Brazil’s Changing Relationship with Football: Datafolha Survey Reveals Declining Interest

Public enthusiasm for football in Brazil is experiencing a significant and measurable decline, according to a survey released by the polling institution Datafolha. The study reveals that among Brazilians aged 16 and older, only 64% retain an interest in the sport, leaving a substantial 36% who report that they do not follow football news at all.

Among those who still follow the sport, 28% described their interest as “high,” while 36% stated they have “some interest.”

Shift in Public Engagement and Historical Decline

According to coverage by the Brazilian media outlet O Globo, this shift represents an 8 percentage point drop in football engagement compared to the previous Datafolha survey conducted in 2023. At that time, 72% of respondents identified as active football followers, while only 28% expressed no interest.

This growing indifference highlights a changing cultural dynamic in a nation long celebrated globally as the epicenter of football culture.

Key Demographic and Socioeconomic Indicators

The survey data demonstrates noticeable variations across different demographic and socioeconomic groups:

• Gender Disparity: Men continue to follow football at significantly higher rates (77%) than women (52%).

• Education Level: Higher levels of formal education strongly correlate with greater interest in the sport:

  • Primary Education: 49% follow football.

  • Secondary Education: 67% follow football.

  • Higher Education: 75% follow football.

Survey Methodology and Overview

The survey was conducted across five regions in Brazil to ensure a nationally representative sample.

Context: Post-World Cup Disappointment

“The five-time World Champions have now failed to reach the tournament final in six consecutive World Cup cycles.”

The timing of the survey coincides directly with the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil’s national team suffered an early exit in the Round of 16, marking the sixth consecutive World Cup tournament where the country failed to reach the final.

Analysts suggest that repeated early knockouts on the international stage, coupled with shifting media consumption habits among younger generations, have contributed to a broader cooling of national passion for the sport.