soccer has been a major part of Brazilian culture, since its migration from Europe in 1894 - Part of the reason for the sport's popularity and prevalence is the fact that it is highly accessible by everyone, and can be played on a wide range of terrains.

People can be seen all across Rio, from its sandy beaches, to the winding paths of the favelas, tackling one another, passing and kicking a ball into makeshift goals.

Rio is home to some of the most well-known and supported football teams, including flamengo, fluminense, vasco da gama and botafogo, whose games are hosted at the maracană stadium throughout the year - providing ever entertaining sporting spectacles and captivating games between the big and small carioca teams.