BUENOS AIRES — The Brazilian club Botafogo has the chance to deliver owner John Textor his most significant achievement in soccer yet if they emerge victorious against Atletico Mineiro in the Copa Libertadores final this upcoming Saturday.
Textor, an American businessman, also holds ownership stakes in several European soccer clubs but has recently faced criticism from fans due to financial struggles and unsatisfactory performance. His reputation has not been spared in Brazil either, especially after he made controversial claims regarding match-fixing when Botafogo squandered a commanding 13-point advantage last year, ultimately losing out on the league title.
For Botafogo, a victory would mark a historic moment, bringing home its first continental title.
Botafogo’s journey has been impressive, as the team was relegated from the Brazilian league in 2020 but has reclaimed its status through Textor’s investments. His arrival was part of a broader trend of foreign ownership in Brazilian soccer, following a 2021 legislative change that encouraged private investments.
Textor’s sports investment group, Eagle Football, also controls Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, the French club Lyon, and Belgian side RWD Molenbeek.
With an ambitious approach, Textor has made notable signings for Botafogo, including Argentina’s Thiago Almada at a cost of $25 million and winger Luiz Henrique for $21 million. The club is also on the verge of clinching its first Brazilian league title since 1995, having recently jumped back to the top of the standings with a 3-1 victory over Palmeiras. A win against Internacional next week could secure the domestically coveted trophy for the Rio de Janeiro-based club.
Botafogo’s Portuguese manager, Arthur Jorge, who took over the club in April, has stated that he does not feel any pressure heading into the crucial final. “I am living an adventure that has been extraordinary,” Jorge expressed.
If Botafogo claims victory, Jorge would be in elite company with fellow European coaches Jorge Jesus (Flamengo, 2019) and Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras, 2020 and 2021) as champions of the Copa Libertadores.
However, the team will miss striker Júnior Santos, the leading scorer in the competition with nine goals. He has been sidelined since July due to surgery on his left leg and has not played since the round of 16.
As for Atletico Mineiro, they also boast a wealthy owner in Brazilian billionaire Rubens Menin, a magnate in the construction industry. Atletico Mineiro secured their only Copa Libertadores title back in 2013, triumphing in a penalty shootout against Paraguay’s Olimpia.
Despite Botafogo’s current momentum, Mineiro has struggled, failing to secure a victory in their past ten matches since defeating River Plate in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinals. Earlier, they managed to eliminate the reigning champions, Fluminense of Brazil, in the quarterfinals.
Mineiro will look to its seasoned forward, Hulk, aged 38, along with his younger teammate Paulinho, who is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, to penetrate Botafogo’s defense. In this year’s Copa Libertadores, Hulk has also contributed with four assists.
The club will draw on the proven experience of midfielder Gustavo Scarpa and center forward Deyverson, both of whom were part of Palmeiras’ triumph in 2021.
“We are heading to Buenos Aires with the belief and confidence that we will win,” stated coach Gabriel Milito, who stands to become the first Argentine trainer to win the prestigious title with a Brazilian club. “We need to approach the final with courage and confidence. It’s crucial that we effectively neutralize their offense while creating threat through our own.”
Whichever team emerges victorious at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires will extend Brazil’s dominance, marking its sixth consecutive Copa Libertadores title and the 24th in total, bringing them to just one title behind the host nation, Argentina.
Leading up to the match, hundreds of buses departed from Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and various other cities bustling with fans making their way to witness the showdown in Argentina’s capital.
The winner of this highly anticipated final will earn a prize of $23 million and a coveted spot in next year’s Club World Cup taking place in the United States.