The Pig’s Tale: How a Curse Became a Cherished Symbol
At the heart of Brazil’s soccer culture lies a fascinating tale of how a derogatory term turned into a badge of honor. The Palmeiras, one of the country’s most iconic teams, has a story to tell that dates back to 1969. It’s a story of tragedy, rivalry, and ultimately, of embracing the unexpected.
The year 1969 marked a turning point for the Palmeiras. Tragedy struck when two Corinthians players, Lidu and Eduardo, lost their lives in a car accident. The Corinthians sought to register two new players to fill the gap, but the Palmeiras vetoed the request, citing a lack of approval from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and FIFA. This decision sparked outrage, with the Corinthians’ leader, Wadih Helu, labeling the Palmeiras’ actions as “pig-like.”
The term stuck, and the Corinthians’ fans began chanting “porco” (pig) during matches, even going so far as to release a pig onto the field at the Morumbi stadium. But instead of shying away from the insult, the Palmeiras eventually decided to own it.
A Marketing Masterstroke
João Roberto Gobbato, the team’s former marketing director, played a pivotal role in embracing the pig as a symbol. Inspired by sociologist Sílvia Calegari, Gobbato recognized that adopting the term could be a powerful way to turn a negative into a positive. With the support of the fans, the insult was transformed into a rallying cry.
The pig’s image began to appear alongside the team’s traditional mascot, the parakeet. In 1986, the phrase “Dá-lhe porco” (Go pig!) became a chant, and a pig was even paraded on the field at the Morumbi stadium. The Brazilian sports magazine Placar featured a cover with player Jorginho and a pig, cementing the animal’s place in the team’s folklore.
Today, the pig is an integral part of the Palmeiras’ identity, a testament to the power of embracing adversity and turning it into a strength. As the team takes to the field in the FIFA Club World Cup, their fans will undoubtedly be chanting “Dá-lhe porco!” – a reminder that even the most unlikely symbols can become a source of pride.
