After a wait of 86 years, Atletico Mineiro has finally ascended to the pinnacle of Brazilian football, securing recognition as the country’s inaugural club champions. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially acknowledged their triumph in the 1937 “Tournament of Champions” as equivalent to a Brazilian Serie A Championship, etching their name into history.
This momentous occasion permits Atletico to append a third championship to their legacy, in addition to their victories in 1971 and 2021. The CBF, led by Ednaldo Rodrigues, has extended recognition to the long-standing title, affirming the club’s standing.
The official CBF document, signed on Friday, states, “The Tournament of Champions played in 1937 held significant importance during that era, amidst debates and divisions that had arisen in Brazilian football due to the advocacy for the introduction of professionalism among clubs.”
The pioneering interstate tournament convened five state champions from different regions of Brazil in 1936, alongside a delegation from the sports club of the navy. This marked the inaugural instance of a nationally consequential tournament that incorporated clubs transitioning to the professional model, including Fluminense and Atletico itself.
Subsequent to clinching the “Brasileirao” title in 2021, Atletico Mineiro embarked on a journey to secure recognition for their title victory nearly a century ago. Club president Sergio Goelho held multiple meetings with the confederation, culminating in the submission of a comprehensive 60-page document enriched with infographics, newspaper excerpts, and letters. This dossier served to underscore the historical significance of the tournament.
The long-awaited affirmation of the bygone title coincided with a festive atmosphere enveloping the club, as it celebrated not only this recognition but also the inauguration of its new home, the MRV Stadium. The stadium’s unveiling was accompanied by a resounding victory of 2-0 over Santos on Sunday, amplifying the jubilation within the Atletico Mineiro community.
