Popular Brazilian expressions that come from soccer
- aprendendo português brasileiro
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
If there's one thing Brazilians love, it's soccer! And it's no wonder that the country's most popular sport has also influenced our language. Many expressions used in everyday life have their origins in the soccer fields, bringing emotion, humor and a special touch to our conversations. Let's explore some of them?

One of the most well-known expressions is "aos 45 do segundo tempo." It refers to a decisive moment, that unexpected turnaround that can happen at the last minute. We use this expression to describe situations in which everything seems lost, but a surprising turnaround can happen.
Another very popular one is "baixar a bola." This expression is used to ask someone to reduce the intensity of their actions or emotions, like a player who needs to slow down the pace of the game. It is a reminder to keep your feet on the ground.
If we're talking about positivity, "bola cheia" comes into play. This expression represents a moment of success, when things are going very well. On the contrary, "bola fora" indicates that something went wrong or didn't have the expected result.
And what about "bola pra frente"? This is the famous motivational phrase that makes us move forward, no matter what has happened. It's a call to leave the past behind and keep fighting.
Finally, we have "dar bola" and "de virada". The first implies paying attention or giving importance to something or someone, while the second means achieving a victory or achievement after a difficult time.
These expressions are just a few of the many that soccer has left us as a legacy. They illustrate how our love for the sport impacts our daily lives, bringing a bit of the excitement of the soccer field into our conversations. So, next time you’re talking to friends, remember: soccer is always present in our language!
And to learn more expressions and expand your vocabulary, be sure to check out this video I prepared. In addition to learning new ways to express yourself, you can improve your understanding of Portuguese. So, let's go! It's time to get out there and play with words!
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