Triumph Amid Chaos vs. Empty-Handed Season

Two of Brazilian football's most prestigious clubs, Corinthians and São Paulo, concluded their 2025 seasons with starkly different results. While both teams faced severe financial crises, Corinthians lifted the Paulista Championship and Copa do Brasil trophies, whereas São Paulo finished the season without any silverware.

Journalist Arnaldo Ribeiro analyzed the contrasting outcomes on UOL's football program 'Posse de Bola,' a Brazilian sports media outlet.

Differences in Crisis Management Capability

Ribeiro identified three key factors that distinguished the two clubs.

First, the difference in squad quality. Despite being in financial ruin last season, Corinthians possessed a superior squad compared to São Paulo. They maintained competitive performance even as their debt tripled.

Second, managerial crisis management skills. Corinthians manager Dorival Júnior is recognized as a leader accustomed to steering teams through chaos. The current Brazilian national team coach demonstrated unwavering leadership under pressure.

Third, supporter culture differences. Ribeiro explained, "Corinthians fans are accustomed to chaos. They fill the stadium even in crisis situations and don't destabilize the team." In contrast, São Paulo is less familiar with such extreme circumstances.

He emphasized that "this is not a criticism but a characteristic difference in supporter culture," noting that clubs overcome crises differently depending on their DNA and organizational culture.

Financial Scandal Engulfs São Paulo

São Paulo's crisis extended beyond poor performance. Financial misconduct allegations surrounding current president Julio Casares have shaken the club.

Brazil's largest broadcaster Rede Globo's weekend current affairs program 'Fantástico' reported the scandal exclusively. According to police investigations, approximately 1.5 million reais (about 350,000 USD) was deposited into Casares' personal account between January 2023 and May 2025.

More seriously, cash withdrawals from the club's accounts totaled 11 million reais (about 2.6 million USD) across 35 transactions between January 2021 and November 2025—coinciding precisely with Casares' tenure as president.

Casares' attorney Bruno Borazjani and São Paulo's legal counsel Pedro Yvo Gricoli Iocoi explained that the cash was used for player match bonuses and matchday operational expenses. However, transparency concerns persist.

Structural Problems in Brazilian Football [AI Analysis]

The two clubs' cases reveal structural issues facing Brazilian football. Unlike European clubs, the loose financial soundness regulations create an environment where excessive short-term investments are repeated.

While Corinthians won trophies despite tripling their debt, this is not a sustainable model. São Paulo's financial scandal demonstrates how dangerous lack of transparency can be.

Brazilian football will likely face increasing pressure for financial soundness and transparency. Particularly as SAF (corporate football club) conversions accelerate, traditional member-owned clubs will face greater pressure for change.

The 2025 season of these two clubs will be remembered as a stark illustration of how crucial crisis management capability and organizational culture truly are.