Domestic football in Brazil consists of the National championship and State championship. Some clubs play in both these championships but generally greater importance is placed on the national championship. It was until 1971 that a national championship was set up due to the sheer size of Brazil which made it difficult for a competition encompassing the whole nation to be set up. Since the inception of this competition it’s been Sao Paulo who have been the most successful side with six championships to their name. After various format changes the top division in Brazil (the Serie A) now mirrors the European format with teams playing each other twice and the team with the most points crowned champions. Sao Paulo have been the dominant force recently picking up three consecutive championships between 2006 and 2008. Five Brazilian clubs qualify for the Copa Libertadores, the South American club championship.

As well as Sao Paulo some of the big Brazilian clubs known to a wider audience include Corinthians, Flamengo, Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama.