He leads Corinthinha but only wears Palmeiras, meet president Téo Freitas | OneFootball

A Palmeiras diehard, Téo Freitas, 58, has spent 30 years as president of Corinthians Futebol Clube do Jardim Paulista, an amateur side from São José dos Campos, yet he will not wear its shirt.

According to Globo.com, the club’s crest closely mirrors SC Corinthians Paulista, the only change is the wording inside, so Freitas avoids any confusion and even fears the shirt could cost him entry to Palmeiras’ stadium.

He affectionately calls the team Corinthinha and turns up every weekend in green, prompting double takes. Despite the rivalry, his tenure includes titles and the club remains one of the city’s most traditional amateurs, having once even featured a World Cup player.

His bond began in childhood trips to watch Corinthinha with his uncles. Born into a Corinthians family, he chose Palmeiras after being captivated by Ademir da Guia’s elegance, a decision that still fuels household banter.

The rivalry flared in the 2000 Libertadores semi-final, won by Palmeiras on penalties, when relatives arrived with Corinthians flags and left disappointed as Freitas celebrated.

He previously played up front for Corinthinha, the only times he donned its colours, then moved into the presidency. The club have six city amateur crowns, but finances now limit them to the veterans championship, where they are reigning champions.

Freitas says they are pushing for another veterans title against strong sides bolstered by ex-pros, and that if things fall into place they can go again. He adds Palmeiras have only given him joy and he is expecting the Libertadores and Brasileiro this year.

Source: Globo.com