Botafogo delivered the upset of the Club World Cup so far, stunning reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in front of a raucous Rose Bowl crowd.
Igor Jesus provided the game’s only goal with a brilliant solo effort late in the first half, silencing PSG and sending the Brazilian fans into wild celebration. His strike ended the French champions’ 19-game scoring streak and handed them their first defeat since early May.
Jesus latched onto a lofted pass from Jefferson Savarino, danced past two defenders, and rifled a shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The 22-year-old forward, who is reportedly Premier League-bound with Nottingham Forest, then celebrated by leaping into the stands with Botafogo supporters.
Despite dominating possession and outshooting Botafogo 16-4, PSG managed just two shots on target. The Brazilian side, compact and tireless in defence, absorbed pressure with discipline and hit on the counter with clinical intent.
“We struggled against their defence,” admitted PSG boss Luis Enrique. “Every team is motivated against us. Botafogo were one of the toughest sides we’ve faced in this tournament.”
Botafogo coach Renato Paiva praised his side’s unity and tactical execution. “They are a fantastic team,” he said of PSG. “But we beat them by being a team, attacking together, defending together. That’s the big secret.”
This was a signature win in Botafogo’s modern era, topping a group that also includes Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders. With six points from two matches, the Brazilians are now eyeing an unlikely passage to the knockout stage.
PSG, still favoured to progress, will now turn their focus to a crucial showdown with Seattle on Monday. But questions linger, especially with Ousmane Dembélé still sidelined and the attacking rhythm that powered them to a Champions League title suddenly lost.
Brazilian fans turned Pasadena into a carnival, celebrating what Paiva called “a fantastic moment for Brazilian football.” And as the Club World Cup heats up, it’s Botafogo who just lit the flame.
