title or the sorrow of coming so close but finishing as runners-up. The years 2004 and 2005 can be cited as examples of this sentiment, with Santo André and Paulista from Jundiaí being champions respectively.
Ranking of the Biggest Copa do Brasil Champions
– Cruzeiro: 6 (1993, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2017, and 2018)
– Grêmio: 5 (1989, 1994, 1997, 2001, and 2016)
– Palmeiras: 4 (1998, 2012, 2015, and 2020)
– Flamengo: 4 (1990, 2006, 2013, and 2022)
– Corinthians: 3 (1995, 2002, and 2009)
– Atlético-MG: 2 (2014 and 2021)
– Criciúma: 1 (1991)
– Fluminense: 1 (2007)
– Internacional: 1 (1992)
– Juventude: 1 (1999)
– Paulista: 1 (2005)
– Santo André: 1 (2004)
– Santos: 1 (2010)
– Sport: 1 (2008)
– Vasco: 1 (2011)
– Athletico: 1 (2019)
– São Paulo: 1 (2023)
Who will be the champion this season?
This year’s edition of the Copa do Brasil is already underway, with surprises making an appearance. For instance, Cruzeiro, leading in titles won, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sousa-PB and was eliminated early from the competition. It’s worth noting that teams competing in the Libertadores only enter the tournament in the third phase.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
