Popular Sports to Play in Brazil

Published on October 23, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

When thinking of Brazil, one immediately imagines sunny beaches, infectious samba rhythms, and above all, the unavoidable passion for soccer, a true national emblem practiced everywhere from muddy fields to grand arenas.

Yet this vast and diverse country doesn’t stop there, offering a dazzling array of captivating and sometimes surprising sports. Whether trying capoeira, that mesmerizing martial art blending dance and combat, or riding the perfect waves along its coasts through surfing, Brazil proves to be an extraordinary playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Let’s dive together into this universe where the contagious energy of its people invites you to lace up your sneakers and discover the multiple sporting facets of this fascinating country.

Must-Try Sports in Brazil

Soccer is much more than just a sport in Brazil: it embodies a true national identity, bringing together all generations and social classes. From favela streets to legendary stadiums like Maracanã, every corner of the country lives to the rhythm of the round ball, with soccer practice passed down informally from early childhood. Major competitions literally paralyze the country, illustrating the intensity of this collective passion.

Beach volleyball holds a prominent place along the Brazilian coastline, particularly on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Born from the festive and community spirit of the beaches, beach volleyball has become a national symbol and elevated Brazil among the world’s top nations, with numerous Olympic and world titles. This sport perfectly adapts to the Brazilian lifestyle, mixing athletic performance with beachside camaraderie.

Capoeira is a unique Afro-Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics, and music. Practiced throughout the country, it carries strong cultural and historical significance, linked to the memory of slavery and resistance. A true living heritage, capoeira is taught in many schools and associations, practiced both in academies and outdoors.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu enjoys growing popularity, particularly among youth and in major cities. This combat discipline focused on grappling (ground fighting) is globally recognized for its effectiveness and international champions. Many specialized clubs and academies offer high-level training, contributing to this sport’s expansion.

Surfing is an integral part of coastal city culture, particularly in Florianópolis, Ubatuba, and Saquarema. Long sandy beaches and powerful waves attract both amateurs and professionals, with Brazil now counting several world champions in this discipline.

Futsal is an extremely popular soccer variant, especially in urban environments with limited space. This fast and technical sport fosters young talent development and often serves as a gateway to professional soccer.

Sport	Iconic Location / Practice	Cultural Importance	Infrastructure & Sports Education
Soccer	Stadiums, streets, beaches, favelas	National identity	Clubs, schools, school tournaments
Beach Volleyball	Copacabana, Ipanema beaches	Beach & social symbol	Public courts, clubs, federations
Capoeira	Open spaces, art schools	Afro-Brazilian heritage	Academies, associations, public schools
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu	Urban clubs, academies	Recognized discipline	Dojos, local and national competitions
Surfing	Florianópolis, Saquarema, Ubatuba	Coastal lifestyle	Surf schools, competitions, clubs
Futsal	Urban gyms, schools	Urban initiation sport	School tournaments, clubs, gymnasiums

• Sports education is highly valued, with varied infrastructure: stadiums, gyms, beach courts, specialized schools, and local clubs.
• School programs often integrate sports practice, facilitating access to these disciplines from an early age.
• Many social projects use sports as leverage for integration and development for children and adolescents, particularly in working-class neighborhoods.

Sports in Brazil thus serve as a powerful vector for social cohesion, national pride, and cultural expression, supported by appropriate infrastructure and unparalleled collective passion.

Where to Practice Your Favorite Sport in Brazil

Region	Popular Sports	Infrastructure & Iconic Locations	Ideal Seasons	Tourist Resources
Southeast (Rio, SP)	Soccer, beach volleyball, surfing, jiu-jitsu, capoeira, tennis	Rio: Copacabana & Ipanema beaches (beach volleyball, surfing), Maracanã Stadium (soccer), Pedra da Gávea (paragliding)	Beach volleyball/surfing: year-round, peak in summer (Dec-Mar) Paragliding: favorable conditions year-round, best visibility in Australian winter (June-Sept)	Numerous surf, beach volleyball, and paragliding schools in Rio Soccer clubs in São Paulo open to visitors for training or guided tours
Northeast	Kitesurfing, surfing, capoeira, hiking	Fortaleza beaches (kitesurfing), Jericoacoara (windsurfing, kitesurfing), Salvador (capoeira), Chapada Diamantina (hiking, trail running)	Kitesurfing: August-December (strong winds) Hiking: May-September (dry season)	Local agencies for guided hikes, water sports equipment rentals, capoeira workshops in Salvador
South	Soccer, rugby, motorsports, hiking, cycling	Porto Alegre (Beira-Rio Stadium), Serra Gaúcha (cycling, hiking), Curitiba racetracks	Soccer: year-round Hiking/cycling: March-May & September-November	Sports clubs, amateur circuits, mountain and bike guides
Central-West	Soccer, horseback riding, water sports (rivers, lakes)	Brasília (Mané Garrincha Stadium), Pantanal (sport fishing, canoeing, wildlife observation)	Water sports: May-October (dry season, low water level)	Sports safari agencies, fishing and canoe equipment rentals
North	Soccer, swimming, adventure sports in Amazon environment	Manaus (Arena da Amazônia, Amazon forests for kayaking, hiking, wildlife/flora observation)	Hiking/adventure: June-November (less rainfall)	Adventure tours, forest excursion guides, Amazon fishing initiation

Iconic Sports & Specific Locations:

• Soccer: omnipresent, with legendary stadiums (Maracanã in Rio, Morumbi in São Paulo). Practice in streets, beaches, clubs.
• Beach volleyball: emblematic of Rio beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema). Numerous tournaments and temporary or permanent infrastructure.
• Surfing: Rio beaches, Florianópolis, renowned spots in Northeast (Fernando de Noronha, Cacimba do Padre, Jericoacoara). Many schools for beginners.
• Kitesurfing: Northeast, especially Ceará (Fortaleza, Cumbuco, Jericoacoara), constant winds August to December.
• Capoeira: originating from Bahia, Salvador brims with academies open to visitors.
• Paragliding: Pedra da Gávea in Rio, bay panorama, clubs offering introductory flights and courses.
• Hiking: Chapada Diamantina (Bahia), Chapada dos Veadeiros (Goiás), Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais).

Infrastructure & Equipment:

• Modern soccer stadiums (many host cities of 2014 World Cup).
• Multisport clubs in major cities (São Paulo, Rio), accessible through registration.
• Beaches equipped with volleyball nets, surfboard and kitesurf rentals.
• Adventure sports centers offering equipment and supervision for paragliding, kayaking, climbing.

Ideal Seasons by Sport:

• Beach sports (beach volleyball, surfing, kitesurfing): Australian summer (December to March) for atmosphere and temperature; for kitesurfing, prefer August-December in Northeast.
• Hiking: dry season (May to September) to avoid rain and extreme heat.
• Soccer: year-round, but major championships and derbies run from March to December.

Local Resources for Tourists:

• Specialized agencies for sports activities (surfing, paragliding, hiking) with possibility to book lessons, courses, or excursions.
• Many clubs and academies open to foreigners for intensive courses or initiations (capoeira, jiu-jitsu, soccer).
• Online or on-site booking platforms in major tourist areas.

Sample Sports Experience:

For surfing initiation in Rio, head to Ipanema or Barra da Tijuca beaches. Numerous schools offer group or private lessons for all levels, with equipment rental included. The best period extends from September to April, when swells are regular and water pleasant.

Key Takeaways

Brazil offers a mosaic of sports and quality infrastructure, suited to all levels and desires, supported by an omnipresent sports culture and warm welcome for both amateurs and enthusiasts.

The Sports Budget of an Expat in the Heart of Brazil

The sports budget of an expat in Brazil depends on several factors: sport choice, residence location, practice level, and individual preferences. Here’s a structured summary to anticipate and optimize these expenses.

Cost of Sports Equipment (New):

Sport	Price Official Jersey	Shoes/Accessories	Standard Quality Ball
Soccer	70–120 €	40–120 €	15–40 €
Volleyball	25–60 € (jersey)	30–90 €	20–50 €
Futsal	35–80 €	30–100 € (specific)	20–45 €

Note: Prices can drop 30 to 50% for secondhand equipment or during promotions.

Registration Fees & Subscriptions:

• Amateur clubs (soccer, volleyball, futsal): 20 to 80 €/month depending on structure and region.
• Private lessons or academy: 100 to 250 €/month for regular classes.
• Multisport gym membership: 25 to 70 €/month.

Additional Costs:

Transportation:

• Urban transport pass (monthly): 25 to 55 € depending on city.
• Occasional taxi/ride-hailing trips: 3 to 10 € depending on distance.

Sports Events (ticketing):

• Regional championship match: 5 to 20 €.
• National or international matches: 15 to 60 €.
• Amateur tournaments (registration): 10 to 30 €.

Regional Variations:

Region	Average Cost Equipment & Clubs	Observations
São Paulo, Rio	+10 to +30 %	Broader offer, higher rates
North/Northeast	-10 to -25 %	Less offer, lower cost of living
Medium cities	Standard	Often affordable municipal clubs

Tips to Optimize Your Sports Budget in Brazil:

• Buy or exchange equipment on local secondhand platforms (OLX, Facebook Marketplace).
• Join local sports communities, often present in parks, beaches, or public schools, with free or symbolic cost access.
• Utilize municipal or university facilities, sometimes open to expats through simple registration.
• Benefit from expat discounts through certain Franco-Brazilian associations, consulates, or expat networks.
• Participate in free community events, frequently organized in major cities.

Summary of Advantages for Expats:

• Facilitated access to certain clubs through association partnerships.
• Occasional discounts during integration campaigns or special events.
• Language or sports exchanges offering free or preferential rates.

Note: Prices regularly evolve and vary strongly depending on location and club or brand reputation. Comparing several local options before any registration is recommended.