Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas, or simply Botafogo, is one of the most iconic and historical clubs in Brazil. Founded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro in the neighborhood of Botafogo, the football club operates in various tournaments like the Brasileiro Serie A and Rio de Janeiro's Premier State League.
Botafogo has earned a respected status in the country not for its eventful journey since its inception as a football entity in 1904, but also for its vibrant culture and discipline in contributing to football and rowing. Over the last 100 years, Fogo, a popular nickname of the club, has been carrying the legacy of Brazilian samba style, marked by the presence of iconic and legendary players, memorable moments, and a very loyal fan base.
Botafogo is hugely celebrated for its iconic black and white stripes, and lone Star emblem, symbolising a unique identity of the region filled with pride and singularity, and its beautiful stadium, Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos. It is also one of the “Big 12” clubs of Brazil that have won the Brazilian Championship title three times, including other major accolades like the Copa Libertadores and the Copa CONMEBOL. For its performances across all competitions, Botafogo was also recognised as the best South American club and the fifth best football club in the world by IFFHS in 2024. Despite experiencing fluctuating fortunes in recent times, Fogo remains firm, carrying the symbol of resilience and tradition under new ownership.
Club de Regatas Botafogo was originally founded in 1894 as a rowing club only. But in 1904, a new club came into existence as the Electro club, which was later named the Botafogo Football Club. In 1942, the two clubs of the neighborhood went through a merger, creating the present Botafogo club.
In 1904, a group of football-loving students named Flavio Ramos, Emilio Almeida, Jose Soares, Arthur Caesar Andrade, Vicente Cardoso, and Virgilo Leite led the foundation of the football club, sharing a deep passion for the game. In 2022, Fogo underwent a major managerial transformation and enlisted itself in the SAF network, opening the door to private investment. Botafogo is currently owned by the CEO of Eagle Football Holdings, John Textor, an American businessman who holds a 90% controlling stake in the club. Following the takeover of the SAF, the club has been performing consistently at the highest level of football. The Glorious One, a nickname of Botafogo, are the defending champion of the Brasileiro Serie A.