Full Name: Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama City: Rio de Janeiro Founded: 1898 Stadium: Vasco da Gama - São Januário (36,273) Colors: White, Black Nicknames: Vascão, Bacalhau (Codfish), Gigante da Colina (Giant of the Hill) Rival: Flamengo
Description: Founded in 1898 as a rowing club. The football section began in 1915. Founded by Portuguese immigrants of Rio, traditionally supported by Rio's Portuguese community, named in honor of the Portuguese explororer (and sailor) of the same name. The red cross that is seen on the club's logo and (sometimes) shirts is a Cross of Malta, which was traditionally worn by Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama. The nickname 'Bacalhau' was given by a journalist as a reference to Vasco's Portuguese traditions, as many Portuguese in Brazil were merchants and the codfish was a very typical Portuguese import at the time. The São Januario stadium is built on a hill, giving meaning to the 'Gigante da Colina' nickname. Some big matches are played at the Maracana. Vasco was one of the first Brazilian clubs to break down the racial barriers in Brazilian football in the early 20th century.
Trophy Room: * Brazilian Championship (1974, 89, 97, 2000) * Copa Libertadores (1998) * Copa CONMEBOL (2000)
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Full Name: Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama
