CR Vasco da Gama

Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama (ˈklubi dʒi ʁeˈɡatɐz ˈvasku dɐ ˈɡɐ̃mɐ, meaning Vasco da Gama Club of Rowing), commonly referred to as Vasco da Gama or simply Vasco, is a sports club based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although originally a rowing club and then a multi-sport club, Vasco is mostly known for its men's football team, which currently competes in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, the top tier of the Brazilian football league system, and in the Campeonato Carioca, the top state league of Rio de Janeiro. Named after Vasco da Gama 400 years after he made the voyage to open the European–Asian sea route in 1498, the club was founded in 21 August 1898 as a rowing club by Brazilian and Portuguese immigrants workers. Vasco created its football department in 26 November 1915, being the professionalism adopted in 1933 – pioneer in Brazil. In addition with its main departments of football and rowing, Vasco has other sports departments since 1910s. Its youth academy, where did came from international footballers such as Romário, Philippe Coutinho, Hilderaldo Bellini, Roberto, and Edmundo, is well known for its socio-educational methodology. Vasco also has social club activities since its foundation, and social services including school and philanthrophy. Due to its history of diversity and mobilization, most notably A Resposta Histórica document and the crowdfunding to the build of São Januário stadium in 1920s, Vasco da Gama became a sports club symbol of anti-racism and multiculturalism, hence the motto "Respeito, igualdade, inclusão" ("Respect, equality, inclusion"). Although, Vasco is historically subject of controversy due to its own complex political and administratives disputes, which reflects in sportive instability. In national football, Vasco da Gama has won 4 Brasileirão, one Copa do Brasil, and 24 Carioca. In international club football, the club has won one Copa Libertadores, and one South American Championship of Champions.