Criciúma Esporte Clube

Established on May 13, 1947, as Comerciário Esporte Clube before adopting its current name shortly after, Criciúma Esporte Clube grew from the coal-mining districts of Santa Catarina into a significant force in Brazilian football. The club calls the Estádio Heriberto Hülse home, a venue affectionately known as O Majestoso that serves as the spiritual center for the local working-class community. Fans refer to themselves as the Torcida Carvoeira, reflecting the industrial heritage of the city and the solidarity that defines the club's identity.

The team achieved its greatest triumph in 1991 by winning the Copa do Brasil. That campaign featured victories over heavyweights like Flamengo and São Paulo, securing a national title that remains the club's most celebrated achievement. Success continued decades later with Série B championships in 2002 under Hemerson Maria and Série C titles in 2006 led by Cláudio Tencati. These victories established a reputation for overcoming odds and rising through the divisions. [edit]

The club was founded on May 13, 1947, initially operating under the name Comerciário Esporte Clube. It adopted the name Criciúma Esporte Clube in 1948 to better represent the city it served. Early years were marked by local dominance in the Santa Catarina state league, but the organization truly rose to prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Zé Ricardo guided the squad to the 1991 Copa do Brasil final, where they defeated Flamengo in a two-legged tie to claim the trophy. This victory brought international attention to the small southern city and cemented the club's place in national history. Following this peak, the team navigated various tiers of Brazilian football, including periods in Série B and Série C.

Hemerson Maria led the team to the Série B title in 2002, earning promotion back to the top flight. Three years later, Cláudio Tencati managed the side to win the Série C championship in 2006. The rivalry with Avaí FC, known as the Clássico da Amizade, remains a central fixture in the regional calendar. Recent seasons have seen the club compete consistently in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and state competitions. [edit]