The Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, founded on September 1, 1910, is more than just a football club; it represents inclusion, resilience, and popular passion. From its earliest days, Corinthians aimed to connect with São Paulo’s working class at a time when football was a sport dominated by the elite. This article delves into the club’s origins, the social context that shaped it, the challenges it faced, and how its early steps defined its identity as a global icon.
São Paulo in the Early 20th Century: The Birthplace of Corinthians
In the early 1900s, São Paulo was undergoing significant transformation. Once a rural city, it was rapidly modernizing with industrialization, which brought factories and jobs, attracting thousands of migrants from across Brazil and immigrants, particularly from Italy and Portugal. However, these workers often lived on the margins of society, facing long working hours, low wages, and poor living conditions.
During this period, football was growing in popularity as a form of leisure and social connection. Imported by the British in the late 19th century, the sport quickly spread across São Paulo. However, it remained primarily accessible to the elite. Clubs such as São Paulo Athletic Club and Germânia had well-maintained fields but excluded workers and lower-class individuals. Meanwhile, laborers played football in vacant lots with makeshift balls, dreaming of a club where they too could belong.
It was in this context of exclusion and inequality that the dream of creating an inclusive football club emerged—a club that would represent the working class and provide a sense of identity and community.
The English Inspiration: Corinthian Football Club
A defining moment in 1910 was the tour of the Corinthian Football Club, an amateur team from London, through Brazil. Known for their elegant style of play and sportsmanship, the English club left a lasting impression on Brazilian audiences, including the group that would go on to found Corinthians.
Founder Corinthians: Joaquim Ambrósio, Antônio Pereira, Rafael Perrone, Anselmo Correia, and Carlos Silva
Inspired by this team and the impact they had made, Joaquim Ambrósio, Antônio Pereira, Rafael Perrone, Anselmo Correia, and Carlos Silva decided to name their new club “Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.” The name paid homage to the English team while adapting their values to the local reality. While the Corinthian Football Club embodied fair play, Corinthians Paulista aimed to represent strength, resilience, and inclusion.
The Founders: Visionary Workers
The foundation of Corinthians was an act of courage and vision. The five founders, residents of the Bom Retiro neighborhood, were humble workers. Joaquim Ambrósio was a painter, while Antônio Pereira was a shoemaker. Despite their financial struggles, they shared a dream of creating a football club that belonged to the people.
Gathered under the light of a street lamp on Rua José Paulino in Bom Retiro, the founders formalized the creation of the club. They lacked significant financial resources but relied on the support of the local community and a collective spirit that would become Corinthians’ defining feature.
This act of foundation was more than just about sports; it was a response to the social landscape of the time. The founders envisioned a club that could represent the masses and provide an opportunity for anyone, regardless of their background or social status, to be part of something greater.
The Early Challenges: No Field, No Uniforms, No Resources
Corinthians’ early years were fraught with difficulties. Without a field of their own, the club played on borrowed lots. Their uniforms were improvised, often handmade by the players themselves, consisting of plain white shirts and simple cotton shorts.
The team’s first official match took place on September 10, 1910, against União da Lapa, and ended in a 2-0 victory for Corinthians. This win was a significant milestone, proving that the team could compete despite its financial and structural challenges.
The founders also faced prejudice from more established clubs, which looked down on Corinthians for its working-class roots. Additionally, the lack of resources made it difficult to maintain the club, with much of the funding coming from donations within the local community.
Nevertheless, the spirit of resilience prevailed. Every match was not only a battle on the field but also a testament to the determination of the founders and fans to keep the club alive.
The Connection to Bom Retiro and the Community
The Bom Retiro neighborhood was the birthplace of Corinthians and played a crucial role in its history. A multicultural and predominantly working-class area, Bom Retiro was home to Brazilians, Italians, Jews, and other ethnic groups. This diversity was reflected in the club’s fan base, which quickly identified with Corinthians’ values of inclusion and representation.
For the residents of Bom Retiro, the club was an extension of their struggles. Every victory was celebrated as a collective triumph, and every loss only strengthened the bond between the team and its supporters. This unique connection turned Corinthians into a symbol of identity for São Paulo’s working class.
Corinthians’ inclusive approach stood in stark contrast to the elitist practices of other clubs. While others imposed high fees or social criteria for membership, Corinthians welcomed everyone, solidifying its status as the “Team of the People.”
The Values That Shaped the Club
The values that emerged in Corinthians’ early years remain core principles of the club today. Resilience, unity, and passion define not only the team but also its supporters. These values were forged through the struggles faced by the founders and the Bom Retiro community.
The choice of the name, inspired by the Corinthian Football Club, symbolized a desire for greatness. However, the founders adapted these ideals to the Brazilian reality, creating a club that not only played football but also championed inclusion, equality, and hope.
How Humble Beginnings Shaped a Global Icon
Corinthians’ early years are a testament to how great stories often begin with small steps. What started as the dream of five workers evolved into a global movement with millions of fans worldwide. Corinthians is not just a football club; it is a cultural institution that transcends borders.
Today, Corinthians is internationally recognized for its history, its passionate fan base, and its achievements on the field. Its humble beginnings in Bom Retiro serve as a reminder that true success is built on perseverance, passion, and a deep connection to the people.