Emirates now level with the Maracanã – Brazil return to North London for ninth match of the century

Arsenal will host Brazil once again this weekend. And according to Globo Esporte, the match against Senegal will be the ninth Brazil game at the Emirates this century.

It puts the Gunners’ ground level with the legendary Maracanã in the same period.

Arsenal’s strong Brazilian connection

The constant return of Brazil to North London reinforces a link that already feels familiar to Arsenal supporters. The club currently relies on Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli, two starters for Mikel Arteta and regulars in Brazil squads. 

Their presence adds a modern layer to a connection that began many years ago… When Sylvinho became the first Brazilian to play for the Gunners and Gilberto Silva went on to become a key figure in the club’s history. 

These players helped shape the perception of Arsenal as one of the Premier League’s most consistent destinations for Brazilian talent.

A home away from home

In addition to Arsenal’s ground, Brazil have played at eight other stadiums in England this century: Wembley, Milton Keynes, and the homes of Chelsea, Derby, Fulham, Leicester, Liverpool and Tottenham.

That brings the total to 19 matches on English soil in the period. No Brazilian city has hosted the Seleção as often, with São Paulo leading the domestic list on 17.

Some Brazilian fans view this trend with frustration, arguing that the frequent trips abroad push the national team further away from its core supporter base at home.

A smart “business” solution

But Brazil have often chosen England for commercial and logistical reasons. This time, men’s national team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano said the decision was driven by travel demands. 

He explained that the squad had a difficult schedule in the previous international break and needed shorter flights and reduced time-zone impact for players based both in Europe and Brazil.

Nearly 60,000 fans are expected at the Emirates for the friendly against Senegal, with all tickets sold in advance. For Arsenal, it offers another chapter in a long-running and very familiar relationship between their stadium and the Brazilian national team.