The second pass of NFL (National Football League) in Brazil, on Friday night (5), in Itaquera, did not escape the diplomatic tension between the country and the United States, but managed to deliver to the fans the mixture of sports and entertainment that is the bet of the league to expand its Brazilian fans base.
With shows before the match and in the break, fireworks and active participation of the fans, the experience was marked by a mood of show. Celebrities of the sports world, such as Neymar, and television, such as presenter Luciano Huck, were present. On the other hand, despite the expectation of part of the fans, US singer Taylor Swift was not seen at the stadium and her presence was not confirmed by the organization.
Last year’s controversy, the Neo Chemistry lawn Arena this time escaped criticism. By 2024, many players slipped during the match where Philadelphia Eagles beat Green Bay Packers 34-29. The problem reverberated outside the football. LeBron James, NBA star, wrote on social networks: “Man, this field is a M…”.
Reformed recently to receive NFL again, the Corinthians stadium lawn presented great conditions, this time, in the Los Angeles Charges victory over Kansas Chiefs City, 27-21.
Still, there was a new controversy. Before the oval ball fly, at the end of the National Anthem of the United States – Tradition at NFL Games – part of the public in Itaquera reacted with a brief boo. The gesture occurred amid the tension caused by 50% tariffs applied by President Donald Trump over Brazilian products sold in the US.
The Republican justified the measure in response to the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accused of leading a coup plot, which Trump classified as a “witch hunt.”
The controversy, however, soon dissipated with the beginning of the match. Most fans began to direct their energy into the field, especially in the face of the good start of the Los Angeles Chargers against Kansas City Chiefs – that had more support in the stands, evidenced by the number of red shirts at the stadium.
The bad start of chiefs also frustrated Neymar. The Santos player closed an exclusive cabin for guests and went to the lawn to embrace Travis Kelce, tight end of the Kansas team. Patrick Mahomes admirer, the ace had revealed before the departure his cheerleaded by the red and white uniform.
His presence drew attention because he took place the day after the Brazilian team’s victory over Chile, 3-0, in the World Cup qualifiers. Once again deprived by Carlo Ancelotti, the striker was not summoned to both September’s two appointments – the next will be against Bolivia on Tuesday (9).
As with the first matches under the command of the Italian coach in June, the absence was attributed to physical issues. Neymar, however, countered: “It’s his opinion. I respect,” he said, arguing that the decision was technical. Despite the atmosphere of frustration with the national team, in Itaquera the star had fun, alongside the 45,000 present.
Like the Brazilian League debut in 2024, NFL recreated in Sao Paulo the atmosphere of its great shows in the US. In the break, Karol G – Dona of the second most profitable tour of a Latin artist in history – presented hits from the album “Mañana will be beautiful”, released in 2023. Brazilian Ana Castela also performed, being responsible for the execution of the national anthem before the game. To reinforce the festive mood, each fan received a light bracelet controlled by the organization, which flashed in sync with the lawn performances.
Even without being part of the official program, American singer Taylor Swift, bride of Travis Kelce, was expected at the stadium. The organization of NFL in Brazil even released its presence and climbed a reinforced safety team of 25 people, but the artist was not seen – in the cabins, nor on the big screen, as usually happens in US games.
Those who were in the arena could enjoy unusual perks in Brazilian football. Public transport worked in a special scheme: Itaquera and Artur Alvim stations remained open 24 hours, while the others from CPTM and the subway were available for landing throughout the night. Unlike Corinthians games, when stations close at 0:21 am, the operation was extended to support the public.
Another differential was the sale of beer, with and without alcohol. The commercialization was authorized by the São Paulo City Hall and the state government under the justification that it was a cultural and entertainment event, which, according to the authorities, removes him from the prohibition scheduled for football matches in the city.
In the end, the party ended at the samba rhythm, with the song I will celebrate, from the iconic chorus: “You paid with betrayal to those who always gave you your hand.”
