Soccer has been a major part of Brazilian culture since its migration from England in 1894. Also part of the reason for the sport's popularity and prevalence is the fact that it is highly accessible, and can be played on a wide range of terrains. Cariocas can be seen honing their skills with the ball across the city, from its sandy beaches to the winding paths of the favelas.
Rio is home to some of the most well-known and supported soccer teams in Brazil, whose games are hosted at the iconic Maracană stadium throughout the year.
There are several championships that Cariocas follow, holding passionate alliances with various teams. The 'Campeonato de Futebol Carioca,' or Carioca Soccer Championship, is the Rio de Janeiro state competition, which has existed under one guise or another since 1906. The most popular and successful teams are Flamengo, Botafogo, Vasco and Fluminense.
