Brazil is one of the most passionate football nations in the world, home to legendary players, historic stadiums, and thrilling matches. Whether you’re visiting to watch a Flamengo vs. Fluminense derby at Maracanã, catching a Brasileirão match, or just soaking in the football culture, knowing some football-related Portuguese phrases will make the experience even more immersive.
Here are some essential Brazilian Portuguese phrases to help soccer fans navigate the stadium, chat with locals, and cheer like a true Brazilian.
Common Soccer Phrases in Brazilian Portuguese
Hora da onça beber água
- “The time the jaguar drinks water”
- (OH-rah dah OHN-sah beh-BER AH-gwah)
- This is a colorful way to say “the moment of truth,” often used when a match is about to start or when a penalty kick is about to be taken.
- Example: É hora da onça beber água! O pênalti pode decidir o jogo! (“It’s the moment of truth! The penalty could decide the game.”) (EH OH-rah dah OHN-sah beh-BER AH-gwah! Oo PEH-nahl-chee POH-jee deh-see-DEER oo ZHOH-goo!)
Craque
- “Star player”
- (KRAH-kee)
- This word refers to an exceptional player, someone like Pelé, Neymar, or Marta. It can also be used outside of football to describe someone who is great at anything.
- Example: Vinícius Júnior é um craque! (“Vinícius Júnior is a star player!”)
Um pombo sem asas
- A pigeon without wings
- (OOM POM-boh SEHN AH-zahs)
- When a player strikes the ball with great power from a distance, Brazilians say it’s a “pigeon without wings” – a fast, soaring shot toward the goal.
- Example: Que chute! Foi um pombo sem asas! (“What a shot! That was a rocket!”)
Onde a coruja dorme
- “Where the owl sleeps”
- (OHN-jee ah koh-ROO-zhah DOR-mee)
- This describes a goal that hits the top corners of the net, where the goalkeeper can barely reach – just like an owl sleeping high in a tree.
- Example: Golaaaaço! Acertou bem onde a coruja dorme! (“What a goal! He placed it right where the owl sleeps!”)
Gooooool / Golaço
- “Goal” / “Amazing goal”
- (GOOOOOOHL / goh-LAH-soo)
- The definitive shout when a goal is scored. If the goal is stunning, you might hear “golaço,” meaning a fantastic or unforgettable goal.
- Example: Foi um golaço do Richarlison na Copa do Mundo! (“Richarlison scored an amazing goal in the World Cup!”)
Useful Phrases for Soccer Fans in Brazil
At the stadium and watching matches:
- Cadê meu ingresso? – “Where’s my ticket?” (kah-DEH MEH-oo een-GREH-soo)
- Onde é a minha cadeira? – “Where is my seat?” (OHN-jee eh ah MEE-nyah kah-DAY-rah)
- Quanto custa uma cerveja? – “How much is a beer?” (KWAHN-too KOO-stah OO-mah ser-VAY-zhah)
- Vamos pro estádio mais cedo! – “Let’s go to the stadium early!” (VAH-moos proo es-TAH-jee-oh MAH-eeS SEH-doo)
- Que juiz ladrão! – “What a thief of a referee!” (KEH zhoo-EEZ lah-DROWN)
Talking about soccer with locals:
- De qual time você é? – “Which team do you support?” (jee KWOW CHEE-mee voh-SEH EH)
- Que time você torce? – “Who are you rooting for?” (keh CHEE-mee voh-SEH TOR-see)
- Joga muito! – “He/She plays really well!” (ZHOH-gah MWEEN-toh)
- O jogo foi pegado! – “It was a tough match!” (oo ZHOH-goo foy peh-GAH-doo)
- Tá na cara que foi falta! – “It’s obvious that was a foul!” (tah nah KAH-rah kee foy FAHL-tah)
Celebrating or reacting to a match:
- Vamos ganhar! – “We’re going to win!” (VAH-moos gahn-YAR)
- Foi pênalti! – “That was a penalty!” (foy PEH-nahl-chee)
- Quase gol! – “Almost a goal!” (KWAH-zee gohl)
- Que vergonha! – “What a shame!” (For a bad play or loss.) (keh ver-GOHN-yah)
Final Tips for Soccer Fans Visiting Brazil
- Visit iconic stadiums: Visit places like Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Allianz Parque in São Paulo, or Arena Corinthians in São Paulo.
- Embrace the passion: Brazilian fans are extremely vocal, so don’t be afraid to sing chants, wave a flag, and shout “GOOOOL!” when your team scores.
- Learn the club rivalries: Don’t mix up which teams see each other as rivals. Saying you’re a Flamengo fan in a Vasco bar may cause some friendly (or not-so-friendly) debate.
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FAQs:
Q: What is the best time of year to watch soccer in Brazil?
A: The Brazilian league season (Brasileirão) runs from April to December. State championships take place from January to April. International tournaments like Copa Libertadores and World Cup qualifiers happen throughout the year.
Q: How can I buy tickets for a soccer match in Brazil?
A: Tickets are sold online through club websites, official vendors, and at stadium ticket offices. Major matches sell out quickly, so buying in advance is recommended.
Q: Is it safe to attend a soccer match in Brazil?
A: Most matches are safe, but be aware of crowded areas and avoid wearing rival team jerseys in certain neighborhoods. Stick to designated seating areas and follow local security advice.
Q: What is the best way to get to the stadiums in Brazil?
A: Public transportation, such as metro and buses, is a good option in cities like São Paulo and Rio. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also popular and safer for night games.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks into the stadium?
A: Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed. Vendors inside sell snacks, soft drinks, and, in some stadiums, beer. Stadium policies vary, so check beforehand.
Q: What are the best places to watch a match if I don’t have a ticket?
A: Many bars and restaurants near stadiums or in popular areas like Vila Madalena in São Paulo and Lapa in Rio de Janeiro show matches. Sports bars and fan zones also offer a lively atmosphere.
Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese to enjoy a soccer match in Brazil?
A: While many Brazilians don’t speak English fluently, basic phrases and gestures go a long way. Learning a few soccer-related Portuguese words will enhance your experience and help you connect with local fans.
Have you ever visited Brazil to see football matches? Tell us about it in the comments below!
