SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – A fervent wave of Kansas City Chiefs fandom greeted the team upon their arrival at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport on September 27, 2023, with dedicated supporters waiting over seven hours for a glimpse of their gridiron heroes. The remarkable welcome underscores the NFL‘s growing international appeal and the passionate fanbase cultivated in Brazil ahead of the league’s inaugural game in the country.
The chiefs are in Brazil to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 25, 2023, at the Neo Química Arena, marking the first NFL game held in São Paulo. Despite the language barrier, the connection between the fans and the team is strong. KSHB 41 reporter Fernanda Silva observed that the shared enthusiasm for football transcends linguistic differences. “We may not be able to talk to each other much, but I think we both speak the language of football. So you know, I think it’s gonna be fun,” Lee said.
The extended wait at the airport demonstrates the dedication of Brazilian Chiefs fans, who eagerly anticipated the team’s arrival. Even without a common language, the supporters expressed their excitement and support, highlighting the unifying power of the sport. Silva, who covers stories in the Northland and focuses on immigration issues, can be reached at fernanda.silva@kshb.com for story ideas.
