Soccer-From fallen giants to giant-killers: Botafogo's remarkable revival


Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Group B - Paris St Germain v Botafogo - Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California, U.S. - June 19, 2025 Botafogo players celebrate after the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kirby Lee

(Reuters) -Once Brazilian football royalty, Botafogo had languished for decades as a debt-ridden sleeping giant before they toppled Paris St Germain at the Club World Cup to cap a resurrection tale three years in the making.

When American entrepreneur John Textor acquired the club in 2022, fresh from their promotion back to Brazil's first division, he took on a training ground so decrepit that then-coach Luis Castro dismissed it as "good for parking cars," alongside crushing liabilities exceeding one billion reais ($181.39 million).

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-PSG return to top of Ligue 1 as Lens lose to Monaco
Soccer-O'Reilly double as Man City win to turn heat on Arsenal
Soccer-Silva scores late equaliser as Dortmund grab 2-2 draw at Leipzig
Soccer-Osasuna stun Real Madrid 2-1 to blow LaLiga title race open
Soccer-Late goals keep Inter in control of Serie title race
Soccer-Ten-man Chelsea implode again in home draw with Burnley
Soccer-Abraham's dream return pays off as Villa salvage late point against Leeds
Soccer-Villa and Chelsea drop points, Milner breaks Premier League record
Soccer-Kane double sends Bayern nine points clear after late Frankfurt scare
Soccer-Milner set to break Premier League appearance record with 654th game

Others Also Read