Brazil’s Botafogo Makes History with Shocking PSG Upset — & Latin America is Celebrating
Botafogo's Igor Jesus celebrates towards fans after scoring his team's first goal during the Club World Cup group B soccer match between PSG and Botafogo in Pasadena, Calif., Thursday, June 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
South America is reigning supreme at the FIFA Club World Cup. Brazil’s Botafogo shocked current European champions Paris Saint Germain on Thursday (June 19), handing them their first defeat in the tournament in a very contested match that took place at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
It’s the first time the Copa Libertadores Champion, Botafogo, defeated the UEFA Champions League winner, PSG, since Corinthians, another Brazilian team, defeated London’s Chelsea FC 1-0 in 2012. And it’s the first time in FIFA Club World Cup’s history under this new format.
It wasn’t an easy feat as the Brazilian team had to withstand PSG’s relentless attack. But just before the end of the first half, Botafogo took the lead when Jefferson Savarino set up Igor Jesus with a lethal pass from the halfway line that broke PSG’s defense.
Jesus proceeded to dribble between two of PSG’s defenders and found the back of the net after his shot was slightly deflected to the right of one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Gigio Donnarumma.
After Botafogo’s stunning victory over PSG, in this historic day for football, CONMEBOL (South America) teams remain undefeated in the Club World Cup after 8 games, totaling 5 victories and 3 ties.
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro was alight with celebration from the moment Botafogo took the lead.
Botafogo owner John Textor even planted a kiss on his manager, Renato Paiva, after the game.
While fans lost it in the stands.
And the players celebrated as if they’d won the World Cup.
They weren’t the only ones. Latin America was celebrating their win as if it were their very own.
From Dragon Ball and Drake & Josh memes.
To Calle 13 references…
…Latin America was celebrating Botafogo.