Grêmio FBPA: The Journey in Série A 2025 with 12th Place
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, affectionately known as the Tricolor Gaúcho, is one of Brazil’s most storied football clubs. Founded in 1903 in Porto Alegre, the club boasts a rich history, including three Copa Libertadores titles and a Club World Cup. In the 2025 Brazilian Championship Série A season, Grêmio sits in 12th place after 13 rounds with 16 points, according to recent reports from sports portals like Sofascore and Globo Esporte. This article explores Grêmio’s journey in the current season, the challenges faced, key players, and prospects for the remainder of the championship, with a detailed look at what this position means for the club and its fans.
History and Legacy of Grêmio
A Club of Tradition
Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense was founded on September 15, 1903, by Cândido Dias da Silva and 32 others, many of whom were German immigrants in Porto Alegre. Since then, the club has established itself as a powerhouse in Brazilian and South American football. Its colors—blue, black, and white—and the motto “with Grêmio wherever Grêmio is” reflect the passion of a fanbase that supports the team unconditionally, as celebrated in the club’s anthem.
Grêmio’s trophy cabinet is impressive: 43 Campeonato Gaúcho titles, 2 Brazilian Série A Championships, 5 Copa do Brasil titles, 1 Supercopa do Brasil, 1 Copa Sul, and internationally, 3 Copa Libertadores, 2 Recopa Sudamericana titles, and the 1983 Club World Cup, won 2-1 against Hamburger SV. These achievements place Grêmio alongside giants like São Paulo, Santos, Palmeiras, and Flamengo in terms of Libertadores titles.
The Arena do Grêmio
Since 2013, Grêmio has played home matches at the Arena do Grêmio, a modern stadium with a capacity of 60,540, one of the largest and most advanced in South America. Before that, the club called the Estádio Olímpico Monumental home, where it set a record attendance of 98,421 in 1981 against Ponte Preta. The Arena do Grêmio symbolizes the club’s growth and is a stage where the passionate Grêmio fanbase makes a significant impact.
Performance in Série A 2025
Current Standing: 12th Place
In the 2025 season, Grêmio holds 12th place in the Brazilian Série A with 16 points after 13 rounds, as reported by sources like Sofascore and recent X posts. The team’s record includes 3 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses, with 21 goals scored and 18 conceded, resulting in a positive goal difference of 3. Despite sitting mid-table, the campaign has been deemed below expectations for a club of Grêmio’s stature and structure, especially after finishing as runners-up in Série A 2023, securing a spot in the 2024 Copa Libertadores.
Analysis of Results
Grêmio has had moments of brilliance but also faced challenges. A recent 4-1 loss to Cruzeiro in the 13th round served as a “reality check” for the team, as noted by the X profile O Bairrista. This defeat exposed defensive vulnerabilities and the need for tactical adjustments. On the other hand, the team showed resilience in matches like the 1-1 draw against Fluminense, proving its ability to compete against direct rivals.
Home performances have been a strength, with 3 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss at the Arena do Grêmio, earning 12 points. Away from home, however, the team struggles, with only 4 points (no wins, 4 draws, 2 losses). These stats suggest that the support of the home crowd is a key advantage, but Grêmio must improve its away form to climb the table.
Key Matches and Moments
Notable games this season include a victory over EC Vitória in the 18th round, as reported by Transfermarkt. Additionally, the upcoming match against Red Bull Bragantino on May 10, 2025, at the Arena do Grêmio is seen as an opportunity to regain momentum, especially with the return of captain Pedro Geromel, who was sidelined for nearly 10 months due to injuries.
Squad and Standouts
Leadership of Renato Gaúcho
Under the guidance of Renato Portaluppi, known as Renato Gaúcho, Grêmio maintains a playing style that blends attacking intensity with defensive solidity. Renato, a club legend as both a player and coach, led Grêmio to the 2017 Libertadores title and the 2024 Gaúcho Championship heptacampeonato. His leadership is crucial in motivating the squad and fans, even during tough times.
Key Players
Grêmio’s 2025 squad features a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. Standout players include:
- Martin Braithwaite (Forward): The Danish striker has been a key figure in attack, bringing international experience and a knack for scoring.
- Mathias Villasanti (Midfielder): The Paraguayan is the engine of the midfield, with vision and the ability to both score and create plays.
- Franco Cristaldo (Midfielder): A key playmaker, Cristaldo contributes with assists and decisive goals.
- Walter Kannemann (Defender): The Argentine is a leader in defense, known for his tenacity and connection with the fans.
- Pedro Geromel (Defender): The captain, back from injuries, brings experience and stability to the backline.
- Tiago Volpi (Goalkeeper): A new signing, Volpi has stood out with crucial saves.
Young talents like Gabriel Mec and Alysson show promise, while players like Cristian Pavón and Alexander Aravena add speed and creativity to the attack.
Signings and Departures
Grêmio invested in reinforcements for 2025, with a squad valued at €98.10 million, according to Transfermarkt. Additions like Tiago Volpi and Francis Amuzu bolstered the team, but departures and injuries have posed challenges. While financial management is more stable than during the 2004 crisis that led to relegation to Série B, the club must balance investment with results.
Challenges and Criticism
Inconsistency in the Season
The 12th-place position reflects Grêmio’s inconsistency in 2025. Despite flashes of quality football, the team has struggled with draws in winnable games and unexpected losses, like the thrashing by Cruzeiro. Fans, such as X user @matheus_s92, have voiced frustration, describing the season as “terrible” and suggesting the team might finish 12th without advancing in cup competitions.
Rivalry with Internacional
The rivalry with Internacional, known as the Gre-Nal, is one of the fiercest in world football. In 2025, Internacional is 13th with 14 points, just two behind Grêmio. This close proximity in the standings heightens the pressure for Grêmio to outperform their rivals, especially in head-to-head clashes, which are pivotal for the fanbase.
Fan Expectations
With over 8 million supporters in Brazil and approximately 148,613 club members, according to Transfermarkt, Grêmio has one of the country’s most passionate fanbases. Expectations are always high, especially after strong campaigns like the 2023 Série A runner-up finish and the 2024 Gaúcho heptacampeonato. The current position, while not disastrous, has led to demands for better results, particularly in continental competitions like the Copa Sudamericana, where Grêmio will face Alianza Lima on July 17, 2025.
Prospects for the Rest of the Season
Goals in the Brasileirão
With 25 rounds remaining, Grêmio has a chance to climb the Série A table. The team could target a top-six finish for a 2026 Copa Libertadores spot or at least a top-12 position for the Copa Sudamericana. Defensive consistency and attacking efficiency will be critical, as will the recovery of key players and the integration of new signings.
Copa Sudamericana and Gauchão
Beyond the Brasileirão, Grêmio is competing in the Copa Sudamericana, with a key match against Alianza Lima upcoming. A strong run in the continental tournament could boost team and fan confidence. In the Campeonato Gaúcho, Grêmio is favored to pursue an eighth consecutive title in 2026, capitalizing on recent state dominance.
The Power of the Fans
The Grêmio fanbase, known for its loyalty, will be a deciding factor. The vibrant atmosphere at the Arena do Grêmio can propel the team in crucial matches. GrêmioTV, the club’s official YouTube channel, has strengthened fan engagement with live broadcasts, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive features, bringing supporters closer to the club’s daily life.
Conclusion
Grêmio’s 12th-place position in Série A 2025, with 16 points after 13 rounds, reflects a season of ups and downs. Despite results below expectations, the club has a talented squad, an experienced coaching staff, and a passionate fanbase that can make a difference in the remaining rounds. With tactical adjustments, the return of key players like Geromel, and the support of a packed Arena, Grêmio has the potential to climb the table and compete for bigger goals. The Tricolor Gaúcho’s history is marked by resilience, and 2025 could be another chapter of overcoming challenges and achieving success for the Immortal.
