‘Ugly duckling’ Fluminense aims to ‘make history’ against Europe’s top clubs
The Brazilians face Chelsea in the Club World Cup semifinals
In a sport dominated by petrodollars and, very often, predictability, Fluminense’s story is a welcome jolt. Six months ago, the club from Rio de Janeiro was scrapping for survival in Brazil’s top flight. Today, they stand on the brink of the unthinkable: A Club World Cup final.
Fluminense, who face Chelsea on Tuesday in the semifinals at MetLife Stadium, is the last remaining non-European team in the expanded 32-club tournament. The club is hoping for another shock win and the support from New York’s Brazilian community to help them reach Sunday’s final.
Manager Renato Portaluppi, who has affectionately referred to his squad as the “ugly duckling,” knows the odds haven’t favored his team at this tournament. Nonetheless, following their recent performances, he said anything is possible and that this is a real chance to “make history.”
“I don't know if I’ll ever have such an opportunity again, so I have to take advantage of it,” Portaluppi said. “We have to make history. We are very happy. I think that we are representing our club very well, but we want more.”
Founded in 1902 who play their home games at the iconic Maracana Stadium, Fluminense are known as the “tricolor” for their maroon, green and white colors. The club has long been a respected name in the Brazilian game, claiming multiple state and national titles. But 2023 marked a breakthrough year: Their first-ever Copa Libertadores triumph, which secured their ticket to the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.
In an era where South American clubs are often dismissed due to widening financial disparities and the relentless talent drain, their presence this deep into the competition is a testament to resilience over resources.
“Our finances don't equal 10% of the budget of these other clubs,” Portaluppi said. “They are in the position to sign all of these major players and, obviously, when you have these major players, all on a single team, your chances of winning are much higher, which is why I called ourselves ugly ducklings. Obviously, that doesn't mean that we can't reach the final or even win the Club World Cup.”
Central to the club’s resurgence is 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva. In a twist, Silva now leads the team where his career began after years playing in Europe, where he helped Chelsea win the Champions League and the previous version of the Club World Cup in 2021. At this tournament, he’s helped Fluminense concede just three goals.
“If you had asked me beforehand if we would have got this far, I would have said we were a long way away from doing so,” Silva said. “We know the financial size of these teams. The difference is enormous and at absurd levels. But often our work as a group, the family atmosphere that we have, gives us strength that you maybe don't think you have.”
Portaluppi, one of Brazil’s most polarizing figures before taking over at Fluminense that had barely avoided relegation in the Brazilian league last year, also credited his star defender for helping the team get this far.
“He is essentially a coach on the field because of his experience, because he's played in the [Club] World Cup before and because he's played overseas,” Portaluppi added. “His experience has been critical.”
Fluminense’s Cinderella run at this tournament has been anything but routine. A commanding 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the round of 16 turned heads. While giants like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain arrived in the United States with big budgets and star-studded lineups, Fluminense has relied on grit and defensive cohesion.
“This is a huge opportunity for us. We need to live this moment to the fullest because we don't know when an opportunity like this will come again,” Portaluppi said. “We need to deliver, we need to focus on the work, on practice and during the matches because we'll be facing teams and players who are superior to us. If we take our eyes off the ball, we'll be going back to Brazil without the title.”