Rio de Janeiro Lower League Matchday Experience

Star rating 5.00 (out of 5 stars, based on5 reviews) Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

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Hosted by: Matheus Verified host

136 tours Star rating 5 (124 reviews)

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What we will do in this experience

Football in Rio de Janeiro has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with numerous clubs and stadiums emerging in the most localities of the city. Over the decades, only 4 of them remained big and compete in Brazil’s top leagues, but the vast majority still preserve their local traditions, stadiums and culture! Come and discover with me an authentic experience and neighbourhood atmosphere in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro, unlike all the glamour of the big clubs and stadiums!

Here the stories of these clubs and stadiums are preserved by the residents of these neighbourhoods and what remains of their fanatical fans. A bar with cheap beer, traditional snacks and that conversation with local fans are striking features of these games.

Most games are from the lower divisions of Rio de Janeiro, from the 2nd to the 5th division. But it may also be that we have some national level game, such as the third and fourth division and/or first phases of the Copa do Brasil. Full of great emotions, all games are from clubs considered of “lowest investment”, the typical ‘underdogs’ of Rio de Janeiro.

Football in Rio de Janeiro has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with numerous clubs and stadiums emerging in the most localities of the city. Over the decades, only 4 of them remained big and compete in Brazil’s top leagues, but the vast majority still preserve their local traditions, stadiums and culture! Come and discover with me an authentic experience and neighbourhood atmosphere in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro, unlike all the glamour of the big clubs and stadiums!

Here the stories of these clubs and stadiums are preserved by the residents of these neighbourhoods and what remains of their fanatical fans. A bar with cheap beer, traditional snacks and that conversation with local fans are striking features of these games.

Most games are from the lower divisions of Rio de Janeiro, from the 2nd to the 5th division. But it may also be that we have some national level game, such as the third and fourth division and/or first phases of the Copa do Brasil. Full of great emotions, all games are from clubs considered of “lowest investment”, the typical ‘underdogs’ of Rio de Janeiro.

This experience has pick up in the city centre region or South Zone (Copacabana and Ipanema), tickets and the local guide. No need to worry about planning where to go, how to get a ticket for entrance or how to travel. We got you covered!

From the former big clubs such as Bangu AC and America FC that have already appeared in the first national division and are one of the eight clubs that have already won the Carioca Championship, to centennial and traditional clubs such as Olaria AC, Madureira EC and Bonsucesso FC! The variety of grounds that are hidden gems, the history, the neighbourhoods and the pre games experiences in our lower divisions is undoubtedly the biggest charms of visiting these clubs!

Upcoming Rio de Janeiro Lower League games available

Note: matchs exact day and time are decided only weeks or days before the game by the FFERJ (Rio de Janeiro Football Federation). Once the information is release we can confirm which game are available. But don’t worry, bookings can be made up to 24 hours before the game and you can also request something special, just send a message.

Included in the price

  • Match ticket

    Match ticket

  • English speaking Local Host

    English speaking Local Host

  • 01 welcome drink

    01 welcome drink

  • A local pre-match experience

    A local pre-match experience

  • Transport

    Transport

Meet Your Host

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Matheus verified

Host since 2020

  • rating 5 (124 reviews)
  • tours 136 tours
Hello! I'm Matheus Morais, a football fanatic and a resident of Rio de Janeiro, with 30 years of unconditional love for Flamengo! Since childhood, the energy of the stands and the excitement of supporting for my club have been an essential part of my life! In addition to football, I enjoy exploring new destinations, trying different cuisines and enjoying a good beer! I have no shortage of experience! Since 2018 at Homefans, I have had the privilege of guiding groups of fans to the best games in the city, providing a unique experience for those who want to experience the magic of Rio de Janeiro football up close! I also have the honor of being the Manager of Homefans in Brazil, where I help travelers create unforgettable moments at football matches in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo! I look forward to seeing you!

Customer Reviews

Average rating of 5.00 / 5 based on 5 reviews.

  • C

    Charlie Bradford

    Verified customer

    5

    This was my ninth game with Homefans and a very memorable one as local host Matheus met me at my hotel and got an Uber to the game in a friendly crowd who all treated us with great respect learning we had come over from England. Matheus also bought us refreshments and helped with our interactions with the locals and getting enthused for the game. Once again thoroughly recommended.

  • C

    Charlie Bradford

    Verified customer

    5

    This was my eighth game with Homefans and so you can see how much I appreciate them and trust them. Local host Matheus took us from our hotel to and from Nova Cidade via an Uber, bought our tickets, food and drink, and helped with translation for purchasing merchandise and talking to the locals. He helped us feel like a brother with his kind attitude and respect, as did the Nova Cidade fans who gave us shirts, stickers and hats and allowed us to go on the pitch after the game to take pictures including pictures with a few of their players. Honestly one of the happiest afternoons I’ve had at a game!

  • G

    Greg Matthews

    Verified customer

    5

    This was not the first time I’ve used Homefans. For a non Portuguese speaker, going to a game in Brazil would have been problematic. However, once again the matchday experience went smoothly. My family & I met Matheus in Ipanema & we travelled to the game (7 de Abril v Serrano) together. Our guide, Matheus, is knowledgeable, charming & very funny & my family have loved his company. We did many, many things in Rio, and the home fans matchdays were the highlight.

  • G

    Greg Matthews

    Verified customer

    5

    I’m in my 50s & all my life I’d wanted see football in Brazil. I went to see Portuguesa RJ v Sampaio CorrêaSampa & it was worth the wait. Our guide was Matheus & he was amazing. He was very attentive & made contact with me from the time of the booking process right up to the day of the game. Matheus was so good I’d say he was the best guide I’ve ever had on any tour. The experience was so good I’ve booked another match a few days later. The great thing about these trips are you are with local people in places most tourists do not visit. On the day of the game the locals loved it that “gringos” had travelled to see their team & we were treated like celebrities by the Portuguesa fans. Thank you Matheus & Home fans for making this dream possible.

  • M

    Matt Barnes

    Verified customer

    5

    It's true to say the lower leagues in any country showcase the past, the culture and the heritage of superstar football that we know and love. This your gave me the knowledge of just that. Matheus may be a Flamengo fan, but he has an encyclopedic knowledge of the clubs that paved the way. Also, the stadiums are like living museums. The football itself may not be tiki taka, but that's charming in its own way, and let's face it, we don't go to stadiums to watch a match. Go, you will not regret it!

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FAQ

Yes. All tickets listed through Homefans are official and guaranteed, whether they come directly from clubs, season ticket holders, or local partners.

Each experience is unique and curated by a local host. Inclusions such as tickets, tours, food, and transport will be clearly listed on each product page.

Simply choose your destination, pick your experience or trip, select your date, and follow the checkout process. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Once booked, you’ll get confirmation and the host will reach out with details 1–2 days before the experience (meeting point, schedule, ticket delivery, etc.).

Yes, you’ll need to create a free Homefans account during checkout to manage your bookings, receive updates, and communicate with your host.

Yes. We offer flexible cancellation terms on most experiences. Check the cancellation policy listed on the experience page or contact support for help.

If a host cancels or changes the experience, you’ll be notified immediately and offered a full refund or an alternative.

Our hosts are passionate local fans who love sharing their club, city, and matchday traditions with travelers. They’re not tour guides—they’re insiders who make you feel like a local, not a tourist.

Your booking will move automatically to the new date. If you can’t attend, contact us and we’ll help you find a solution or offer alternative options.

The transportation service is detailed in the “What you get” section. However, in group experiences, it is common for the local host to schedule a convenient meeting point, providing the opportunity for everyone to head towards the event together.

Currently, direct contact with hosts is only available after booking. However, you can message our team anytime with questions about an experience.

Yes—if you’re planning a private group trip or want something tailor-made, contact us directly and we’ll help organize it.

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