Botafogo, A mid-table Brazilian side, albeit the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, has done what few thought possible. On Thursday night in Los Angeles, Botafogo stunned UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a 1–0 win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. It’s arguably the most significant result in Botafogo’s modern history and a performance that exposed the mostly European based fans [criticisms of the relevancy](https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2025/06/09/teams-outside-of-europe-chase-the-fifa-club-world-cup-dream/) of FIFA’s marquee club tournament.
This result marks the first time a South American club has beaten a European champion in the competition since Brazil’s Corinthians defeated Chelsea in 2012. The match-winner for Botafogo, 24-year-old striker Igor Jesus, scored in the first half, the entirety of the match saw Botafogo dug in and parking the bus superbly. Despite holding only 25% possession and entering with just a 7% win probability, Botafogo limited PSG to two shots on target. Their gritty effort, including 15 fouls and two yellow cards, was anchored by a backline featuring goalkeeper John, Alexander Barboza, 20-year-old Jair Paula, Alex Telles (later subbed for Cuiabano), and Vitinho.
PSG’s typically dominant attack, led by midfield maestro Vitinha, was neutralized, a stark contrast to their demolition of Spanish giants Atlético Madrid earlier in the tournament. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a tactical masterclass, it was grit, it was passion, it was everything that the non UEFA sides have shown this tournament.
The result sent shockwaves across the football world. Botafogo fans celebrated in the stands and across Rio de Janeiro, still in 7th heaven from a dream 2024 that included a Brazilian league title and their first-ever Copa Libertadores. Now with wins over Seattle Sounders and PSG, Botafogo sits atop their Club World Cup group with six points. Their victories may not be flashy, but their defensive solidity and discipline are hard to ignore.
For PSG and European supporters, this loss should be a wake-up call. It’s no longer enough to claim off nights or difficult conditions, it’s not enough to complain about tired legs when Brazilian sides play more matches than UEFA sides. The early rounds of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup have shown that North and South American clubs are here to compete. South American sides are undefeated. Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense (who nearly upset Dortmund), River Plate, and Boca Juniors have all impressed. Meanwhile, Portuguese giants Benfica and Porto have struggled—Porto even falling to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Atlanta. As Messi and Sergio Busquets have carried the oft criticized Inter Miami to the brink of qualification for the knockout phase.
Across the board, the Western Hemisphere has made its presence felt. Monterrey’s squad includes former European stars like Sergio Ramos, Lucas Ocampos, and Sergio Canales, as Ramos scored a goal to lead Monterrey to the draw against Champions League finalists Inter Milan. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, often dismissed by European fans as part of an overhyped Saudi Pro League, held Real Madrid to a draw by saving a penalty, continuing the recent frustration of perhaps the Europe’s biggest and most famous football club.
Yes, field and weather conditions in the U.S. may favor the Americas during the summer months. But ultimately, it’s about talent and preparation. Lesser-known players like Jefferson Savarino (Botafogo), Nelson Deossa (Monterrey), Richard Ríos (Palmeiras), and Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami) are showing that world-class football exists far beyond Europe’s top leagues. The lower wages and squad values, don’t make the teams worse, and when motivated and prepared, they could compete every week in Europe’s top leagues.
Too many fans limit their viewing to the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Champions League. But by doing so, they miss out on the passion, quality, and tactical sophistication of clubs across South America, North America, and elsewhere.
For those who miss some of the most passionate football in the world. In Colombia, while Botafogo were celebrating, Santa Fe defeated city rivals Millonarios to reach the Liga BetPlay Dimayor final, denying the legendary El Tigre Radamel Falcao a chance at silverware. striker Hugo Rodallega, 39, celebrated another milestone in a career that has spanned continents, with stops at Wigan and Fulham, and now an ending at Santa Fe. This game was played in a league that is usually considered to be behind Brazil, Mexico’s LIGA MX, and Argentina in Latin America.
It’s time to move past the tired excuses, about heat, calendar congestion, or the financial value of clubs. Brazilian teams play more matches annually than their European counterparts. Yet they continue to show up ready, competitive, and tactically sound.
Inter Miami has struggled in MLS for weeks, but dominated Porto. Seattle pushed Botafogo harder than PSG did. The Club World Cup has not only narrowed the attention and financial gap—it’s given Latin American clubs a platform to prove they belong.
Europe can no longer dismiss these results as outliers. The Club World Cup matters. And it’s now clear: For the first time since the [Bosman ruling](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/141771-whats-wrong-with-the-beautiful-game-part-2-the-bosman-ruling), global club football is no longer Europe’s private domain. Clubs from Africa and Asia are also likely to continue to development, as this tournament gives them something to dream about.
Main Photo Credit: Copyright: xStevenxBisigx _Imago Images_