“FOOTBALL IN THE STREETS” and the CITY: between “good” and “bad”, order and disorder (1910-1919)
Soccer, Rio de Janeiro, Aventureiro FC, São Cristóvão.
This dissertation sought to understand the conflicts that permeated the city of
Rio de Janeiro between 1910-1919, based on the practice of soccer in the streets. In
order to carry out the research, we mainly analyzed the case of Rua Soares, reported in
the newspaper Gazeta de Notícias in 1915. Through the conflict narrated by the
newspaper, we sought to reflect on the multiple ways in which soccer is perceived in the
city, as well as the relationships established through the practice of the game in the
streets. The aim of this work is not only to observe the practice of soccer in public
spaces, but also its relationship with the city of Rio de Janeiro. To understand that the
popularization of soccer occurs through the incorporation of the practice by different
individuals and, at the same time, to realize that the practice is not established in Rio
society through a linear, gradual and isolated process. Like any cultural practice, it tends
to encounter obstacles, is constantly re-signified and is in dialogue with political and
social issues. The research will address the dialogue between sport and the power games
that take place in the city, especially during election times, as well as the constant
disputes over the meanings of soccer and the legitimate uses of spaces, defended by an
intellectual and political elite during the 20th century.