Ponte Preta Clinches Historic First National Série C Title in 2025
Ponte Preta won its first national title by capturing the 2025 Série C championship, a historic achievement ending a 125-year drought and securing promotion to Série B.
- • Ponte Preta secured its first national title by winning the 2025 Série C championship.
- • They defeated Londrina 2-0 in the final match at Campinas following a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
- • Both teams earned promotion to Série B for the 2026 season.
- • The final featured goals from Jonas Toró and captain Élvis, a controversial penalty, and player expulsions.
- • Despite financial struggles, Ponte Preta reached a historic milestone after 125 years.
Key details
On October 25, 2025, Ponte Preta secured its first ever national championship by winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Série C, ending a 125-year title drought for the club. The decisive 2-0 victory over Londrina took place at Estádio Moisés Lucarelli in Campinas, before a jubilant crowd of over 14,000 fans who celebrated as the final whistle blew. This triumph marks a significant milestone for Ponte Preta, who had previously only won titles at the state level and had never claimed a national title, despite a long history including seven São Paulo state championship runner-up finishes and notable national placements such as third place in the 1981 Brazilian Championship.
Both Ponte Preta and Londrina had drawn 0-0 in the first leg of the final, setting up a tense second match in Campinas. The goals came in the second half, with Jonas Toró scoring the opener and later winning a penalty converted by captain Élvis. The match was marked by tension, punctuated by a controversial penalty decision and a brawl that led to expulsions from the Londrina side. Coach Marcelo Fernandes, who took charge late in the season after being dismissed from rival club Guarani, guided Ponte Preta to this historic success, which also guarantees promotion for both teams to Série B for the next season.
Despite the celebration, behind the scenes the club faces financial difficulties, with players like Lucas Cândido revealing issues with delayed salary payments. Nevertheless, the victory has galvanized the club and its supporters, offering a historic high point amid challenges.
Historically, Ponte Preta's achievements included being runners-up in the São Paulo state championship multiple times (1929, 1970, 1977, 1979, 1981, 2008, and 2017), third place in the 1981 Brazilian championship, and second place in the 2013 Copa Sul-Americana. This first national title significantly elevates the club's stature beyond the state level, especially compared to their rivals Guarani, who won the Brazilian Championship in 1978.
Coach Marcelo Fernandes reflected on his accomplishment, marking it as his second major title after previously winning the Campeonato Paulista with Santos in 2015. The overwhelming support from the fans and the historical significance make this one of the most memorable moments in Ponte Preta's long history.