Since 2020, under coach Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras has secured two Copa Libertadores titles, along with Brazilian league, cup, and state championships. Prior to Ferreira’s tenure, the club had already claimed another South American title and 11 league championships.
The only major accolade still missing from their trophy cabinet is a world champions’ title.
Other Brazilian teams, such as Fluminense and Botafogo, participating in the tournament, have never won this title either. However, the dilemma for Palmeiras and its 16 million supporters arises from their three local rivals—Corinthians, Sao Paulo, and Santos—who have each lifted the trophy at least twice.
This has resulted in over two decades filled with memes, jokes, and taunts. Palmeiras now faces the prospect of this happening for the third time in five years.
“It’s true that we have a 10% chance of winning this tournament,” Ferreira stated in early May. “So we’ll strive for these 10% starting with our primary goal, which is advancing beyond the group stage. We deserve to be there.”
Palmeiras qualified as the 2021 Copa Libertadores champions. Their opponents in the group stage include Portugal’s Porto, Egypt’s Al Ahly, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Fans like Matheus Flor believe they have a better shot at “breaking the world title curse” later this year in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, which offers a shorter format with fewer teams, should Palmeiras secure its fourth Copa Libertadores title.
“The condensed version seems more achievable; facing a European side just once in a final increases our chances,” Flor remarked. “I would gladly travel to Dubai, Tokyo, or anywhere else if I sensed an opportunity to win. Right now, the excitement isn’t as palpable because we fear the jokes will likely persist.”
Key players for Palmeiras, including 18-year-old winger Estêvão, midfielder Raphael Veiga, and defender Gustavo Gómez, may not remain with the club following the tournament.
Palmeiras has faced three previous attempts at a world title. In 1999, they lost the Intercontinental Cup 1-0 to Manchester United. Two decades later, they faced a 1-0 semifinal defeat to Mexico’s Tigres in the Club World Cup, finishing in fourth place. The following year, more disappointment followed with a 2-1 loss in extra time to Chelsea.
Many supporters of Palmeiras hold the 1951 Copa Rio title as a claim to world champion status, although FIFA does not officially recognize it as equivalent to the Intercontinental Cup and the modern Club World Cup. In that tournament, Palmeiras triumphed over Juventus with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Palmeiras topped the current Copa Libertadores group stage in points and is also in the mix for the league title.
Their first Club World Cup match is set for Sunday against Porto in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with many soccer fans in Sao Paulo likely tuning in.
Ever-hopeful Palmeiras supporter Flor is glad his team is once more the center of attention among rivals.
“Naturally, we want to end the joke for good, but no club’s legacy hinges on winning this title. We are already a great club, the most successful in Brazil for an extended period,” Flor declared. “One day we’ll claim it, and then they’ll have nothing to say.”
