Anticipation builds in Argentina as Buenos Aires prepares to host the Copa Libertadores final, featuring Brazilian rivals Botafogo and Atlético Mineiro. Brazilian clubs have dominated the tournament recently, narrowing the historical title gap with Argentine teams. Financial strength plays a crucial role, with top Brazilian clubs generating significant revenue. Recent signings reflect a trend of top talent moving to Brazil, highlighting the growing disparity in football quality between Brazilian and Argentine teams.
The Copa Libertadores Final: A Clash of Brazilian Rivals
The atmosphere in Argentina, the home of the reigning football world champion, is filled with anticipation. This Saturday, Buenos Aires will host the prestigious Copa Libertadores final, South America’s premier club competition. The iconic Estadio Monumental will witness a fierce showdown between two Brazilian arch-rivals: Botafogo from Rio de Janeiro and Atlético Mineiro from Belo Horizonte.
This matchup is hardly unexpected, as Brazilian clubs have dominated the tournament in recent years. In fact, nine of the last ten finalists have hailed from Brazil, with six of the last seven claiming the championship title. Just two decades ago, Argentine teams held a substantial lead in this rivalry, boasting nine more titles than their Brazilian counterparts. However, this gap is now closing, with Brazilian clubs poised to soon catch up, reducing the tally to a mere title difference of 25 to 24. Meanwhile, other nations have struggled to compete; the last non-Brazilian or Argentine club to win the Copa Libertadores was Liga de Quito from Ecuador in 2008.
The Rise of Brazilian Football and Financial Power
This year’s finalists may not be traditional powerhouses, but they carry significant historical weight. Botafogo, known for its legendary player Garrincha, has never claimed the Copa Libertadores title, while Atlético Mineiro secured its only victory back in 2013 under the guidance of former world star Ronaldinho.
A key factor contributing to Brazil’s dominance in this competition is financial resources. A recent report from consulting firm Sports Value revealed that Brazil’s top-tier clubs generated a staggering $1.83 billion in revenue in 2023. Leading the pack, Flamengo amassed $280 million, nearly double the combined revenue of all clubs in Chile ($155 million) and Colombia ($146 million), and approaching Argentina’s total of $330 million, where River Plate, the richest club, generated $60 million.
The Brasileirão is ranked seventh globally in terms of financial strength, trailing behind the major European leagues and the North American MLS. While many Brazilian clubs grapple with debt, they have managed to diversify their income sources effectively, with only 36% of total revenue dependent on TV rights and prize money, and 22% reliant on transfer fees.
Top South American talent is increasingly gravitating towards Brazil, with many notable professionals choosing to play there, as well as emerging stars in their prime. Atlético Mineiro’s attack features international players like Hulk, Deyverson, and the 24-year-old Paulinho, who previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and was once valued at nearly €20 million.
Botafogo has also bolstered its squad with two current Brazilian national strikers, Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique, both 23 years old. Henrique was signed for €16 million from Betis Sevilla, while playmaker Thiago Almada, another 23-year-old, joined for a record Brazilian transfer fee of €20 million from MLS club Atlanta United. Almada’s supporters draw comparisons between his football intelligence and that of Lionel Messi.
Botafogo’s recent recruitment spree can be attributed to the club’s takeover by American investor John Textor in March 2022. Textor capitalized on a legal change allowing clubs to operate as sports corporations. However, his controversial actions have raised eyebrows in Brazil, especially after Botafogo lost a significant lead in the league last season.
There are concerns that Textor is using the historic club as a stepping stone within his broader network. Rumors suggest that Almada might be transferred to Textor’s Olympique Lyonnais next January, though not by his own choice. For now, Botafogo aims to secure the championship title, holding a narrow three-point lead over Palmeiras with just two rounds remaining.
As Brazilian football continues to thrive, Argentine clubs face mounting challenges. The chaotic state of the Argentine league, which has expanded from 28 to 30 teams, reflects this decline. Gabriel Milito, the Argentine coach of Atlético Mineiro, voiced that the competitive levels of clubs in both countries are no longer comparable, stating that Brazil boasts up to twelve strong teams, enhancing the overall quality of their league. When even an Argentine coach acknowledges the superiority of Brazilian football, it underscores the growing divide between these two footballing nations.