Entre a exclusão e a resistência: o Vasco da Gama e a luta contra o racismo no futebol brasileiro

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze racism in Brazilian football, highlighting its origins, forms of manifestation, and the historical contribution of Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama to combating racial discrimination and fostering the inclusion of Black players in the sport. It is a qualitative study based on a literature review and document analysis, grounded in works addressing race relations in Brazil, the history of football, and the social role of the sport. Initially, the concepts of racism, institutional racism, and structural racism were discussed, alongside the myth of racial democracy and its implications for understanding racial inequalities in Brazilian society. Subsequently, the presence of racism in sports—particularly football—was analyzed, highlighting the historical processes of excluding Black athletes and contemporary forms of racial discrimination. The study then examined the trajectory of Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama, emphasizing its pioneering stance on the inclusion of Black players and the working classes—particularly following its victory in the 1923 Carioca Championship and the so-called "Historical Response" of 1924, which is considered a milestone in the fight against racism and social exclusion in Brazilian football. The study concludes that the history of Vasco da Gama extends beyond the realm of sports, serving as a significant example of resistance against racial inequalities and advocacy for equal opportunities, thereby contributing to the creation of a more democratic and inclusive football landscape.