football is a way of life in brazil. the sport is loved by everyone and the country has produced some of the finest footballers on the planet, including ronaldo, pele, and the superstar currently stealing the limelight, neymar.

there are four major club football teams residing in rio de janeiro state. they are botafogo, flamengo, fluminense, and vasco de gama. it is possible for visitors to buy tickets to games played by these teams during the season. some tour companies also offer stadium tours.  

it is not only the leagues matches that provide a huge amount of excitement but also, perhaps even more so, the copa do brasil, a cup contested between the winners and the top placed teams taking place between april and november.