Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The festive atmosphere of Carnaval reached new heights on February 28, 2025, as the Botafogo Samba Clube made its highly anticipated debut at the Marquês de Sapucaí. The samba school, inspired by the rich heritage of the Botafogo Football Club, opened the first evening of the Série Ouro, the second division of Rio's most celebrated festival. This momentous occasion has marked the school as the first samba association linked to a football club to parade at this iconic venue, thereby weaving sports and samba culture together and creating a unique spectacle.
John Textor, the American businessman and major stakeholder of the Botafogo club, was spotted enjoying the festivities, engaging with fans and reveling in the joyous spirit of the event. Images circulating on social media captured Textor cheerfully celebrating with friends, even clutching a beer as he donned the club’s colors, though he humorously showed some struggles with the samba rhythm, with observers noting he lacked the typical ginga associated with seasoned samba performers.
The theme of the parade, aptly named "Uma Gloriosa História em Preto e Branco" (A Glorious Story in Black and White), was curated by the veteran carnavalesco, Alex de Souza. The performance was not just about vibrant costumes and upbeat music; it encapsulated the storied history of the Botafogo club itself, spotlighting symbols of its heritage, such as Liberation and Brazilian championship trophies from the previous year, and celebrating the spirit of the club's loyal fan base.
While the members of the Botafogo Samba Clube expressed immense pride and excitement to grace the hallowed grounds of the Sambódromo, the evolution of their performance also drew attention. The evening, featuring flashes of humor thanks to the standout performance by Emerson Dias, who paraded dressed as the beloved "Manequinho" statue symbol—known for greeting victories outside the Botafogo headquarters—added layers of community spirit and cultural homage to the show. Dressed extravagantly, Dias's performance delighted audiences and was one of the night's memorable highlights.
Despite some delays and the playful banter surrounding crowned figure Textor's nascent samba skills, the parade proceeded with enthusiasm. The passionate crowd was stirred by the fight songs synonymous with Botafogo matches, blending the rhythmic beats of Samba with the fervor of football chants, creating uplifted spirits among attendees. One jubilant group, standing atop one of the school’s floats, proudly shouted, "Viemos para fazer história!"—which translates to "We came here to make history!"—just before they took their place on the avenue.
The fact this event is considered historic resonates deeply within the fanbase and reflects the ambitions harbored by leaders within the Botafogo Samba Clube. Marcelo Adnet, the cultural vice president and dedicated supporter, reaffirmed his intentions for the school to find its permanent place within the Alves Série Ouro community. “A nossa escola veio para ficar na Sapucaí,” he expressed, meaning "Our school has come to stay at the Sapucaí," highlighting the commitment to establish its roots firmly.
While the festivities carried on without significant interruptions, they were not free of minor incidents—one float experienced what was described as a near fire due to unforeseen circumstances. Efforts were quickly initiated by brigade members of the fire department, neutralizing the situation without compromising the jubilant parade atmosphere.
Such vibrant elements blended together culminates the essence of the Botafogo Samba Clube’s premiere—a heartfelt endeavor to meld football with cultural expression within the carnival scene. Both supporters and casual observers were intertwined with emotions as the evening wore on, eagerly anticipating updates from the judges' box about their placement within the evening's competitive environment.
Leaders within the club have expressed gratitude toward fans and enthusiasts for their backing through this significant period. The sense of community witnessed during the Carnaval ranks as a poignant tribute to the unbreakable ties between sports and cultural celebration.
"O samba tem coisa que o futebol não tem, respeito, e ninguém vai vaiar e xingar o profissional que é seu colega!" Textor conveyed, indicating his belief in the unique ethos of samba culture compared to the footballing experience. The debut has set the stage for the Botafogo Samba Clube not only to compete among the elite but to inspire others across genres.
With their compelling start at the Marquês, many eagerly await the reverberations and impacts this groundbreaking debut will yield for both the Botafogo legacy and the wider samba culture. South Rio’s residents and tourists alike are reminded how deeply intertwined these two identities are, promising to continue celebrating them together as the carnival tailors onward.