Sport Club Corinthians Paulista celebrates 116 years of existence on September 1, 2026, marking a history that began in the Bom Retiro neighborhood, in São Paulo. Founded by a group of workers in 1910, the club has not only accumulated state, national and international titles over the decades, but has also established itself as a true “people’s club”, an identity that strengthens its connection with one of the biggest and most passionate fans in Brazil.
The founding of Corinthians took place precisely at 8:30 pm, under the lighting of a lamp, at the intersection of José Paulino and Cônego Martins streets. Among the visionaries who started the project were Anselmo Corrêa, Antônio Pereira, Carlos Silva, Joaquim Ambrósio and Raphael Perrone, who later welcomed eight more members at the inaugural meeting to define the first partners.
The club’s name was chosen in honor of Corinthian FC, an English team that was touring Brazil at the time and that would later become the Corinthian-Casuals Football Club. Tailor Miguel Battaglia had the honor of being elected the team’s first president.
Early years and winning the first title
Corinthians initially used rented land on Rua José Paulino as their field. The place was leveled by the club members themselves, and the first official training took place on September 14, 1910.
Four years after its foundation, Alvinegro achieved its first major achievement. In 1914, the team became champions of the Campeonato Paulista, with an impeccable campaign of ten wins in ten matches, establishing its position among the football powers in the state of São Paulo.
In the 1920s, the club further consolidated its presence on the São Paulo football scene. Corinthians secured the Brazilian Independence Centenary Cup in 1922, in addition to winning two consecutive titles in the Campeonato Paulista, one between 1922 and 1924, and another from 1928 to 1930.
This period was also marked by the emergence of Neco, considered the first great idol in Corinthian history. Manoel Nunes defended the club’s colors for 17 years, from 1913 to 1930, and lifted eight trophies.
Moving to Parque São Jorge
At the end of the 1920s, Corinthians established its new home in the east zone of São Paulo, acquiring the Parque São Jorge land, which would become the headquarters and one of the club’s symbols.
In 1930, the team earned the renowned nickname “Champion of Champions” after a historic victory over Vasco, in a clash that brought together the state champions of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
In the following decade, Corinthians added another third São Paulo championship to its collection, between 1937 and 1939. After this victorious phase, the club went through a period of fewer significant titles, between 1941 and 1951, although it had good results in international friendlies.
It was during this period that players emerged who would become immortal references in the club’s history, such as Cabeção, Idário, Roberto and Luizinho.
The greatness of the 1950s team
The 1950s represent one of the most glorious in the first half of Corinthians history, with the club accumulating six titles between 1950 and 1955.
In 1950, the team won the Rio-São Paulo Tournament for the first time. The following year, he ended a ten-year wait by winning the Campeonato Paulista again. The team also made history by recording 100 goals in a single edition of the Campeonato Paulista.
Corinthians secured their second state championship in 1952 and, in 1953, lifted the Rio-São Paulo Tournament cup again.
The peak of this period came in 1954. In addition to winning the Rio-São Paulo Tournament for the third time, the club won the Campeonato Paulista IV Centenário in the city of São Paulo, in an exciting final against Palmeiras.
Long fast and the Corinthian Invasion
After winning in 1954, Corinthians faced the longest title drought in its history, remaining almost 23 years without a major achievement. In 1966, the club won the Rio-São Paulo Tournament, an edition that ended with four champions due to calendar problems.
Despite the scarcity of trophies, this period was marked by a significant growth in fan support and the emergence of iconic players. Among them, Roberto Rivellino stood out, revealed in the youth categories, who played 475 matches and scored 144 goals for Corinthians between 1965 and 1974.
In 1976, the fans took part in one of the club’s most legendary events. More than 70 thousand Corinthians fans filled Maracanã in the semi-final of the Brazilian Championship against Fluminense, in an event that became known as the “Corinthian Invasion”.
The end of the fast and the return to conquests
The long period without titles ended in 1977. In the decision of the Campeonato Paulista, Corinthians beat Ponte Preta, ending a fast of almost 23 years. Basílio’s goal in the third game of the final remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the club’s history.
Two years later, in 1979, Corinthians won the Campeonato Paulista again, beginning a new era of victories.
In the 1980s, in addition to its triumphs on the field, the club was the stage for “Democracia Corinthiana”. From 1982 onwards, players and managers shared management and internal decisions, in a notable movement led by Sócrates, with the participation of names such as Casagrande, Zé Maria and Wladimir.
On the field, Corinthians won the Campeonato Paulista in 1982 and 1983, both against São Paulo, and lifted the state cup again in 1988.
Initial national title achievements
In 1990, Corinthians reached their first Brazilian Championship. In the final against São Paulo, Tupãzinho’s decisive goal secured the national title for the club.
Four years later, in 1995, Corinthians won the Copa do Brasil for the first time, defeating Grêmio in the decision.
In the second half of the decade, the club experienced one of its most successful phases. In 1998, Corinthians won the Brazilian Championship for the second time, beating Cruzeiro after two draws and a 2-0 victory, with goals from Edílson and Marcelinho Carioca.
The following year, Corinthians won their second consecutive Brazilian Championship title. In the decision against Atlético-MG, the team won the third match 2-0, and Luizão stood out as Corinthians’ main scorer in the competition.
The first FIFA World Cup victory
In 2000, Corinthians participated in the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup, held in Brazil.
In the group stage, the team faced Raja Casablanca, Al-Nassr and Real Madrid. After securing a place in the decision, the club defeated Vasco on penalties, at Maracanã, and celebrated its first world title recognized by FIFA.
The beginning of the 21st century also brought new cups. In 2001, Corinthians won the Campeonato Paulista. The following year, he won the Rio-São Paulo Tournament and the Copa do Brasil.
A period of great achievements
In 2005, Corinthians once again became champion of the Brazilian Championship. The club also won the Campeonato Paulista in 2009, the year in which it again secured the Copa do Brasil.
From 2011 onwards, Corinthians began a new period of great prominence. The club won the 2011 Brazilian Championship and, in 2012, achieved an unprecedented feat in its history: the Copa Libertadores title undefeated.
In the Libertadores campaign, Corinthians did not suffer defeats. In the grand final against Boca Juniors, the team won 2-0 at Pacaembu, with two goals from Emerson Sheik, after a 1-1 draw in Argentina.
Still in 2012, the club added the second FIFA Club World Cup to its trophy gallery. In the decision, they beat Chelsea 1-0, with a goal from Paolo Guerrero.
In 2013, Corinthians won the Recopa Sul-Americana, against São Paulo, and also won another edition of the Campeonato Paulista.
New national titles in the 21st century
Corinthians won the Brazilian Championship again in 2015, in a campaign that recorded the club’s record number of points in the points run era.
In 2017, the team again won the Campeonato Paulista and the Campeonato Brasileiro. In the following two years, he won two more state championships, in 2018 and 2019.
The club also expanded its collection of Copa do Brasil titles, with victories in 2002, 2009 and 2026.
In the Campeonato Paulista, Corinthians became champions again in 2025. In 2026, they lifted the Supercopa Rei trophy, expanding the vast list of titles achieved throughout their rich history.
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista record
- Name:Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
- Foundation:September 1, 1910
- Location:Corner of José Paulino and Cônego Martins streets, Bom Retiro, in São Paulo (SP)
- Founders:Anselmo Corrêa, Antônio Pereira, Carlos Silva, Joaquim Ambrósio and Raphael Perrone
- First President:Miguel Battaglia
- First workout:September 14, 1910
- First title:1914 Paulista Championship
List of titles won by Corinthians
- 2 FIFA Club World Cups:2000 and 2012
- 1 CONMEBOL Libertadores:2012
- 1 South American Cup:2013
- 7 Brazilian Championships:1990, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2011, 2015 and 2017
- 4 Brazilian Cups:1995, 2002, 2009 and 2025
- 1 Brazilian Championship Series B:2008
- 2 Brazilian Super Cups:1991 and 2026
- 5 Rio-São Paulo Tournaments:1950, 1953, 1954, 1966 and 2002
- 2 Rio-São Paulo Champions Cups:1929 and 1941
- 1 São Paulo State Cup:1962
- 31 São Paulo Championships:1914, 1916, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2025
