Maringá won the 2026 Série C titleCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Maringá celebrated the first national title in its history: the 2026 Brasileirão Série C. Crowned champions this Saturday (24) with a 2–1 victory over Ferroviária, players and coaching staff expressed their emotions and highlighted how much this moment means to a club with just 16 years of history.
The first leg of the final ended in a 1–1 draw. To beat the São Paulo side at Arena Fonte Luminosa in Araraquara, Dogão relied on an inspired attacking start. In the third minute, Lucas Bonifácio made the most of a chance inside the box and found the net. Speaking to CBF TV, the midfielder highlighted the work the team had put in over recent years to become Brazilian champions.
“First, I have to give glory to God, who is wonderful. This is a moment of great joy. I've been here for three years, and I know how much the club has done to build toward this championship. This title didn't come by chance. It's about honoring and celebrating years of work. Now Maringá are Brazilian champions. It's an indescribable joy,” he said in celebration.
Maringá players celebrate winning the 2026 Série C titleCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
The second goal came soon afterward. Ronald Camarão slotted home in the 11th minute following an assist from Jhow. He had already proved decisive for the Paraná side with a stunning goal in the first leg of the final.
With a sizeable lead, Maringá had to withstand Ferroviária's attacks as they pushed for an equalizer. The hosts did pull one back with a fine goal from Denilson in the 36th minute of the second half, but Maringá goalkeeper Guilherme Neto stood in their way. He made important saves throughout the match and played a decisive role in securing the title.
In an interview just minutes after the triumph, he became emotional as he recalled his life before football and shared the credit with his teammates and the club.
“I have to praise God's mercy toward me. I admit that some time ago I had lost hope, working at a dealership, cleaning shelves, counting parts, and God was able to rewrite my story. Experiencing this is proof that God is good,” he said.
“(The title) crowns not only my work, but that of the entire Maringá team, the club, which does an incredible and very well-organized job, and the city. We wanted to repay them for all the dignity they give us in our work, and being able to put the first national star on Maringá's shirt makes this a truly special day,” he added.
Maringá players celebrate winning the 2026 Série C titleCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Coach Ivan Campanari embodies the modern vision of the club, founded in 2010. Now 34, he was just 19 when the club was established. Under his leadership, Maringá became Brazilian champions with just 16 years of history.
“I'm very grateful. I want to thank God for giving me the ability, my family, who supported me so much, and especially the staff and players, who bought into our style of play. Today we managed to cap it all off,” he said in celebration.
Along with the trophy, Dogão also secured promotion to Série B for the first time in its history and direct entry into the third round of the 2027 Copa do Brasil. President João Vitor Mazzer discussed the importance of this season's achievements for the club and the city of Maringá.
“It's hugely satisfying to be leading this project. I don't lead it alone; I have several highly capable people alongside me. It's a project for our city, created by people from Maringá who came together ten years ago. Our goal was always to reach Série B. We could see that our city had what it took to get a team into Série B and keep it there. Things have worked out wonderfully, and it's hugely satisfying to bring this title home to our city,” he concluded.
Maringá coach Ivan Campanari during the second leg of the 2026 Série C finalCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.