Brazilian champions Botafogo produced a seismic shock at the Club World Cup on Friday morning, defeating European giants Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 at the Rose Bowl.
The game’s only goal came in the 36th minute, when striker Igor Jesus capped a dazzling solo run with a precise finish past Gianluigi Donnarumma – the first goal conceded by PSG in over a month.
The result sees Botafogo move to the top of their group with a perfect record from two games, while PSG suffer their first defeat in any competition since May 3.
Despite dominating possession and registering 16 shot attempts, PSG could only muster two efforts on target. In contrast, all four of Botafogo’s attempts tested the French goalkeeper, highlighting a clinical display from the South American side.
Botafogo’s Brazilian forward #99 Igor Jesus celebrates with supporters after scoring the opening goal. Photo by Getty Images
Botafogo manager Renato Paiva hailed his side’s performance, saying:
“That’s why I say the graveyard in football is full of favourites. We played a match that was almost perfect. We made PSG taste their own poison – we were the better team in every sense.”
It was a frustrating evening for PSG, who were without Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembélé for the second straight match due to a quadriceps injury.
Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia #7 of Paris Saint-Germain look dejected during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group B match. Photo by Getty Images
Coach Luis Enrique made several changes to his starting XI, citing squad rotation, but the decision failed to pay off.
“This competition is intense and difficult,” said Enrique. “Botafogo were incredibly organised and played with real discipline. Credit to them – we couldn’t break through.”
PSG had entered the match off the back of a 4-0 rout over Atlético Madrid, having recently added both the Champions League and French Cup to their trophy cabinet.
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But in Pasadena, they looked physically and mentally fatigued as Botafogo’s pressing and composure disrupted their usual rhythm.
Key Stats:
Shots on Target: PSG 2 – 4 Botafogo
Possession: PSG 68% – 32% Botafogo
Fouls Committed: PSG 11 – 9 Botafogo
Corners: PSG 7 – 2 Botafogo
Botafogo, making their first Club World Cup appearance in over a decade, now stand just one result away from a historic semi-final berth.
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Jesus, who is reportedly set to join Premier League side Nottingham Forest next season, may have just delivered one of the club’s most iconic moments in recent history.
