FUTEBOL OR FOOTBALL
São Paulo becomes the NFL’s global stage
Cornerback Jaire Alexander hosting the Brazilian flag prior to the NFL’s first game in Brazil, on September 6, 2024. Photo: Daniel Deák/SPTuris
Arriving at the Neo Química Arena, in the working-class eastern São Paulo neighborhood of Itaquera, is usually a monochrome affair. On matchdays, the stadium invariably teems with fans of local football giants Corinthians, decked out in the club’s iconic black and white kits. The noise inside the ground can be deafening, with the Corinthians faithful (who describe themselves as the “Crazy Gang”) jumping and chanting in unison.
On Friday, however, the atmosphere at the stadium will be a bit different…
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