Brasileirão 2023: The World's Craziest League

By. H Janér

​The country of football. Five World Cups, nine Copa Americas, countless legends… Brazil has always been notorious for being the home of the beautiful game. Whether it be the grace of the King Pelé, the flair of Ronaldinho, or the skill of Ronaldo Fenômeno, Brazil has it all when it comes to football.
 
However, apart from pumping out world-class talents almost every year, the Brazilian Serie A has been unjustly ignored due to the “gap” in talent when compared to other leagues. In fact, most foreigners can only name maybe 3 teams, and even that may be a stretch. However, as large as the skill gap is (not that large), there is no denying it – the Brazilian Serie A has been one of, if not the most, entertaining league in world football.
 
Throughout the first half of the season, fans were shocked to see usual relegation contenders Botafogo storm out and take a whopping 47 out of 57 possible points – enjoying a 13-point lead over second place and reigning champions Palmeiras. However, when everyone thought it was over, the unthinkable happened. Botafogo had the second-worst second half in the entire league and, a few heartbreaking losses later (including two 4-3 comeback losses from teams in the top 3) the Brasileirão had six teams within 5 points of each other, disputing for the title with 4 match weeks to go. Unusual teams such as RB Bragantino and Botafogo disputed with giants of Brazilian football such as Palmeiras and Flamengo, in a tight schedule where the top six would face each other multiple times in the late game windows.
 
With Fluminense and São Paulo having secured two of Brazil’s major trophies, the question is, who will prove superior and reign the world’s most entertaining league?