São Bernardo overcome political divides, unite city and dream of first-ever Série A promotion | OneFootball

São Bernardo’s rise has mirrored city politics, but under private ownership the club describes itself as apolitical and sits third in Série B. According to Globo.com, 2026 brings four competitions and for the first time more than 50 matches.

Founded in 2004 by Edinho Montemor of PSDB, the club’s leadership for 12 years swung with municipal elections. In 2008 PT deputy Luiz Fernando Teixeira replaced Montemor, allied to mayor Luiz Marinho.

They reached the Paulista elite in 2010, dropped in 2011, then won A2 in 2012. In 2016 they made the quarter-finals, lost to Palmeiras and clinched a Série D berth, before returning to A2 in 2017. Former leaders say only stadium works used public funds.

In 2019 Montemor sold to Grupo Magnum, led by Roberto Graziano, in a debt-for-control deal clearing roughly R$2 million and other liabilities. Graziano took 100% of the SAF, ending political ties. Coach Marcelo Veiga died of Covid-19 soon after, then in 2021 came A2 and Copa Paulista titles.

In 2022 they topped the Paulistão table, lost to São Paulo in the quarter-finals and won promotion from Série D, exiting in the semi to América-RN. The following year brought another quarter-final loss to Palmeiras and the Taça Independência title over Mirassol.

After early exits in 2024, last year they won their Paulistão group, again lost to Palmeiras in the last eight and sealed promotion by finishing fourth in Série C. Only three coaches in six years, with Ricardo Catalá in post since 2024.

Source: Globo.com