HOOLIGAN SOCCER

Club World Cup Group B Botafogo Where to Watch

Club World Cup Preview: Botafogo

Above: Botafogo team picture taken at the Copa Libertadores.

Josep Packsten

The sixth in our continuing series highlighting all the clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on June 14th.

Club Background

  • From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • How They Qualified:
    • Botafogo were the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores winners.
  • Best CWC Finish:
    • This is the club’s first time appearing.
  • Recent Form:
    • Currently in eleventh place in the Brazilian Betano (Serie A).
    • Qualified for the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores  Round of 16, finishing second in Group A.
  • Some Facts:
    • One of three Rio de Janeiro clubs in this tournament.
      • Their derby with rival Fluminense is known as the Clásico Vovô, and dates back to 1905.
    • They were relegated to Brazil’s Serie B in 2020, and jumped back to the Serie A the next year.
    • They hold the Brazilian record for consecutive wins, 52 between 1977-1978.
    • They have provided more players to the Brazilian national team than any other club.
    • The club is owned by John Textor, a U.S. businessman (and former executive of FuboTV) who controls Eagle Football Holdings Ltd.
    • 82% of the team are Brazilian. One defender, Bastos, is from Angola.

The Team

  • Manager: Renato Paiva
    • Paiva became Botafogo manager on Feb. 28, 2025. His record is 8W – 3D – 6L.
  • Star Players:
    • Igor Jesus
      • 24 year old striker. Scored the winning goals in their last two Copa Libertadores matches. Has 7g/1a this season.
    • Jefferson Savarino
      • Venezuelan center midfielder. He’s a critical playmaker, just returning from injury.
    • Artur
      • Brazilian forward. Signed from Zenit St. Petersberg in January.
  • Young Players to Watch:
    • Matheus Martins
      • Only 21, Martins already has five years of professional experience, having played for Fluminense and Watford.

When to Watch

  • 10:00pm ET on Jun 15, 2025 vs. Seattle Sounders @ Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
  • 9:00pm ET on Jun 19, 2025 vs. Paris Saint-Germain @ The Rose Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
  • 3:00pm ET on Jun 23, 2025 vs. Atlético Madrid @ The Rose Bowl, Los Angeles, CA 

The Hooligan Take

This was a terribly unlucky draw for Botafogo. Having to compete against two European powerhouses will probably prove too difficult. While very well-known and successful in Brazil, the club has only won two international titles in its long history. Their roster has effective players, but no real superstars. Expect a win over Seattle, but an early flight back to Rio.

Other Group B Teams

  • Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA/France)
  • Atlético Madrid (UEFA/Spain)
  • Seattle Sounders (CONCACAF/U.S.A.)
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