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Corinthians X Palmeiras Corinthians Vs Palmeiras: Derby Day Showdown

Published: 2025-03-28 15:46:30 5 min read

# The rivalry between Corinthians and Palmeiras is more than just a football match it is a reflection of São Paulo’s social divisions, political history, and the evolving power structures within Brazilian football.

Known as the this fixture divides families, workplaces, and even political allegiances.

While on the surface it appears to be a battle for sporting supremacy, a deeper investigation reveals a contest shaped by class, ethnicity, and institutional influence.

This essay argues that the Corinthians vs.

Palmeiras rivalry transcends football, embodying historical class struggles, political manipulation, and commercial exploitation, while also exposing the contradictions within Brazilian football culture.

Corinthians, founded in 1910 by working-class laborers, has long been associated with São Paulo’s proletariat.

Its fanbase, often referred to as the (the faithful), prides itself on representing the marginalized.

In contrast, Palmeiras, originally established as Palestra Italia in 1914 by Italian immigrants, was historically linked to São Paulo’s middle-class and elite Italian-Brazilian community.

This class divide was exacerbated in the 1930s when Brazil’s nationalist policies under Getúlio Vargas forced Palestra Italia to rebrand as Palmeiras, severing its overt ethnic ties but retaining its bourgeois image.

Scholars such as (2012) argue that these origins cemented a rivalry where Corinthians symbolizes resistance while Palmeiras embodies establishment privilege.

Even today, Palmeiras’ association with financial stability bolstered by strong sponsorship deals contrasts with Corinthians’ narrative of resilience amid financial turmoil.

Football in Brazil has always been politicized, and the Corinthians-Palmeiras divide is no exception.

During the military dictatorship (1964–1985), Corinthians was seen as a club of the people, while Palmeiras benefited from closer ties with the regime.

Notably, Palmeiras’ era in the 1960s coincided with state-backed investments in football as a tool for national prestige.

In recent years, political polarization has seeped into the rivalry.

Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s vocal support for Palmeiras (despite being a self-declared Flamengo fan) and Corinthians’ left-leaning fanbase many of whom supported Lula have deepened the divide.

A 2021 survey found that 58% of Corinthians fans identified as left-wing, compared to 42% of Palmeiras supporters.

This politicization has led to instances of stadium violence, where chants and banners reflect broader societal tensions.

While the rivalry remains fierce, the increasing commercialization of Brazilian football has diluted some of its cultural significance.

Both clubs are now owned by corporate entities (Corinthians by a supporters’ association with heavy investor influence, Palmeiras by the Crefisa financial group).

Corinthians vs Palmeiras, Serie A on Sat, Sep 25, 2021, 22:00 UTC

The influx of money has shifted priorities where once the derby was about pride, today it is also about Champions League qualification and sponsorship deals.

Journalist (2023) argues that the is less about identity and more about financial survival.

Palmeiras’ recent dominance (winning multiple Copa Libertadores titles) has been fueled by Crefisa’s backing, while Corinthians struggles with debt, relying on grassroots support to stay competitive.

This imbalance raises questions about whether financial power is eroding the essence of the rivalry.

The intensity of the derby often spills into violence.

In 2022, a Corinthians fan was killed in clashes before a match, reigniting debates about stadium security and fan behavior.

Research by shows that derby matches account for 30% of football-related violence in São Paulo.

While both clubs condemn hooliganism, ultras groups like (Corinthians) and (Palmeiras) continue to engage in organized confrontations.

Some argue that these groups exploit the rivalry for political and criminal influence, with reports linking them to illegal gambling and extortion (, 2023).

The Corinthians-Palmeiras derby remains one of football’s most electrifying clashes, but its future is uncertain.

As commercialization grows, the working-class roots of the rivalry risk being overshadowed by financial interests.

Meanwhile, political polarization and violence threaten to distort its cultural significance.

Ultimately, this rivalry is a microcosm of Brazilian society a battleground where history, politics, and economics collide.

Whether it can retain its soul in an increasingly corporatized football landscape remains an open question.

One thing is certain: as long as the Derby Paulista exists, it will continue to mirror the triumphs and tensions of São Paulo itself.