Meaning
To participate in a game of soccer.
Cultural Background
Soccer is often called 'o esporte bretão' (the British sport) in formal writing, but it is considered the soul of the country. Playing soccer on the beach (futebol de areia) is a specific cultural staple. The 'Três Grandes' (Benfica, Sporting, Porto) dominate the culture. Playing soccer is a way for youth to emulate their heroes like Cristiano Ronaldo. Soccer is a major unifying force and the most popular sport, often played in open fields with handmade balls.
Drop the 'a'
In Brazil, don't worry about prepositions. Just say 'Jogar futebol'. It sounds more natural.
Verb Choice
Never use 'fazer futebol'. It's always 'jogar' (to play) or 'praticar' (to practice).
Meaning
To participate in a game of soccer.
Drop the 'a'
In Brazil, don't worry about prepositions. Just say 'Jogar futebol'. It sounds more natural.
Verb Choice
Never use 'fazer futebol'. It's always 'jogar' (to play) or 'praticar' (to practice).
The 'Pelada'
If someone invites you for a 'pelada', they are inviting you to play soccer, not to a nudist colony!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'jogar'.
Eu ______ futebol no domingo.
The first person singular 'Eu' requires 'jogo'.
Which verb is correct for sports?
Nós vamos ______ futebol.
'Jogar' is used for competitive games and sports.
Match the Portuguese to the English.
1. Jogar futebol, 2. Jogar bola, 3. Pelada
These are different levels of formality for the same activity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você quer ______ futebol? B: Sim, vamos!
After 'quer' (want), we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Futebol
Places
- • Campo (Field)
- • Quadra (Court)
- • Praia (Beach)
Equipment
- • Bola (Ball)
- • Chuteira (Cleats)
- • Uniforme (Kit)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ futebol no domingo.
The first person singular 'Eu' requires 'jogo'.
Nós vamos ______ futebol.
'Jogar' is used for competitive games and sports.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are different levels of formality for the same activity.
A: Você quer ______ futebol? B: Sim, vamos!
After 'quer' (want), we use the infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, in Portuguese-speaking countries, 'futebol' always refers to soccer unless 'Americano' is added.
Yes, 'jogar bola' is very common and slightly more informal, used frequently among friends.
'Jogar' is for games with winners, losers, and rules. 'Brincar' is for unstructured play, like children with dolls.
Absolutely! Women's soccer (futebol feminino) is growing rapidly in popularity in Brazil and Portugal.
You say 'Eu jogo futebol bem' or 'Eu jogo bem futebol'.
Both are correct. 'Jogar futebol' is Brazilian; 'Jogar ao futebol' is European.
Related Phrases
Jogar bola
similarTo play ball
Futebol de salão
specialized formIndoor soccer (Futsal)
Assistir futebol
relatedTo watch soccer
