Ponte Preta Athletic Association

Ponte Preta is one of the oldest clubs in Brazil still in operation, based in Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo. Known as Macaca, it has a historic rivalry with Guarani and has already played in the 2013 Copa Sudamericana final.

History

Ponte Preta was founded on August 11, 1900, in Campinas, by students and young people linked to sports in the city. The name comes from a wooden bridge darkened by soot from trains, near the place where the club was born. The club is remembered for having opened space for Black players at a time when Brazilian football was restrictive. This tradition is part of the Macaca's identity. In 1977, Ponte Preta was the São Paulo state runner-up in a historic campaign, with Dicá and Carlos as symbols of the team. The Campinas derby against Guarani is one of the most traditional in the state. In 2013, Ponte Preta reached the final of the Copa Sudamericana, losing the title to Lanús. Playing its home matches at Estádio Moisés Lucarelli, the club remains a reference in the football of the interior of São Paulo.