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Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is a Brazilian sports club based in the Botafogo neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is a Brazilian sports club based in the Botafogo neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. It is best known for its men’s football team, which competes in Brazil’s top division and in state and international competitions. The club also has a wider multi-sport tradition, including rowing and other sports.

History

Botafogo traces its origins to a rowing club founded in 1894 and a football club founded in 1904. The modern club emerged from a 1942 merger of Botafogo Football Club and Club de Regatas Botafogo.

Football

Botafogo’s football team is the club’s most prominent section and competes in Brazil’s top tier. It has won major national and continental honours, including the Brazilian championship and the Copa Libertadores.

Stadium and identity

The club plays home matches at Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. Its traditional colours are black and white, and it is widely identified by nicknames such as O Glorioso and Fogão.

Other sports

Although football is the best-known section, Botafogo is also a multi-sport club. Its history includes rowing and other sports played under the Botafogo name.

Key facts

  • Botafogo is a Brazilian multi-sport club, though it is most widely recognized for football.
  • Its men’s football team plays in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the Campeonato Carioca.
  • The club won the Brazilian league in 1968, 1995, and 2024.
  • Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores in 2024.
  • Its home ground is Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.
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Canadian context

Botafogo is of interest to Canadian readers mainly through international football coverage, especially its participation in continental competitions and the global following of Brazilian clubs.

Frequently asked questions

What is Botafogo?
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas is a Brazilian sports club from Rio de Janeiro, best known for its football team.
When was Botafogo founded?
The club’s roots date to 1894 in rowing and 1904 in football; the present club was formed by a 1942 merger.
Where does Botafogo play its home matches?
Botafogo plays at Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.
What league does Botafogo play in?
Its men’s football team competes in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the Campeonato Carioca.
What are Botafogo’s main honours?
Botafogo won the Brazilian league in 1968, 1995, and 2024, and the Copa Libertadores in 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botafogo_FR
    Supports: Club identity, football prominence, league participation, honours, stadium, records
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botafogo_de_Futebol_e_Regatas
    Supports: Full name, nicknames, colours, stadium, headquarters, ownership structure, current competition
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botafogo_de_Futebol_e_Regatas
    Supports: Multi-sport nature and Rio de Janeiro base
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.fr/botafogo-rio-de-janeiro/startseite/verein/537
    Supports: Foundation date, address, club profile
  5. SofaScore — https://www.sofascore.com/fr/football/team/botafogo/1958
    Supports: Foundation date, stadium, capacity, city