Esporte Clube Bahia: The History of a Giant of Brazilian Football
Esporte Clube Bahia, affectionately known as the “Esquadrão de Aço” (Steel Squadron) or “Tricolor Baiano,” 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 historic achievements, a passionate fanbase, and a central role in the sporting culture of Northeast Brazil. This article explores Bahia’s journey from its foundation to the present day, highlighting its accomplishments, rivalries, social impact, and its significance on the national and international stage.
Origins and Foundation
A New Beginning for Bahian Football
Esporte Clube Bahia was born during a transitional period in Bahian football. In the late 1920s, two prominent Salvador clubs, Associação Atlética da Bahia and Clube Bahiano de Tênis, ceased their football activities. Former players and enthusiasts from these organizations came together to create a new club that could embody the passion for football in the Bahian capital. Thus, on January 1, 1931, Esporte Clube Bahia was founded under the motto “Born to Win.”
The club’s first president, Waldemar Costa, a respected doctor, led its initial formation. Bahia adopted the colors blue, white, and red, paying homage to Associação Atlética da Bahia (blue), Clube Bahiano de Tênis (white), and the Bahia state flag (red). These colors, which gave rise to the nickname “Tricolor Baiano,” became a symbol of pride for the fans.
Early Steps and Initial Achievements
In its inaugural year, Bahia demonstrated its strength by winning the Torneio Início and the 1931 Bahia State Championship. These titles marked the beginning of a victorious trajectory in the state, establishing the club as a local powerhouse. Bahia’s rapid rise made it the most popular team in Northeast Brazil, capturing hearts in Salvador and beyond.
National and International Glories
The First Brazilian Champion
The year 1959 was a landmark in Esporte Clube Bahia’s history. The club won the Taça Brasil, the country’s first official national championship, considered the precursor to the Brazilian Championship. The campaign was unforgettable, with Bahia defeating the mighty Santos, known as the “Santásticos,” in the final. Despite Santos boasting stars like Pelé, Coutinho, and Pepe, Bahia triumphed 3-1 in the decisive match at the Maracanã, securing the title and earning the right to represent Brazil in the inaugural Copa Libertadores in 1960.
This achievement put Bahia on the map of Brazilian football, proving that a Northeast club could compete on equal footing with the powerhouses of the South and Southeast. The 1959 title remains one of the most celebrated moments in the club’s history.
The Second Brazilian Championship
In 1988, Bahia made history again by winning its second Brazilian Série A Championship. In the final, they faced Internacional of Porto Alegre, winning the first leg 2-1 at Arena Fonte Nova in front of 90,000 fans and holding a goalless draw in the return leg. This victory was particularly significant as it defied the expectations of the Southern media, which often viewed the Northeast as less developed in football. The triumph reinforced the “Steel Squadron” nickname and solidified Bahia’s reputation as a heavyweight in Brazilian football.
Copa Libertadores Appearances
Bahia has competed in the Copa Libertadores on four occasions (1960, 1964, 1989, and 2025), with its best performance being a quarterfinal finish in 1989. After a 35-year absence, the club returned to the competition in 2025, reigniting fans’ hopes of replicating past glories. Participation in the Libertadores symbolizes the club’s prestige, as it continues to pursue international success.
Rivalries and the Ba-Vi Classic
The Greatest Classic in the Northeast
Esporte Clube Bahia’s fiercest rival is Esporte Clube Vitória, also from Salvador. The Ba-Vi classic, as it is known, is one of Brazil’s most intense rivalries, often ranked among the fiercest in the world. Since 1932, the two clubs have staged thrilling encounters that extend beyond the pitch, mobilizing the entire city. Bahia holds a historical advantage in wins and goals scored, as well as 50 state titles, 21 more than Vitória.
One of the most memorable Ba-Vi moments occurred in February 2018, when nine players (four from Bahia and five from Vitória) were sent off in a Bahia State Championship match, drawing international attention to the rivalry. Despite the competitiveness, Bahia regained state dominance in the 2010s, winning seven Bahia State Championships between 2012 and 2023.
Other Local and Regional Rivalries
In addition to Vitória, Bahia has historic rivalries with other Salvador clubs, such as Galícia (Clássico das Cores), Botafogo-BA (Clássico do Pote), and Ypiranga (Clássico das Multidões). On a regional level, the rivalry with Sport Club do Recife stands out, particularly in competitions like the Copa do Nordeste, where Bahia won the title in 2017 by defeating Sport in the final.
The Fanbase and Social Impact
A Passionate Fanbase
Bahia boasts one of Brazil’s largest fanbases, ranked as the ninth largest in the country according to a 2024 AtlasIntel survey. In the Northeast, it is the most popular club, with a fanbase that fills the 48,902-capacity Arena Fonte Nova, renovated for the 2014 World Cup. Known as the “Legião Tricolor,” the fans are renowned for their passion and unwavering support, whether in moments of glory or adversity.
The Legião Tricolor organized supporters’ group, founded in 2011, embodies the strength of Bahian fans. With the motto of “joy and freedom,” the group carries flags and chants that celebrate the club’s history, often inspired by Bahian culture. The club’s mascot, the Tricolor Superman, inspired by the DC Comics character, is another icon that energizes the stands.
Social Engagement and Progressivism
Since 2013, under the leadership of its fans, Bahia has adopted a progressive stance, becoming one of Brazil’s most socially engaged clubs. The “Democracia Tricolor” movement transformed the club’s governance, allowing members to vote directly for the president and promoting transparent management. This shift also led to initiatives addressing social issues, such as combating racism, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting indigenous land demarcation, and protecting women in stadiums.
A notable example occurred in 2019 when Bahia players took the field wearing oil-stained jerseys to protest the oil spill affecting Northeast beaches. During Black Awareness Month, the club honored Brazilian Black leaders like Zumbi dos Palmares and Moa de Katendê by featuring their names on players’ kits. These initiatives underscore Bahia’s commitment to social change, using football as a tool for transformation.
The City Football Group Era
A New Era with International Investment
In December 2022, Bahia announced that the City Football Group (CFG), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi United Group, acquired 90% of the club’s shares after 98.6% of members approved the transaction. Completed in May 2023, the acquisition marked the start of a new era. The CFG, which also controls clubs like Manchester City and Club Bolívar, brought significant investments, including infrastructure modernization and the creation of a City Football Academy branch in Salvador.
The partnership also strengthened Bahia’s women’s team, which has won the Bahia State Championship every year since its inception in 2019 and secured the 2024 Brazilian Série A2 title, earning promotion to the top tier. CFG’s management brought financial stability, enabling the club to reduce debts and invest in new talent.
Challenges and Resilience
Relegations and Comebacks
Despite its greatness, Bahia has faced tough times, including relegations to Série B in 1997, 2003, and 2014. On each occasion, the club showed resilience, quickly returning to Série A. In 2022, after finishing third in Série B, Bahia secured promotion to the top flight, reinforcing its status as a giant of Brazilian football.
Administrative Crises
Before the 2013 fan-led intervention, Bahia struggled with inefficient management that accumulated debts and hindered performance. The Democracia Tricolor movement, led by Guilherme Bellintani, changed this landscape, promoting democratic governance focused on the club’s and fans’ well-being.
The Future of the Steel Squadron
Ambitions on the National and International Stage
With the City Football Group’s backing, Bahia is poised to reach new heights. The return to the Copa Libertadores in 2025 is a significant step, and the club plans to strengthen its squad and infrastructure to compete at a high level. The construction of a City Football Academy in Salvador promises to revolutionize youth development, while the women’s team continues to grow, establishing Bahia as a trailblazer in Brazilian football.
The Legacy of the Tricolor Baiano
Esporte Clube Bahia is more than a football club; it is a symbol of Bahian identity and passion. With 50 state titles, two Brazilian championships, and a fanbase that never wavers, Bahia carries the responsibility of representing the Northeast with pride. Its commitment to social causes, combined with modern management and international investment, makes Bahia a model of how football can unite sport, culture, and social transformation.
Whether at Arena Fonte Nova, in the streets of Salvador, or in the hearts of fans across Brazil, the Steel Squadron continues to live its motto: “Born to Win.” With a glorious history and a promising future, Esporte Clube Bahia remains one of the giants of Brazilian football, ready to write new chapters of success.
