After 38 intense matchweeks, the 2025 Brazilian Championship ended with Flamengo lifting the trophy. Their eighth league title came after a tight race with Palmeiras, who finished as runners-up, and Cruzeiro, who secured third place.

Led by rookie manager Filipe Luís, Flamengo finished with the best defense in the league, conceding only 27 goals—thanks largely to a solid back line and standout performances from Argentine goalkeeper Rossi.

In attack, the Rio de Janeiro giants—who also won the Libertadores this season and now chase FIFA’s intercontinental title—delivered the league’s best offense, scoring 78 goals. Uruguayan star Giorgian De Arrascaeta led the team with 18 goals.

Kaio Jorge claims the 2025 Brasileirão Golden Boot

Flamengo’s No. 10 would have scored more if not for Kaio Jorge, Cruzeiro’s young striker, who had a breakout year. The former Juventus and Santos forward finished as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals.

Santos, the club that revealed Pelé to the world, fought a dramatic battle against relegation—and survived thanks to one of the King’s greatest protégés: Neymar.

Even out of shape and dealing with knee issues, the former Barcelona and PSG star was decisive down the stretch, contributing to six goals in the final four matches, a crucial factor in keeping the club in the top flight.

+ READ MORE: Numbers Don’t Lie: Should Neymar Still Go to the World Cup?

Who was relegated?

Before the final round, Sport and Juventude were already relegated. Internacional, Santos, Vitória, Fortaleza, and Ceará were still fighting to avoid the remaining two spots in the bottom four.

In a surprising twist, both clubs from the state of Ceará—each depending only on their own results—ended up losing and being relegated: Fortaleza fell 3–2 to Botafogo away, and Ceará were beaten 3–1 by Palmeiras. Both now head to Serie B in 2026.

Meanwhile, Coritiba (Serie B champions), Athletico-PR, Remo, and Chapecoense return to the top flight for the 2026 Brasileirão, which kicks off in January. 

Mirassol stuns Brazil and qualifies for the Libertadores

At the top of the table, Flamengo (1st), Palmeiras (2nd), Cruzeiro (3rd), Mirassol (4th) and Fluminense (5th) earned direct spots in the 2026 Copa Libertadores group stage.

Botafogo (6th) and Bahia (7th) head to the qualifying rounds. If Cruzeiro or Fluminense win the Copa do Brasil—both are in the semifinals against Corinthians and Vasco—a direct Libertadores spot opens up for the sixth-placed team.

In their first-ever year in the top flight, Mirassol became one of the league’s biggest surprises, beating traditional giants and delivering standout performances. The club placed two players in the Sofascore Team of the Tournament—the same number as champions Flamengo and third-placed Cruzeiro..

Sofascore’s Brasileirão 2025 Team of the Tournament

Walter (Mirassol) – Rating 7.42: A veteran goalkeeper and the backbone of the team’s historic campaign.

P. Henrique (Vasco) – Rating 7.21: Performances solid enough to earn a national team call-up.

Léo Ortiz (Flamengo) – Rating 7.28: Leader of the league’s best defense.

Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) – Rating 7.25: One of the most consistent center-backs in Brazilian football.

Reinaldo (Mirassol) – Rating 7.32: Another experienced standout in the tournament’s surprise package.

Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro) – Rating 7.53: The midfield maestro controlling Cruzeiro’s rhythm.

Arrascaeta (Flamengo) – Rating 7.74: Player of the Year and league leader in assists (14).

Alan Patrick (Internacional) – Rating 7.49: Key goals and assists in Inter’s battle to avoid relegation. 

Lucas Lima (Sport) – Rating 7.28: One of the few bright spots in Sport’s disappointing campaign.

Jhon Jhon (Bragantino) – Rating 7.35: A breakout performer known for his dribbling and pace.

Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro) – Rating 7.33: The league’s top scorer with 21 goals.