For two clubs separated by thousands of miles and entirely different footballing cultures, Tottenham Hotspur and Botafogo share a strangely kindred fate. Both are storied clubs with deep roots in their countries’ football histories. Both were once giants of the game, considered powerhouses of England and Brazil, respectively. And both, for far too long, have been stranded in the wilderness of “what could have been,” their trophy cabinets gathering dust as rivals hoarded silverware.
But in 2024, Botafogo did something that Spurs fans can only dream of: they stormed their way to a historic double, lifting both the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores. It wasn’t just a title—it was the exclamation point on one of football’s great comeback stories. And now, as Tottenham continue to flirt with glory while falling short, the question arises: How can Spurs finally emulate Botafogo’s revival and bring an end to their decades-long trophy drought?
Relegated to the 2nd division in 2021, Copa Libertadores winners and Brasileirão champions in 2024! Quite the renaissance for Botafogo 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wSzkZOPzWX
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 9, 2024
Let’s take a look at the parallels between the two clubs, what Botafogo got right, and how Tottenham can learn from their blueprint.
It’s Time For a Change: Can Tottenham breakthrough like Botafogo?
Once Giants, Now Ghosts
To understand the connection between Botafogo and Tottenham, you have to go back—way back. Botafogo were the kings of Brazilian football in the 1950s and 60s, producing legends like Garrincha, Jairzinho, and Nilton Santos. They dominated Rio de Janeiro, played a swashbuckling brand of football, and became synonymous with success. Spurs, meanwhile, were the crown jewels of English football’s early glory years, winning a historic double in 1961 and pioneering attacking football under Bill Nicholson.
But somewhere along the way, both clubs lost their mojo.
Botafogo spent decades yo-yoing between mediocrity and crisis. They were relegated from Brazil’s top flight not once but three times. Financial mismanagement, squad instability, and a culture of defeatism dragged them to the brink.
Tottenham’s decline hasn’t been quite as dramatic—there’s no relegation to speak of—but it’s no less frustrating. Since their last league title in 1961, Spurs have become the club of near-misses: the club that plays great football develops great players but ultimately comes up short when it matters most. Spurs have finished runner-up in the Premier League, Champions League, and various domestic cups, but a meaningful trophy remains elusive.
Both teams became punchlines in their respective footballing cultures, symbols of squandered potential and almost-but-not-quite narratives. That is until Botafogo flipped the script.
Botafogo’s Revival: The Perfect Storm
Botafogo didn’t just stumble back into glory—they earned it. Their revival started with a shift in mindset and identity. The arrival of new ownership brought not just financial stability but a clear sense of purpose. Under the guidance of John Textor, an American businessman with a vision for long-term growth, Botafogo adopted a smarter, modern footballing philosophy.
Key to their turnaround was recruitment. Botafogo didn’t spend recklessly; they spent wisely. They brought in experienced leaders like Tiquinho Soares and talented younger players who fit the manager’s system. A core group of players emerged, driven to restore pride to the black-and-white jersey. The team adopted an attacking style—fast, fearless, and relentlessly energetic.
CHAMPIONS 🏆
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 8, 2024
Botafogo crown their fairytale season by beating São Paulo and clinching the Brazilian title! ⚫️⚪️
From underdogs to champions—what a journey.
Rio is black and white tonight! 🎉🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ee08zTQL4i
On the pitch, everything clicked. A solid defence laid the foundation, midfield control provided balance, and attacking brilliance delivered the decisive moments. The team grew in confidence as wins piled up, leading to their first Brasileirão title in decades and a legendary Copa Libertadores triumph to complete the double.
This wasn’t luck; this was a well-executed rebuild from the ground up. Spurs, take notes.
Tottenham’s Achilles Heel: The “Almost” Mentality
If Botafogo broke free of their past through vision and leadership, Spurs remain shackled to theirs. Tottenham are a club of brilliance in flashes, but they’ve been unable to translate it into consistency.
Much of that stems from their “almost” mentality—a culture where coming close feels like an achievement. It’s not intentional, but decades without silverware have conditioned Spurs to settle for progress rather than trophies. Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs were the perfect example: thrilling, cohesive, and capable of challenging Europe’s elite, but ultimately trophyless.
Spurs’ boardroom decisions haven’t helped. Daniel Levy, for all his shrewd business acumen, has often prioritised financial caution over on-pitch ambition. Big signings have been sporadic and, at times, uninspired. And managerial turnover has been relentless, with promising rebuilds constantly interrupted.
Where Botafogo found stability, Spurs have clung to chaos. But there’s hope yet.
How Spurs Can Break Through
1. Commit to a Long-Term Vision
Botafogo’s revival wasn’t about quick fixes; it was about sustainable growth. Spurs need to adopt a similar approach. Under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham have already started moving in the right direction. Ange has brought attacking football, a refreshing honesty, and a sense of purpose to the team. Now the club needs to back him completely.
Stop changing managers every two years. Trust Postecoglou’s system, even when the results wobble. Building a winning culture takes time, but Spurs can’t keep pressing the reset button when things get tough.
2. Recruitment, Not Just Spending
Botafogo’s recruitment success wasn’t about spending big; it was about spending smart. Spurs, historically, have struggled in this department. Big-money signings like Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso didn’t pan out, while bargain gems like Pape Sarr show what’s possible when you target players who fit the system.
Tottenham need to focus on character as much as talent. They need leaders, fighters, and winners—players who can drag the team through tight games. A mix of young talent and proven experience is essential to build a squad capable of going the distance.
3. Shed the Fear
Perhaps the biggest lesson Spurs can learn from Botafogo is to play without fear. For years, Tottenham have been burdened by their own expectations. Every semifinal loss, every “Spursy” collapse adds weight to the next big game.
Botafogo broke free of their past by embracing it—they used their underdog status as motivation. Spurs need to do the same. Forget the fear of failure and focus on playing bold, ambitious football. The culture shift starts here: players and fans alike believing that Tottenham can win.
4. Build Around the Core
Tottenham have the beginnings of a title-winning squad. Players like James Maddison, Son Heung-min, and Cristian Romero are elite talents. Youngsters like Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie represent the future. The core is there—it just needs refining.
Botafogo’s double-winning squad wasn’t stacked with superstars; it was a group of players who fit together perfectly. Spurs need to identify their core group, commit to them, and build a system where they can thrive.
It Can Be Done—Botafogo Proved It
If Botafogo’s resurgence proves anything, it’s that history doesn’t have to be destiny. They were a club written off by everyone, battered by years of disappointment, yet they found a way to turn things around. Tottenham have far greater resources, a stronger league, and a passionate fanbase ready to explode if success finally arrives.
The pieces are there. Under Ange Postecoglou, the football is improving, the energy is back, and the future looks brighter. But Tottenham need to follow Botafogo’s blueprint: stick to the plan, recruit smartly, and play without fear.
Breaking a decades-long drought isn’t easy—it requires belief, patience, and the willingness to embrace risk. But as Botafogo’s fans will tell you, when the breakthrough finally comes, it’s worth every painful year of waiting.
So Spurs fans, take heart: the road back to glory is long, but as Botafogo have shown, it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Why not Tottenham?
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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