The dramatic triumph at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires secured the Brazilian club’s place in both the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024.
Artur Jorge’s side became the final team to qualify for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June 15 to July 13 in the United States.
Botafogo join Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Fluminense as Brazil’s representatives in the tournament, which will feature top clubs from all six global confederations.
The Rio-based team will also face Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 11 in Qatar, a clash dubbed the “FIFA Derby of the Americas.” The winner of that tie could face European champions Real Madrid in the FIFA Challenger Cup.
The final began dramatically when Botafogo’s Gregore was sent off in the opening minute for a high challenge on Fausto Vera.
Reduced to 10 men, Botafogo relied on a compact defence, with goalkeeper John thwarting Atletico Mineiro’s veteran forward Hulk on several occasions.
Against the odds, Luiz Henrique opened the scoring in the 35th minute, capitalising on a loose ball to fire past Everson.
Moments later, Alex Telles doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a VAR review.
Although Eduardo Vargas pulled one back for Mineiro early in the second half, Botafogo sealed their first Libertadores title in stoppage time through Junior Santos.
“I’m speechless. So happy!” said Luiz Henrique. “We’ve fought so hard and suffered so much to get here.”
