Podcast: Groundhopping in Brazil off the Beaten Track

My guest is Will Wardrop, otherwise known as ‘Will in Brazil’ over on Instagram. He’s based in the capita, Brasília, and we’re discussing groundhopping in Brazil *outside* of the two main cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. We discuss matches in Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Goiânia, and Bahia in the north of the country. Will gives us his groundhopping tips for foreign visitors to Brazil, plus a few anecdotes from his time out there.

In this podcast, we cover:

Exploring Brazil Through Football: We dive into groundhopping in Brazil, venturing beyond Rio and São Paulo to explore football culture in cities like Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Goiânia, and Salvador.

The Brazilian League System: We break down how the Brazilian football calendar operates, starting with state championships from January to March, followed by the national leagues from April to December.

Football in Brasília: We learn how Brasília, a planned city built in 1960, has a unique football culture, with local clubs based in surrounding satellite cities rather than the city centre itself.

The Influence of British Football: We discuss the strong historical British influence on Brazilian football, including the role of British students in the founding clubs like Fluminense and Corinthians.

Belo Horizonte – A Football and Cultural Hub: We explore how Belo Horizonte offers a mix of rich football heritage with clubs like Atlético Mineiro, Cruzeiro, and América, alongside an incredible food and drink scene.

The Passionate Rivalries: We examine how rivalries in Brazil extend beyond city derbies to the national level, with Brazil’s ‘Big 12’ clubs maintaining intense competitions across the country.

Experiencing Away Days in Brazil: We reflect on how traveling as an away fan is highly structured by police but generally safe, with dedicated meeting points and transport to stadiums.

Football in Salvador and Bahia: We experience the unique atmosphere of Salvador, a city blending African and Brazilian culture, with its iconic stadiums and a passionate fan base for Bahia and Vitória.

Legacy of World Cup Stadiums: We analyse how stadiums from the 2014 World Cup are being used, with some thriving in major cities while others, like the Arena da Amazônia in Manaus, struggle for regular use.

Travel Tips for Groundhoppers : We emphasise the importance of learning basic Portuguese, planning ahead for tickets, dressing down for safety, and using Uber or taxis after matches for secure transport.

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The podcast is sponsored by Pibe de Barrio, the on-the-ground football experts in Buenos Aires, helping you live the Argentine matchday experience.