Brazil Campeonato Mineiro

Campeonato Mineiro is the Brazilian state football league of the state of Minas Gerais and is controlled by the Federação Mineira de Futebol (FMF).

The history of Campeonato Mineiro can be divided into two parts: before and after the construction of the Mineirão, in September 1966. The Mineirão is the biggest football stadium of Minas Gerais and it is located in Minas Gerais' state capital, Belo Horizonte. Before the stadium's inauguration América and Atlético were the most successful teams in the state, but after the construction of the Mineirão, known as the "Era Mineirão" ("Mineirão Era"), another team from the capital, Cruzeiro, also gained prominence. Atlético is the most successful team in the competition, having won 49 championships as of 2024, trailed by Cruzeiro with 38 championships.

As with many other Brazilian football state leagues, the Campeonato Mineiro is much older than the Brazilian League itself. This is partly because in the early 20th century Brazil did not have a well established transportation and communication infrastructure, that could help it organize a national league in the country, which was made worse by the nation's enormous size.

Many of the best players in Brazilian football were first seen in the Campeonato Mineiro. Reinaldo, Cerezo, Éder, Ronaldo, Dario and Tostão had their professional football debut in the competition.

The Campeonato Mineiro, officially known as the Campeonato Mineiro de Futebol, is a prestigious state football tournament held annually in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Established in 1915, it is one of the oldest and most celebrated regional championships in the country, showcasing the rich footballing culture of Minas Gerais.

The tournament features a competitive lineup of clubs, including some of Brazil's most storied teams, such as Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, both of which have a passionate fan base and a fierce rivalry that adds to the tournament's allure. The format typically includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a thrilling final that determines the state champion.

The Campeonato Mineiro not only serves as a platform for local talent to shine but also plays a crucial role in the development of football in the region. It attracts significant attention from fans and media alike, with matches often drawing large crowds and creating an electric atmosphere in stadiums across Minas Gerais.

In addition to the on-field action, the tournament is a celebration of local culture, with vibrant festivities, music, and food accompanying the matches. The Campeonato Mineiro is more than just a football competition; it is a showcase of the passion, pride, and spirit of Minas Gerais, making it a must-watch event for soccer enthusiasts both in Brazil and around the world.