Teams like Novorizontino, Portuguesa, Mirassol and even Red Bull Bragantino have surprised
The Campeonato Paulista has always been the scene of memorable surprises, and this season is no different. The big ones — Palmeiras, Corinthians, São Paulo and Santos — are suffering more than expected against teams considered “smaller”. Even with inflated budgets and star-studded casts, excuses about tight schedules or lack of preparation sound like unnecessary whining.
Teams like Novorizontino, Portuguesa, Mirassol and even Red Bull Bragantino have surprised. And this isn’t exactly new in Paulistão: the tournament has always valued upsets, those unlikely victories that bring excitement and unpredictability.
When it comes to budget, the difference is stark. The big four receive around R$35 to 44 million in TV quotas alone for participating in the tournament (amounts that varied between 2025 and 2026, with recent adjustments). About that:
- Red Bull Bragantino and Mirassol are in the range of R$10 to 11 million;
- The other smaller teams cost between R$6 and 7 million (such as Portuguesa, Novorizontino and others).
Not to mention the disparities in salaries, sponsorships and total annual revenue. It is an abyss that separates the giants from the underdogs.
With so much money, the big ones should have squads deep enough to rotate reserves, maintain the rhythm and dominate games without suffering. But the reality on the field has been different.
The current regulations, with group stages and knockouts, increase the pressure on everyone. The smaller teams prepare all year long, focused on the State Championship — it’s their chance to shine, to gain visibility and extra income. The big ones share the focus with the Brasileirão, Libertadores, Copa do Brasil and even the Club World Cup. This somewhat equalizes the forces on the pitch: motivation, tactics and teamwork count for more than the size of the bank account.
Result?
The tournament becomes more unpredictable, the zebras appear frequently and football gains in excitement.
With such high investments, the giants have an obligation to perform better. You can’t accept constant stumbles as “part of the game”. Meanwhile, the little ones live their Rocky Balboa moment: they face the champion “Apollos” and, against all expectations, they bite hard.
Current Paulistão, the big ones cry and the underdogs bite. That’s the charm of the competition: money buys a squad, but it doesn’t guarantee victory. Passion, strategy and determination still decide.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
