G-12 (Brazilian football)
G-12 refers to a group of twelve football clubs in Brazil which are generally considered to be the most popular and successful clubs in the country. It is an informal designation and does not represent an official league or association. The clubs included in the G-12 are frequently the subject of media coverage and analysis, and their matches often draw the largest television audiences.
The composition of the G-12 can vary slightly depending on the source and the criteria used (e.g., fan base size, historical achievements, current performance). However, the following clubs are almost always included:
- Flamengo (Rio de Janeiro)
- Corinthians (São Paulo)
- São Paulo (São Paulo)
- Palmeiras (São Paulo)
- Vasco da Gama (Rio de Janeiro)
- Grêmio (Porto Alegre)
- Internacional (Porto Alegre)
- Santos (Santos)
- Atlético Mineiro (Belo Horizonte)
- Cruzeiro (Belo Horizonte)
The remaining two spots in the G-12 are less fixed and are sometimes debated. Clubs that are often considered contenders for inclusion include:
- Botafogo (Rio de Janeiro)
- Fluminense (Rio de Janeiro)
- Bahia (Salvador)
- Athletico Paranaense (Curitiba)
The term "G-12" is used primarily in the context of Brazilian football media and fan discussions. It reflects a perceived hierarchy of clubs based on a combination of factors related to popularity, financial strength, and sporting success. While not a formal classification, it is a common shorthand for identifying the clubs with the largest national profile.