The secret that made São Paulo FC a giant | OneFootball

São Paulo FC’s journey from obscure beginnings to its current position as a global football heavyweight was revisited this week on Arquibancada Tricolor’s “Arquibancast,” with former club director Carlos Caboclo sharing personal insights into both history and the club’s present situation.

According to Caboclo, São Paulo emerged in poverty, with a modest supporter base and limited resources—far removed from the status it holds today. Crucial to this transformation was the club’s emphasis on long-term planning over short-term glory. Caboclo described early leadership decisions that, rather than signing big names to challenge dominant teams of the era, focused energies and resources on building a sustainable foundation. “São Paulo had the stadium, great directors, but no fans. It took more than 10 or 15 years to become what it is now,” he said.

A pivotal episode, Caboclo recounted, was the construction of Morumbi Stadium. The club’s hierarchy elected to channel investments into the stadium project instead of assembling expensive squads in pursuit of immediate silverware. He quoted the pragmatic mindset of that time: “As long as Morumbi isn’t finished, I won’t put together an expensive team. You could bring anyone, even against Pelé you wouldn’t win.” For over a decade, São Paulo prioritized this infrastructural vision—laying the groundwork for future competitive and commercial success through patience and calculated risk.

This strategy eventually paid off, leading to São Paulo’s rise as one of Brazil’s and South America’s most decorated clubs—an institution renowned for a blend of stability and ambition. Yet, as Caboclo observed, the club’s foundation is not just a testament to past resilience but also a reminder for today’s administrators. He sees a need for São Paulo to reconnect with its historic roots of responsibility, self-discipline, and aspiration. In an era defined by quick fixes, financial pressures, and constant off-field change, Caboclo sounded a note of caution: true greatness is sustained not by opportunistic spending but by clear-eyed strategy and a commitment to institutional growth.

Recent years have presented new challenges for São Paulo, including frequent coaching changes and the early sale of academy talent. However, the narrative Caboclo shared suggests that the lessons from the club’s formative years remain relevant for recovery and renewal in the face of current adversity.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images