Growing up in the favelas of São Paulo, Douglas Vieira’s passion for Brazil and its culture was shaped by the rhythm of daily life where “music and football reign supreme.”
Throughout our time together, Douglas reflects on how his love for photography and football emerged, rooted in moments of quiet observation as a child. “I couldn’t afford to buy magazines,” he recalls, “so I would stand at newsstands for a long time, simply observing.”
Vieira’s connection to Corinthians, his beloved football team, became a defining influence, deepening his appreciation for the fans and communities that breathe life into the sport.
“To me, football is nothing without its fans,” he says, emphasising the role of the várzea—São Paulo’s amateur football scene—as a place where pride, identity, and community converge.
His photography focuses on the raw authenticity of the várzea, a space where “you don’t pay to watch games; everyone is welcome.” For Douglas, this inclusive atmosphere reflects the essence of football in the favelas.
The players are “everyday people—friends who might share a beer with you after the match,” the fans bring a passion that is impossible to ignore.
The Atlantic Dispatch sat down with Douglas as he opened up about how football serves as a rare source of joy amid life’s challenges in the favelas.
“Our love for the várzea runs so deep—it’s more than a game; it’s a celebration of resilience and community.”
Through his work, Douglas captures the humanity and pride that define these neighbourhoods, creating work that resonates far beyond São Paulo.
FOOTBALL IS NOTHING WITHOUT FANS
I grew up in the favelas of São Paulo, Brazil, and I am deeply passionate about my country and its culture, particularly the vibrant life in the favelas, where music and football reign supreme.
My interest in photography and video began in childhood. I have always had a keen eye for everyday moments, finding beauty in the simplicity of daily life.
On my way to school, I would often stop at newsstands to admire photographs and magazine covers, especially those featuring football. I couldn’t afford to buy them, so I would stand there for a long time, simply observing.
My love for football stems from Corinthians, my beloved team, which symbolises the spirit of our people, particularly those of us from the favelas.
This connection has given me a deep appreciation for fans, which shines through in my photography of the várzea. To me, football is nothing without its fans.
DEFENDING YOUR TEAMS COLOURS IS A SOURCE OF PRIDE
The várzea is a culturally rich space where teams are born from the unity of peripheral neighbourhoods, fostering loyal and passionate supporters.
Representing your neighbourhood and defending your team’s colours is a source of pride and honour.
I’ve been visiting the várzea for as long as I can remember, and my passion for photography drives me to document this dynamic and spirited environment
IT’S MORE THAN A GAME
In the várzea, games are free to watch, and everyone is welcome. The fans’ energy is unmatched, and the players are everyday people—friends who might share a beer with you after the match. This sense of community is what makes the várzea so unique.
In the favelas, where challenges are often immense, football is one of the few joys we have. This is why our love for the várzea runs so deep—it’s more than a game; it’s a celebration of resilience and community.
ALL OF OUR THANKS TO DOUGLAS VIERA.
YOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS WORK HERE