Esporte Clube Bahia: The History of a Brazilian Football Giant
Esporte Clube Bahia, affectionately known as the Steel Squadron, is one of the most traditional and beloved clubs in Brazilian football. Founded on January 1, 1931, in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, the club boasts a rich history marked by achievements, passionate fans, and a central role in the Northeast’s sporting culture. With its blue, red, and white colors, Bahia represents not only football but also the identity and pride of the Bahian people. This article delves into the club’s journey from its founding to the present day, highlighting its triumphs, challenges, and the cultural impact that makes it unique.
Origins and Foundation
The Beginning of It All
Esporte Clube Bahia was born from the merger of former players from two clubs that ceased their football activities in the late 1920s: Associação Atlética da Bahia and Clube Bahiano de Tênis. These clubs left a void in Salvador’s sports scene, prompting the creation of Bahia on January 1, 1931, with the motto “Born to Win,” reflecting the ambition of its founders.
The club’s first president was Waldemar Costa, a doctor who led its establishment. On February 20, 1931, Bahia joined the Liga Bahiana de Desportos Terrestres, now known as the Bahia Football Federation. Just a month later, on March 1, the club played its first match, defeating Ypiranga 2-0 in the Torneio Início, marking the start of a victorious journey.
The Colors and the Crest
Bahia’s colors—blue, white, and red—reflect its history and roots. Blue honors Associação Atlética da Bahia, white represents Clube Bahiano de Tênis, and red is inspired by the Bahia state flag. These colors, earning the nickname Tricolor Baiano, symbolize regional unity and pride. The club’s crest, inspired by Corinthians, replaced the São Paulo state flag with Bahia’s, designed by Raimundo Magalhães, reinforcing local identity.
Early Triumphs and National Rise
The First National Title
Bahia quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Bahia’s football scene. In its first year, it won the Torneio Início and the Bahia State Championship, cementing its dominance in the state. However, it was in the 1950s that the club gained national prominence. In 1959, Bahia made history by winning the Taça Brasil, the country’s first national championship, defeating Pelé’s legendary Santos team in the final. This title not only put Bahia on the Brazilian football map but also earned the club the honor of being Brazil’s first representative in the Copa Libertadores in 1960.
Taça Brasil Participations
Between 1959 and 1963, as well as in 1968, Bahia represented Bahia in the Taça Brasil, the precursor to the current Brazilian Championship. In addition to the 1959 title, the club reached the finals in 1961 and 1963, finishing as runner-up both times. These campaigns solidified Bahia’s reputation as a leading club in the Northeast and Brazil.
The Golden Era: The 1988 Title
Dominance in the Bahia State Championship
During the 1970s and 1980s, Bahia continued to dominate the Bahia State Championship, amassing numerous titles. By 2023, the club had secured 50 state championships, 21 more than its biggest rival, Esporte Clube Vitória, establishing its state hegemony. This dominance was accompanied by notable national performances.
The Second Brazilian Championship
In 1988, Bahia reached the pinnacle of its history by winning its second Brazilian Championship, defeating Internacional de Porto Alegre in the final. The first leg, at Arena Fonte Nova, was a celebration for the 90,000 fans present, with a 2-1 victory. A goalless draw in the second leg secured the title for the Steel Squadron. This achievement stunned the press in Brazil’s South, as Bahia, from the Northeast, triumphed over a club from a more economically developed region. The title also earned Bahia a spot in the 1989 Copa Libertadores, where it reached the quarterfinals, its best-ever performance in the competition.
Challenges and Rebirth
Relegations and Reconstruction
Despite its successes, Bahia faced tough times. In 1997, the club was relegated to Série B for the first time after a goalless draw against Juventude at Arena Fonte Nova. In 1999, Bahia came close to returning to the elite but finished third in Série B, missing promotion. In 2000, the club returned to Série A through an invitation from the Clube dos 13, amid controversies involving corruption scandals with other clubs, such as São Paulo and Internacional.
The 2000s were marked by instability, with relegations in 2003 and 2014. However, Bahia showed resilience, returning to Série A in 2010 and again in 2016 after stints in the second division. In 2021, the club was relegated once more but secured promotion in 2022 with a strong campaign, finishing third in Série B under coach Eduardo Barroca.
The Fans’ Revolution
In 2013, a fan-led movement called Democracia Tricolor transformed the club’s management. Tired of inefficient administrations that accumulated debts and led to poor results, fan-members took control, implementing a more democratic management style focused on social causes, such as combating racism, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for indigenous land demarcation, and improving treatment for female fans at stadiums. Led by figures like Guilherme Bellintani, this movement reduced ticket prices, increased revenue, paid off debts, and improved on-field performance.
The City Football Group Era
A New Era
In December 2022, Bahia announced a historic change: the acquisition of 90% of its shares by the City Football Group (CFG), the conglomerate behind clubs like Manchester City. Approved by 98.6% of members in a vote, the deal was finalized in May 2023. CFG, which also owns clubs like Montevideo City Torque and Club Bolívar, brought significant investments, including the hiring of experienced professionals like Carlos Santoro (sporting director) and Raul Aguirre (CEO). The original administration retained 10% of the shares and control over the club’s heritage, such as its colors and crest.
CFG’s arrival marked the start of a new era for Bahia. In 2023, the club won its 50th Bahia State Championship and secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores group stage after a historic victory against Nacional in Uruguay. Bahia also defeated heavyweight teams like Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Atlético Nacional, solidifying its return to the international stage.
Women’s Football
Bahia also invested in women’s football, establishing its team in 2019 in partnership with Lusaca. That same year, the women’s team won the Bahia Women’s State Championship and has since won every edition, including 2023. In 2024, the team won the Série A2 of the Brazilian Women’s Championship, earning promotion to the top tier and securing its first national title. These achievements underscore the club’s commitment to equality and the development of the sport.
The Ba-Vi Clássico and Rivalry
The Northeast’s Biggest Clássico
Bahia’s greatest rival is Esporte Clube Vitória, with whom it contests the Ba-Vi Clássico, one of Brazil’s most intense rivalries. Since 1932, the two clubs have divided Salvador’s passionate fanbase, with Bahia holding a historical edge in wins and goals scored. In recent years, Bahia regained state dominance, winning seven Bahia State Championships between 2010 and 2023, compared to Vitória’s five.
A notable moment in the rivalry occurred in February 2018, when a Bahia State Championship match ended with nine expulsions (four Bahia players and five Vitória players), drawing international attention. Despite the fierce rivalry, Bahia also maintains historical rivalries with other Salvador clubs, such as Galícia (Clássico das Cores), Botafogo-BA (Clássico do Pote), and Ypiranga (Clássico das Multidões), as well as regional rivalries with Sport Club do Recife.
Cultural and Social Impact
The Tricolor Fanbase
Bahia’s fanbase, known as Legião Tricolor, is one of Brazil’s most passionate. Founded in 2011, this organized supporter group brings flags, chants, and the Blue Hulk symbol, representing the fans’ strength, to stadiums across the country. According to Instituto AtlasIntel (2024), Bahia has the largest fanbase in the Northeast and the ninth largest in Brazil, reflecting its widespread popularity.
Social Commitment
Under the influence of Democracia Tricolor, Bahia has stood out for its social engagement. In 2019, during Black Consciousness Month, players took the field with names of Brazilian Black leaders, such as Zumbi dos Palmares and Moa de Katendê, on their jerseys. The club also launched campaigns supporting indigenous land demarcation and created an app for women to report harassment at stadiums, with support from a specialized police unit.
Arena Fonte Nova and the Future
Bahia’s Home
Since 2013, Bahia has played its home matches at Arena Fonte Nova, a modern stadium with a capacity of 48,902, rebuilt for the 2014 World Cup. Replacing the old Estádio Octávio Mangabeira, the arena is a landmark in the club’s history and a gathering point for the Tricolor fanbase.
Future Prospects
With City Football Group’s support, Bahia plans to expand its infrastructure, including the construction of a City Football Academy in Salvador, similar to those in Manchester, New York, and Melbourne. The club also invests in its youth academy, participating in competitions like the Brazilian Under-18 Championship and the Copa 2 de Julho. Under the leadership of coaches like Renato Paiva and executives like Marcelo Teixeira, Bahia aims to solidify its position as one of Brazil’s top clubs, with ambitions for new national and international titles.
Conclusion
Esporte Clube Bahia is more than a football club; it is a symbol of resilience, passion, and identity. Since its founding in 1931, the Steel Squadron has won hearts, titles, and a prominent place in Brazilian football. With two Brazilian Championships, 50 state titles, a passionate fanbase, and a commitment to social causes, Bahia continues to write its history with pride. Under new management and with City Football Group’s support, the club is poised to reach new heights, keeping the flame of its motto, “Born to Win,” alive.
