There was a time when Brazil’s name alone sent shivers down the spines of footballing giants, when the sound of samba was as feared as it was admired. Recent events could be signalling the country's return to prominence.

The golden generation of Pelé, Garrincha, Romário, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaká made sure that when the world spoke of football, Brazil was the first word off their tongues.

These days, football has increasingly become a European affair, with nations like Spain, France, Germany, and England dominating the global stage. Argentina stands as the only South American side consistently challenging that grip.

For Brazil, good fortune has been hard to come by in major international tournaments. Their last taste of global success came in 2013, with a 3-0 triumph over Spain in the FIFA Confederations Cup final, a sobering reality for a nation once regarded as the very cornerstone of the beautiful game.

Though that dominance faded with time, an unmistakable wave is rising again from the shores of the South American giants, and it’s sweeping across the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

For a nation whose identity is knitted into football, the latest Club World Cup has provided Brazil with a grand stage to remind the world that their magic never truly vanished; it only waited for the right rhythm to return.

Why Does Brazil Have Four Clubs In the Club World Cup?

Although the rules clearly stated that no country shall have more than two representatives, Brazil satisfied the only condition for exemption: four of their clubs had won each of the last four editions of the Copa Libertadores, South America’s continental club competition.

In Botafogo, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Fluminense, Brazil had more entrants, at least two more, than any other country in the competition. Remarkably, all four made it beyond the group phase, making the South American heavyweights louder than any other in the expanded format.

How Brazilian Clubs Have Ridden The Wave So Far

Botafogo Shock European Champions

Botafogo, who only recently returned to continental relevance, shocked the world with a performance that rewrote the script. They beat reigning European champions PSG and advanced from a group where Atlético Madrid was eliminated.

All three clubs earned six points, but Botafogo progressed on goal difference. Their only defeat came against Atlético, who ultimately conceded too many goals against PSG.

Botafogo also became the only team to halt PSG's attack in 23 games. Luis Enrique's charge has scored in all 22 other games since their 1-0 loss to Liverpool in Paris, in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 double-header back in March.

Flamengo Tossed Chelsea in Flames

The red-and-black faithful from Rio de Janeiro picked up seven points to top Group D, where Chelsea, Espérance, and LAFC were their rivals.

The highlight of their run, which ended in a six-goal thriller loss to Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, was a 3-1 comeback win over Chelsea in their second group game.

Flamengo imposed themselves on the group, scoring six and conceding just two. Even against Bayern, they held their ground and ensured the German champions had no easy time in Miami.

Palmeiras Stay On Course

Palmeiras are quietly going about their business with calm authority in the United States. Abel Ferreira’s side topped a group that included Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Portuguese giants FC Porto.

Despite coming into the tournament off the back of two domestic league defeats, they never looked fazed. Instead, they embraced the occasion.

With a fluid playing style that mirrors the old Seleção, and the strongest defence so far, Palmeiras secured group winner status despite winning just one of their three group games.

They have since beaten Al Ahly and fellow Brazilian side Botafogo. Draws with Inter Miami and Porto also showed their discipline. With Estevão Willian shining and a backline that has conceded only two goals while keeping three clean sheets, they’ll be optimistic, especially knowing they avoid other European giants until the final. However, a quarter-final clash with Chelsea will be demanding.

Fluminense Flying High

Despite being sixth in the domestic league, Fluminense have shown true mettle to remain unbeaten at the Club World Cup.

They began with a goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund, followed by an impressive 4-2 win over Ulsan HD. A draw with Mamelodi Sundowns secured second place in the group.

In the Round of 16, they stunned Champions League runners-up Inter with a 2-0 victory, earning a quarter-final tie with Saudi side Al Hilal, who themselves have shocked many after eliminating Manchester City.

Which Brazilian Clubs Have Won the Club World Cup?

Since it kicked off in 2000, three different Brazilian clubs have won the Club World Cup, three of which came in the first three editions with Corinthians, Sao Paulo, and Internacional all getting crowned in 2000, 2005, and 2006, respectively.

Six years after Internacional beat Barcelona in the final, Corinthians beat Chelsea in the final in 2012 to become the only non-European club with multiple titles in the competition.

Since then, Gremio in 2017, Flamengo in 2019, Palmeiras in 2021, and Fluminense in 2023 have all reached the final, only to be beaten by European clubs.

Samba Fans Lighting Up the Tournament

There were concerns about fan engagement, but it would have been worse without the samba faithful. Brazilian fans have lit up the tournament like no other. Their drums, chants, and songs have turned every stadium into a slice of Rio.

After Flamengo beat Chelsea, celebrations erupted in the streets and across social media. Flamengo’s official X account even trolled the London club. Botafogo’s win over PSG and Fluminense’s triumph over Inter sparked fireworks back home and within stadiums. Even Palmeiras’ draw with Dortmund was cheered like a victory.

Their joy, colour, and noise have made this Club World Cup more than just a competition; it’s become a carnival, and with their contagious vibes, they are proving once more that no one does football passion like Brazil.

What It Means for Brazil and Football

This Brazilian resurgence feels almost spiritual. For years, fans and pundits spoke of the decline of South American club football, especially in Brazil, where financial struggles and European poaching took their toll.

But perhaps this new Club World Cup format has handed them a lifeline. More games, more visibility, and more chances to show the world that Samba football isn’t just history.

With two clubs in the quarter-finals and the other two earning global praise, Brazil is dancing again, and the world is watching.

Brazil, alongside Germany, is the only nation with multiple clubs in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. That’s a badge of pride — not just for Brazil, but for football lovers worldwide. It reminds us that the beautiful game still lives in its most celebrated home.

In the coming days, Palmeiras and Fluminense will face Chelsea and Al Hilal, respectively, for a chance at the semi-finals. Regardless of the outcome, Brazilian clubs have shown they are not just echoes of the past; they remain one of the frontiers of football’s future.