Sampaio Corrêa Football Club

Sampaio Corrêa Football Club is the most traditional club in Maranhão and its greatest state champion. Founded in São Luís in 1923, the 'Bolívia' — a nickname given by opponents who claimed that the stadium's heat reminded them of the Bolivian Altiplano — built decades of history dominating Maranhão football.

History

Founded on June 18, 1923 in São Luís, Sampaio Corrêa was named after engineer, poet and politician Sampaio Corrêa, an illustrious figure from Maranhão. Within a few years of its existence, the club already stood out as the main force in state football, beginning a hegemony that would extend for decades. Sampaio's dominance in the Maranhão Championship is so significant that the club has accumulated more than 40 state titles throughout its history, becoming the greatest winner of the competition. Generations of Maranhão supporters grew up identified with the blue and white colors of the Tricolor. On the national scene, Sampaio Corrêa achieved regular presence between Series B and Series C of the Brazilian Championship from the 2000s onwards, reaching memorable campaigns in the second national division and revealing talents who continued their careers in major clubs across the country. Nhozinho Santos Stadium, in São Luís, is the club's home, but larger matches are played at the Maranhão Castelão. The Bolivian fans are recognized for their intense passion and loyalty to the club regardless of the division it competes in.