Football in San Paulo (Regnum Bueno)

Football, or association football, is the most popular sport in San Paulo. The national team has won the FIFA World Cup six times (1938, 1946, 1958, 1962, 1982, and 2002). San Paulo is the only team that participated of all World Cups. When the Jules Rimet trophy was introduced in 1970, the team was the only one to award the trophy at the time. San Paulo also won the gold medal at the Olympic Games three times (1968, 1984, and 2016).

The National league (Liga Bandeirante) is one of the most watched leagues in the world, surpassing Serie A (Italy), Ligue 1 (France), and the MLS (Columbia). The league started in 1935, after the profissionalization of the Paulistan football. Successful teams of San Paulo, such as Corinthians, Paulistano, Flamengo and Palestra participates of the league. The governing body of football in San Paulo is the Paulist Confederation of Sports (CPD).

Pelé, arguably the greatest footballer player ever, led San Paulo to two World Cup championships, and led his team, Americano, to a three-consecutive championship on the National league. Other notable footballists which passed on the Paulistan football are Maradona (Mack-Port in 1978), leading the team to the National league championship for the first time ever, one year later. Garrincha (Botafogo and Corinthians; 60's), Ronaldinho (São Pedro in late 90's, Flamengo in 2012), Zico (Flamengo in 80's), Ronaldo (Cruzeiro in 1994, Corinthians in 2008/2012), and the current star, Neymar (Palestra in 2009; Americano in 2010/2012).

League system

 * Liga Nacional Bandeirante (1st Division)
 * Segunda Liga Bandeirante (2nd Division)
 * Terceira Liga Bandeirante (3rd Division)
 * Ligas Regionais (Regional Leagues)
 * Liga Norte
 * Liga Centro
 * Liga Sul