Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
Introduction
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, affectionately known as Corinthians or simply Timão, is one of the most traditional and popular football clubs in Brazil. Founded in São Paulo, the club is more than just a sports team—it’s a symbol of passion, struggle, and identity for millions of fans. With a rich history intertwined with the evolution of Brazilian football, Corinthians stands out for its achievements, fervent fanbase, and ability to overcome adversity. This article explores the club’s journey from its founding to the present day, highlighting its history, titles, stadium, iconic players, rivalries, and the unique fanbase that defines it.
History
The history of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista is marked by moments of glory, challenges, and renewals that have shaped its identity as “the people’s team.” Founded by workers in a humble São Paulo neighborhood, the club drew inspiration from an English team and grew into a powerhouse in national and international sports.
Foundation
Corinthians was founded on September 1, 1910, in the Bom Retiro neighborhood of São Paulo. A group of five anarchist-syndicalist workers—Joaquim Ambrósio, Antônio Pereira, Rafael Perrone, Anselmo Correia, and Carlos Silva—came together after watching matches of the Corinthian Football Club, an amateur English team touring Brazil. Inspired by the English team’s style, they decided to create a club accessible to the common people, unlike the elitist teams of the era. Miguel Battaglia, a tailor, was elected the first president and declared the club would be “of the people, for the people.” The name Sport Club Corinthians Paulista was chosen in homage to the English team, and the first training session took place on September 14 on a rented field on Rua José Paulino. This humble origin reflects the democratic and popular spirit that defines the club to this day.
Early Years and Titles
In its early years, Corinthians faced challenges but quickly showed its strength. In 1913, it competed in the Campeonato Paulista for the first time, finishing fourth. The following year, in 1914, the club won its first state championship, going undefeated with 10 wins in 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding just 9. Neco, one of the first idols, was the top scorer with 12 goals. This victory marked the start of an era of growth, with the club nurturing talents like Amílcar and establishing itself in the Liga Paulista de Foot-Ball. By the end of the 1910s, Timão was recognized for its grit and skill, attracting fans from the working class.
Decades of Consolidation
The 1920s and 1930s were periods of consolidation for Corinthians. Competing against teams like Paulistano and Palestra Itália (later Palmeiras), the club won nine Paulista titles, including three consecutive championships in 1922–1924, 1928–1930, and 1937–1939. Players like Rato, Del Debbio, and Teleco—the latter being the era’s top scorer with 257 goals—shone on the pitch. Teleco was the Paulista top scorer for five consecutive years. The club also toured internationally, facing European and South American teams, which helped build its reputation. In 1941, another state title came, but the post-war years brought a drought, with frustrating runner-up finishes between 1942 and 1950.
Periods of Drought and Rebirth
The 1950s marked a rebirth. With a new generation of homegrown players like Luizinho, Cabeção, and Baltazar, Corinthians won the Paulista championships in 1951, 1952, and 1954, as well as three Rio-São Paulo Tournaments (1950, 1953, 1954) and the Pequena Taça do Mundo in 1953. The team went unbeaten for 32 matches between 1952 and 1954, including European tours. The 1960s brought another drought, with the derogatory nickname Faz-Me-Rir (“Make Me Laugh”) in 1961, but Roberto Rivellino, one of the club’s greatest players, emerged. Despite signings like Garrincha, the Paulista title only returned in 1977, after 23 years, with a historic goal by Basílio against Ponte Preta. This victory was celebrated as a collective release for the fanbase.
Democracia Corintiana and Modern Era
Between 1981 and 1984, the club experienced the Democracia Corintiana, an innovative movement where players like Sócrates, Wladimir, Casagrande, and Zenon participated in administrative decisions. This led to Paulista titles in 1982 and 1983. In the 1990s, the first Brazilian Championship came in 1990, followed by more national successes. The 21st century brought highs and lows: relegation to Série B in 2007 was a blow, but the immediate return in 2008 and titles like the 2012 Copa Libertadores (unbeaten) and the Club World Cup against Chelsea marked a golden era. In 2025, the club remains competitive, focusing on stability and new conquests.
Achievements
Corinthians boasts one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in Brazilian football, with titles reflecting its resilience and talent. Over its history, the club has amassed state, national, and international honors, making it one of the most successful teams in the Americas.
National Titles
Nationally, Timão is a seven-time Brazilian champion (1990, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2017), with memorable campaigns like the 1990 title led by Neto and the 2015 championship under Tite’s leadership. The Copa do Brasil was won three times (1995, 2002, 2009), with notable finals against Grêmio and Internacional. The club also claimed the Rio-São Paulo Tournament five times (1950, 1953, 1954, 1966, 2002), solidifying its dominance in interstate competitions.
International Titles
Internationally, Corinthians shone with the 2012 Copa Libertadores, won unbeaten, and two FIFA Club World Cups (2000 and 2012). In 2000, they defeated Vasco on penalties, and in 2012, they beat Chelsea 1–0 with a goal by Guerrero. The 2013 Recopa Sudamericana against São Paulo completed their continental achievements. These victories elevated the club to global prominence, with participation in tournaments like the Pequena Taça do Mundo.
State Titles
In the Campeonato Paulista, Corinthians is the most successful club with 31 titles, the latest in 2025, after a resilient campaign under Ramón Díaz. Highlights include three consecutive titles and unbeaten championships, like in 1914. The club also won supercups and regional tournaments, reinforcing its dominance in São Paulo.
Stadium
Corinthians’ home is the Neo Química Arena, inaugurated in 2014 in São Paulo’s Itaquera neighborhood. With a capacity of around 49,000 fans, it’s one of Brazil’s most modern stadiums, having hosted matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Copa América. Before that, the club played at Pacaembu, where it won eight major titles. In 2025, the arena broke attendance records, averaging over 44,000 fans per game, and generated unprecedented revenue, such as R$10 million in a single match. The stadium is not just a venue but a symbol of pride for the fanbase, known for unforgettable celebrations and an intense atmosphere.
Notable Players
Corinthians has produced and signed some of the world’s greatest football talents, whose contributions have immortalized their names in the club’s history.
Among the top scorers, Cláudio leads with 305 goals (1945–1957), followed by Baltazar (269 goals) and Teleco (257 goals). Neco and Marcelinho Carioca also stand out, with 243 and 206 goals, respectively. For matches played, Wladimir holds the record with 806 appearances (1972–1985), followed by Cássio (712 games through 2024) and Luizinho (607 games).
Icons like Sócrates, nicknamed “Doutor” for his medical degree and leadership in Democracia Corintiana, Rivellino, with his unmatched skill, and Ronaldo Fenômeno, who played exclusively for Corinthians in Brazil, inspire generations. Goalkeepers like Gilmar and Cássio, defenders like Fagner, and midfielders like Neto are revered. Coaches like Oswaldo Brandão (435 games) and Tite (378 games) shaped winning teams.
In 2025, the squad includes names like Hugo Souza in goal, who became a fan favorite with crucial saves in the Paulista, and players like Memphis Depay, who excite the crowd.
Rivalries
Corinthians’ rivalries are intense and define thrilling classics. The biggest is the Derby Paulista against Palmeiras, marked by historic clashes and tension. The Majestoso against São Paulo and the Clássico Alvinegro against Santos also ignite passions. These rivalries extend beyond the pitch, involving cultural and social narratives, like the 1976 “Corinthians Invasion” of the Maracanã, where thousands of fans traveled to support the team.
Fanbase
Corinthians’ fanbase, known as Fiel Torcida (Faithful Fans), is one of the largest and most passionate in the world, with an estimated 30 million supporters in Brazil. Born from the working class, it’s renowned for unwavering loyalty, even during crises like the 2007 relegation. In 2025, the fans broke attendance records at Neo Química Arena with peaceful invasions and celebrations that set a “new normal” for support. The fanbase organizes mosaics, chants, and protests, influencing the club. Groups like Gaviões da Fiel embody this combative and united spirit.
Current Status in 2025
In 2025, Corinthians is experiencing a year of consolidation after winning its 31st Campeonato Paulista, with a rollercoaster campaign under Ramón Díaz. The victory over Santos in the final, with record attendance and heroic saves by Hugo Souza, marked a return to state titles after six years. In the Brasileirão, the team sits in 10th place with 16 points after 12 rounds and faces Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil round of 16. Off the pitch, there are changes: loans of players like Diego Palacios, Léo Mana, and Alex Santana, terminations of Igor Coronado and Giovane, and departures like Fagner to Cruzeiro. The club aims to clear debts and achieve stability. With 49 matches by August, 24 wins, 14 draws, and 11 losses, Timão is eyeing the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, carrying its tradition of two world titles. The fanbase continues to break records, and the future promises more chapters of glory for this Brazilian football giant.
