Finance expert: Only two clubs can match Flamengo and Palmeiras | OneFootball

Rodrigo Capelo sees Corinthians and São Paulo with potential to compete with Flamengo, but they need to reorganize

Flamengo and Palmeiras have been fighting for the main titles in Brazil and the continent in recent years. However, two other clubs have the potential to rival the duo: Corinthians and São Paulo. At least, that is the view of sports finance expert Rodrigo Capelo. However, the journalist adds a caveat: both need to get organized.

— The only clubs that have the conditions to keep up with Palmeiras and Flamengo in Brazil are Corinthians and São Paulo. But both are so complicated that they get tangled up and make bad deals, yet they still grow, earn very well, and manage to compete more or less equally in spending. Irresponsibly, but they compete — said Capelo, in an interview with the channel ‘Tricolaços’.

— The two are the only ones because of the fan base and location. Because being in the city of São Paulo, the largest capital and the main economic center of the country, boosts stadium revenue, sponsorship revenue, TV visibility... It's a huge advantage compared to those in Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and especially in the Northeast. Travel distances are also shorter. There are many advantages to being in São Paulo — he added.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN APPROACHES OF THE SUCCESSFUL ONES?

Since 2013, Flamengo has acted responsibly in the market, spending less than it earns and cutting costs. After years of signing players like Bruninho, Val, Paulinho, and others, the club is now reaping the rewards, to the point of attracting starters from big European teams, like Samuel Lino, recently signed from Atlético de Madrid (ESP).

Meanwhile, Palmeiras benefited from Crefisa's help to boost its finances and now operates in the black. On the other hand, Corinthians and São Paulo, even with debts, continue to act irresponsibly in the market. The team from Parque São Jorge, for example, pays 'European-level' salaries to Memphis Depay. And the club from Morumbi almost made a financial blunder for Marcos Leonardo, from Al Hilal (SAU). The transaction was only not completed due to lack of time.

HOW ARE THE TEAMS PERFORMING ON THE FIELD?

Of the four mentioned by Capelo, Corinthians is the only one not playing in the Libertadores in 2025. Meanwhile, Flamengo, Palmeiras, and São Paulo remain in the continental tournament. However, the Most Beloved is slightly ahead of the others, as it leads the Brasileirão. In fact, on Sunday (14), Filipe Luís's team will take the field against Juventude in Caxias do Sul.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.