Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas or simply Botafogo is Brazil’s 9th biggest club. It was founded in 1904 and fourth among Rio de Janeiros major clubs, along with Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco. Its “Lone Star” symbol can be actually seen in the crest and flag of Botafoga, which is Club de Regatas Botafogo’s principal symbol. Some monikers of the club are “Fogo”, “White-black”, “Bota”, “The Glorious”, and “The Lone Star Club”.

The team’s first ever honor was in 1907 when it bagged the Rio de Janeiro State Championship; it was then followed by other wins in 1910 and 1912. The team was also used to be referred as “O Glorioso” (The Glorious One) because its matches are used to be won by large margins. However, the team’s glorious days did not last long as it endured an 18-year drought of championship titles, until in 1930 when it won its fourth state championship. The 1930 win then served as the start of an unmatched and unheard-of win for four consecutive times.

In that squad were some great players such as, Nilo Murtinho Braga, Pamplona, Patesko, Carvalho Leite, and Leonidas da Silva.

Because of the team’s winning streak, four of its players became part of the national team to represent the country in the 1930 World Cup; nine were picked for the 1934 World Cup, and five to play for the 1938 World Cup. To sum it all, Botafogo would be the team that has given the country’ national team the most players to play in the World Cup.

Botafogo has also been productive in the 50s and 60s with several Brazilian football superstars and legends playing for it. These include, Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Amarildo, Didi, Manga, Mario Zagallo, and Quarentinha. With this fantastic lineup of fooballers, the team was able to win the Rio de Janeiro State Championship in the years 1957, 1961, and 1962. They also won Rio-São Paulo Tournament thrice, in 1962, 1964, and 1966. During these times, the team has also increased its rivalry with Santos, to which the legendary, Pelé was playing for. In 1962, the team lost the Brazil Trophy finals in 1962 to Santos.

Today, the team is the only club in Brazilian football to have won titles in three different centuries.

Donald Duck used to be Botafogo’s mascot. However, due to royalty issues, it was changed to Manequinho, which is the Manneken-Pis replica. Many of the team’s cheerers though use the dog Biriba as mascot. Biriba was the team’s talisman in the late 40s and is considered lucky by many supporters.