Inside Rio Branco: Espírito Santo’s Most Beloved Club

In the heart of Vitória, Espírito Santo, lies one of Brazil’s most historic and culturally significant football clubs — Rio Branco Atlético Clube. Founded in 1913 by a group of young men excluded from the elite teams of the time, Rio Branco was born out of defiance and inclusion, becoming the first club in the state to welcome Black and working-class players. Over a century later, it remains a powerful symbol of pride, identity, and belonging.

Known affectionately as O Mais Querido — The Most Beloved — and Capa Preta, the club’s black and white colours carry deep meaning for generations of fans who see in Rio Branco more than football: they see history, resilience, and community.

We spoke with Afonso Rocha, a lifelong Capa Preta supporter, about what makes Rio Branco so unique, what it feels like to experience a match at their home ground, and why this Espírito Santo institution deserves the attention of football lovers everywhere.

What makes the club so unique?

The club was founded in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, on June 21, 1913, by a group of young men — Antonio Miguez, José Batista Pavão, Edmundo Martins, and Nestor Ferreira Lima — who had been banned from playing football by the elite teams. They decided to create a club that would welcome Black and poor players, becoming the first club in the state of Espírito Santo to accept Black players. That is how Rio Branco Atlético Clube was born.

It is the most successful team in Espírito Santo, with 39 state titles. The largest crowd in the region gathered for a Rio Branco 1–0 Vasco da Gama match in the 1987 Brazilian Série A, with approximately 40,000 people at the Kleber Andrade Stadium.

The club is affectionately known as “O Mais Querido” (The Most Beloved), “Capa Preta” (Black Cape), and “Brancão” (Big White).

What is it like to watch a match at Rio Branco’s home ground?

I can say for myself that it’s always an emotional experience, because being at the stadium makes me feel even more like a Capa Preta. Loving this club gives me the certainty that I made the right choice. Every minute of watching a Rio Branco match brings different sensations and emotions, but I’ll always be there supporting.

Being a Capa Preta supporter is something different — it’s been my choice since childhood. I remember reading a story about Rio Branco and liking the name; it sounded good as I read it. It was truly love at first sight. Here in the state of Espírito Santo, most people tend to support teams from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Why should people watch Rio Branco?

Because Rio Branco has one of the most passionate fan bases in Espírito Santo. They’re always there — supporting through every situation, creating beautiful celebrations with confetti, flares, and chants that never stop for even a minute.