After a winning year in 2024, Botafogo starts 2025 in search of another unprecedented title: the São Paulo Junior Football Cup, the Copinha, which starts this Thursday (2/1).
Glorioso doesn’t usually do well in the competition. He was runner-up in 1971, when he had his best campaign and, more recently, he reached, at most, the quarter-finals, in 2017 and 2022.
O Sporting News Shows below the debut duel and Botafogo’s game schedule in the Copinha.
MORE: Copinha 2025: when is it, which groups and format of the competition
When will Botafogo debut in the Copinha?
Botafogo begins its campaign in Copinha against Fast Club, this Thursday (2/1), at 9:30 pm, at Arena Plínio Marin, in Votuporanga (SP).
Alvinegro from Rio de Janeiro is in Group 1 of the competition, based in Votuporanga. The other teams in the bracket are Votuporanguense (SP), Fast Clube (AM) and Floresta (CE).
Botafogo fixture list in the Copa São Paulo
- Botafogo x Fast Clube (AM) – 02/01, at 9:30 pm, at Arena Plínio Marin. Broadcast: SportTV
- Floresta (CE) x Botafogo – 05/01, at 7pm, at Arena Plínio Marin. Broadcast: CazéTV
- Votuporanguense (SP) x Botafogo – 08/01, at 7pm, at Arena Plínio Marin. Broadcast: SportTV
MORE: Luiz Henrique at Lyon? What is the status of the deal involving the Botafogo striker?
Who are the players registered by Botafogo in the Copinha?
Botafogo will have a team made up mostly of under-17 athletes, as most of the under-20 players will start competing in the Campeonato Carioca. Glorioso’s highlights are midfielders Bernardo Valim, Caio Valle and Cauã Zapelini.
- Goalkeepers: Cristiano (2005), Joaquim (2006), Luiz Fabiano (2005);
- Defenders: Kauã Branco, (2006), Maquinhos (2007), Paulo Gustavo (2005), Pimenta (2006), Ryan (2005);
- Left-backs: João Pedro (2006), Kaique Pereira (2007), Lucyo (2006);
- Right-backs: Felipe Januário (2007), Kauê Leonardo (2005), Rodrigo Guet (2006);
- Steering wheels: Josimar (2005), Justino (2006), Kaio Santos (2006), Murilo (2005)
- Socks: Bernardo Valim (2006), Caio Valle (2007), Cauã Zapellini (2007), Charles (2004), Lucas Camilo (2006);
- Attackers: Iago (2007), Kayky Silva (2006), Kauan Toledo (2006), Kayke (2006), Lucas Santos (2005), Rafael Lobato (2006), Weliton (2005).
When does the 2025 Cup start?
The 2025 São Paulo Junior Football Cup starts on January 2nd and will have the grand final on January 25th, the anniversary of the city of São Paulo.
MORE: King of America 2024: who won and how the continent’s team turned out
What are the regulations for the 2025 Cup?
The top two in each group go through to the knockout stage of the competition, which is played in a single game. In case of a draw in normal time, the decision will be on maximum penalties.
Who are the biggest champions of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup?
In the 54 editions of the Copinha played to date, Corinthians is the great champion, with 11 titles. Behind are Fluminense and Inter, with five trophies each. São Paulo and Flamengo complete the top-5 with four wins.
MORE: where to watch football on TV today
Who are the biggest Copinha champions?
- Corinthians – 11 titles – 1969, 1970, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2024
- Fluminense – 5 titles – 1971, 1973, 1977, 1986 and 1989
- Inter – 5 titles – 1974, 1978, 1980, 1998 and 2020
- São Paulo – 4 titles – 1993, 2000, 2010 and 2019
- Flamengo – 4 titles – 1990, 2011, 2016 and 2018
- Santos – 3 titles – 1984, 2013 and 2014
- Atlético-MG – 3 titles – 1975, 1976 and 1983
- Palmeiras – 2 titles – 2022 and 2023
- Nacional-SP – 2 titles – 1972 and 1988
- Ponte Preta – 2 titles – 1981 and 1982
- Portuguese – 2 titles – 1991 and 2002
