Fan Stories from the Copa do Brasil 2025
The Copa do Brasil 2025, officially named the Copa Betano do Brasil, is more than just a football tournament: it’s a stage for emotions, where fans from every corner of Brazil experience moments etched in their memories. Launched on February 18, 2025, the 37th edition brings together 92 clubs from all 26 states and the Federal District, delivering epic clashes between giants like Flamengo and Palmeiras and underdogs like Retrô-PE and Ceilândia-DF. In this article, we dive into the fan stories from the Copa do Brasil 2025, exploring their passions, sacrifices, and celebrations, with a spotlight on the third round (May 21–22, 2025). From tears of joy to epic journeys, these stories show why the Copa do Brasil is the most democratic tournament in Brazilian football. Follow the matches in our complete Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule.
The Magic of the Copa do Brasil and Its Fans
Since 1989, the Copa do Brasil has been renowned for its knockout format, inspired by England’s FA Cup, which turns every match into a final. For fans, it’s a chance to see their teams, often from lower divisions, take on giants in packed stadiums. The record-breaking prize money of over R$101 million for the champion and a spot in the 2026 Copa Libertadores heighten the excitement, but it’s the stands that tell the true stories. In 2025, a new rule introducing penalty shootouts in the first round has increased competitiveness, giving fans of smaller clubs, like Operário VG-MT, reasons to dream. According to the CBF, 92 clubs participate, representing the diversity of Brazilian football, each backed by a legion of passionate supporters.
Unforgettable Fan Stories from 2025
The Copa do Brasil 2025 has already delivered moments that have transformed fans’ lives. Below, we highlight five stories of supporters who experienced the third round and earlier phases, showcasing how the tournament unites Brazil through a shared love for football.
1. The Epic Journey of Retrô-PE Fans
In Camaragibe, Pernambuco, the fans of Retrô-PE, a Série C club, lived a historic moment in the third round on May 22, 2025, holding Fortaleza-CE to a 1–1 draw and advancing on penalties. José Silva, 34, a devoted fan, organized a caravan of 50 friends to travel 700 km to Fortaleza. “We sold raffles and saved for months. When Retrô won on penalties, I cried like a child. It’s the pride of our neighborhood,” José recounts. The victory earned the club R$3,638,250, but for the fans, the true value lay in the joy of seeing their underdog shine. The story was featured on ge.globo.com, celebrating the strength of regional fanbases.
2. A Promise Kept at Allianz Parque
In São Paulo, Maria Oliveira, 28, a Palmeiras fan, made a bold promise: if her team defeated Ceará in the third round (3–0, May 22), she would tattoo the club’s crest. Young star Estevão, 18, scored a goal and provided an assist, and Maria fulfilled her vow the next day. “I went to the stadium with my dad, who taught me to love Palmeiras. When Estevão scored, I hugged him and cried. The tattoo is my way of immortalizing that moment,” she says. Maria’s passion reflects the emotional connection fans feel with the tournament, where each match is a celebration of club identity.
3. Young Gabriel’s Dream in Ceilândia
In the Federal District, Gabriel Costa, 12, a Ceilândia-DF fan, experienced his first major moment as a supporter in the first round, when his team drew 2–2 with Coritiba and won on penalties. His father, Marcelo, took him to the stadium for the first time. “He wouldn’t stop shouting Gabriel Santos’ name, who scored both goals. On the way home, he said he wants to be a footballer because of the Copa do Brasil,” Marcelo shares. The R$1.83 million prize will help Ceilândia invest in its youth academy, but for Gabriel, the tournament has already sparked a dream. This story shows how the Copa do Brasil inspires new generations.
4. The CSA Women’s Fanbase That Made History
In Maceió, Alagoas, a group of CSA women fans, led by Ana Beatriz, 25, gained prominence during their team’s victory over Grêmio in the third round. Known as “As Azulinas,” they created choreographies and banners to support the team at the Rei Pelé Stadium. “We’re 30 women proving that football is our place too. When Lucas Silva scored that screamer, the stadium erupted. It felt like we scored it,” Ana says. The Azulinas’ story echoes the legacy of Dulce Rosalina, Vasco’s first organized fan leader, reinforcing the fight for women’s space in the stands.
5. The Sacrifice of a Maringá-PR Fan
In Paraná, Carlos Mendes, 40, a Maringá-PR fan, sold his guitar to buy tickets for the match against Atlético-MG in the third round (0–2, May 22). Despite the loss, Carlos has no regrets. “Matheus Gonçalves nearly scored, and the fans never stopped singing. It was worth every penny. The Copa do Brasil is our chance to show we exist,” he affirms. Maringá earned R$4,145,250 up to that point, but for Carlos, the real reward was experiencing the tournament’s emotion. His story reflects the devotion of smaller clubs’ supporters.
Table of Key Third-Round Matches
To contextualize these stories, here are the results of the third-round return legs, which inspired so much emotion:
| Match | Date | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortaleza-CE vs. Retrô-PE | 05/22/2025 | 7:00 PM | 1–1 (Retrô advances on penalties) |
| Aparecidense-GO vs. Fluminense-RJ | 05/22/2025 | 7:30 PM | 1–4 |
| Bahia-BA vs. Paysandu-PA | 05/22/2025 | 7:30 PM | 4–0 |
| Palmeiras-SP vs. Ceará-CE | 05/22/2025 | 8:00 PM | 3–0 |
| Maringá-PR vs. Atlético-MG | 05/22/2025 | 8:00 PM | 0–2 |
Source: CBF data up to May 22, 2025. See more in our complete schedule.
Why Fan Stories Are the Heart of the Copa do Brasil
The Copa do Brasil is unique because it gives a voice to fans from all regions, regardless of their club’s size. According to anthropologist Arlei Damo, club loyalty is a core part of Brazilian identity, passed down through generations, and the Copa do Brasil amplifies this by allowing fans of smaller clubs to experience moments of glory. Coverage by Globo, SporTV, and outlets like UOL Esporte brings these stories to the entire country, turning anonymous fans into protagonists. The prize money, ranging from R$1,543,500 (first round, Série A) to R$101 million (champion), also motivates clubs to engage their fanbases, creating a cycle of passion and investment.
Factors Fueling Fan Passion
- Knockout Format: Every match is do-or-die, intensifying emotions in the stands, as seen in Retrô-PE’s heroic draw.
- Regional Diversity: Clubs like Olaria-RJ and Concórdia-SC represent local communities, uniting fans around their roots.
- Historic Upsets: Victories like Santo André’s over Flamengo in 2004 inspire fans to believe in the impossible.
- Youth in the Stands: Young fans like Gabriel from Ceilândia find in the tournament a gateway to dream of football.
Historic Fan Stories in the Copa do Brasil
The Copa do Brasil has always been a breeding ground for fan stories. In 2008, when Sport Recife defeated Corinthians in the final, Pernambuco fans filled Ilha do Retiro, marking the first title for a Northeastern club. In 1999, Juventude’s supporters in Caxias do Sul celebrated their title despite relegation in the Brasileirão, showcasing resilience. These stories resonate in 2025, with fans like José, Maria, Gabriel, Ana, and Carlos writing new chapters.
What to Expect in the Round of 16?
The round of 16, scheduled for July 29–31 and August 5–7, 2025, promises more emotional stories. With an open draw, without seeded pots, fans of underdogs like Retrô-PE can dream of facing giants like Flamengo, the reigning champion. Follow the upcoming matches in our round of 16 schedule. Will CSA’s Azulinas or Ceilândia’s fans create new legends?
How to Follow the Copa do Brasil 2025
To experience these stories firsthand:
- Visit the official CBF website for results and statistics.
- Watch matches on Globo, SporTV, or Premiere.
- Check our Copa do Brasil 2025 schedule for updates.
- Read about underdogs in our article Underdogs of the Copa do Brasil 2025.
Join the Fanbase!
The fan stories from the Copa do Brasil 2025 are what make the tournament unforgettable. From epic caravans to fulfilled promises, these supporters show that football is more than a game: it’s a celebration of life. Bookmark this page to follow new stories, share on social media, and share your own Copa do Brasil story in the comments. What’s your story? Embrace the thrill of the knockout stage!
