A Brazilian dominance with no end in sight

The Copa Libertadores has always been a tournament built on passion, rivalry, and continental pride. Yet in the last decade, Brazilian dominance has transformed it into nearly exclusive territory for its clubs. In 2025, the final repeats itself with another clash between Palmeiras and Flamengo, guaranteeing that for the seventh consecutive year, the champion will come from Brazil.

The last time a non-Brazilian team lifted the trophy was in 2018, when River Plate defeated Boca Juniors in the historic Madrid final. Since then, the silverware has almost exclusively remained in Brazilian hands.

The beginning of the Brazilian reign

The turning point came in 2017. That year, Grêmio defeated Lanús 3-1 in the final, marking the beginning of a new era. From that moment on, the Libertadores took on a permanent green-and-yellow tone.

• In 2019, Flamengo pulled off a dramatic comeback vs River Plate in Lima.
• In 2020, Palmeiras beat Santos 1-0.
• In 2021, an all-Brazilian final: Palmeiras vs Flamengo, with the Verdão taking the trophy.
• In 2022, Flamengo were crowned again, this time over Paranaense.
• In 2023, Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors to win their first Libertadores.
• In 2024, Botafogo shocked the continent by beating Atlético Mineiro.

And now, in 2025, two Brazilian giants — Palmeiras and Flamengo — meet once again, both sitting at three Libertadores titles and aiming to become the Brazilian club with the most in history.

From diversity to monopolization

For decades, Uruguayans, Argentinians, Paraguayans, and Colombians all regularly lifted the trophy. From the legendary Santos bicampeonato of Pelé in the 1960s — to titles won by Cruzeiro, São Paulo, Vasco, Independiente, Peñarol, Estudiantes, Nacional, and others — the Libertadores had always been a shared battlefield.

Today, the scenario is different. Financial muscle, roster depth, and player circulation have given Brazilian clubs a structural advantage that is difficult for other nations to match.

The Estadio Monumental “U” in Lima will once again host a Brazilian final in 2025. And it’s no coincidence — Brazil isn’t just dominating on the pitch, but also in infrastructure, recruitment, and long-term sporting projects.