In a stunning upset at the FIFA Club World Cup, Brazil’s Botafogo edged out European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 1-0 on Thursday night, June 19, 2025, at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The victory not only propelled Botafogo to the top of Group B with a perfect 2-0 record but also marked a historic moment as the South American club halted PSG’s long unbeaten streak and showcased the strength of Brazilian football on the global stage.
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, the 24-year-old striker reportedly on the verge of joining Nottingham Forest next season, controlled a perfectly threaded long pass from Jefferson Savarino. Jesus deftly outmaneuvered two PSG defenders before unleashing a precise right-footed shot that, with a slight deflection, slipped past the outstretched arms of PSG’s world-class goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into the bottom left corner of the net in the 36th minute. The goal was met with wild celebration as Jesus leapt over the barrier and onto the front row of the stands, joining thousands of ecstatic Botafogo supporters in the crowd of 53,699.
Botafogo’s triumph was especially remarkable given PSG’s dominant form leading into the match. The French powerhouse had not lost since May 3, 2025, boasting a formidable run that included a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final and a 4-0 rout of Atlético Madrid just days earlier at the same venue. They had outscored their last three opponents by a combined 12-0 and had scored in 19 consecutive games until this shock defeat. However, Botafogo’s disciplined and dogged defense frustrated PSG’s star-studded attack throughout the second half, denying the European champions any clear-cut chances to equalize.
Despite PSG dominating possession with 74.6% compared to Botafogo’s 25.7%, the Brazilian side’s defensive trio of Marlon Freitas, Gregore, and Allan worked tirelessly to neutralize PSG’s creative threats, including Vitinha. PSG managed 16 shot attempts but only two found the target, whereas Botafogo had four shots on goal, all of which tested Donnarumma. Botafogo’s goalkeeper John was also instrumental, making two crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet.
PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, “This Club World Cup is very intense and difficult, and all the teams are highly motivated, especially when they're playing against us. Our team struggled against their defense. I think Botafogo is one of the toughest defensive teams in the tournament.” Enrique also noted the absence of Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembélé, who missed his second straight game due to a quadriceps injury, which may have impacted PSG’s attacking fluidity.
Botafogo coach Renato Paiva praised his team’s collective effort and spirit, emphasizing the importance of unity. “That’s why I say the graveyard in football is full of favorites. It was really about believing in ourselves. We played a match that was almost perfect, technically speaking. There were really no opportunities for PSG. We had a lot of team spirit, and I was saying backstage that we won this match making PSG taste their own poison, because we were what PSG has been for some time, which is a real team,” Paiva said.
Paiva further reflected on the significance of the win for Brazilian football, highlighting the country’s ongoing influence in the sport. “I think it’s the quality of Brazilian players, the quality of what people are doing in Brazil, especially the coaches. Brazil will always be Brazil in world football,” he added.
The victory is historic for Botafogo as it marks the first time a Copa Libertadores champion has defeated the reigning UEFA Champions League winner at the Club World Cup since Corinthians beat Chelsea FC 1-0 in 2012. It also extended the unbeaten streak of CONMEBOL teams in this edition of the tournament to eight games, with five wins and three draws, underscoring South America’s strong showing on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Botafogo will face Atlético Madrid on Monday, June 23, 2025, back at the Rose Bowl. A draw in that match would be enough for Botafogo to secure first place in Group B and advance to the knockout stage. Atlético Madrid, who rebounded from their loss to PSG with a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on the same day, remain tied with PSG on three points. Meanwhile, PSG will travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders in their final group match, a fixture they are expected to win to keep their hopes alive.
The atmosphere in Pasadena was electric throughout the match, with thousands of Brazilian fans traveling to support Botafogo, creating a carnival-like environment. The win sparked celebrations not only in the stadium but also back home in Rio de Janeiro, where Copacabana Beach lit up with joy. Botafogo owner John Textor was seen planting a kiss on coach Renato Paiva in celebration, while fans and players alike reveled in what many called one of the most remarkable victories in the club’s storied history.
PSG’s frustration was palpable as they struggled to break down Botafogo’s resolute defense. Late in the game, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a free kick opportunity just outside the box during stoppage time, but his shot sailed over the crossbar, symbolizing PSG’s inability to find a breakthrough. “We know that they’re all very good teams in this World Cup. We respect all of them. We just have to play our game and today it wasn’t our game,” Kvaratskhelia admitted after the match.
As the Club World Cup continues, the spotlight now shines brightly on Botafogo, a team that has defied expectations and demonstrated that with teamwork, spirit, and tactical discipline, giants can be toppled. Their next match against Atlético Madrid promises to be a thrilling encounter with a place in the knockout rounds at stake, while PSG will look to regroup and assert their dominance against the Seattle Sounders in hopes of salvaging their tournament campaign.
