Betfair analysis shows some details of a year of titles and transfers that surprised this year in football.
2023 was a landmark year in football, full of unexpected and historic achievements. Fluminense, for the first time, lifted the Libertadores da América trophy, while São Paulo won the Copa do Brasil.
In Europe, Manchester City achieved glory in the UEFA Champions League, and Spain triumphed in the Women’s World Cup, both for the first time.
Defying the odds: Betfair’s perspective
At the beginning of the championships, Betfair, a specialist in sports odds, assigned only 5% chances for both Fluminense in the Libertadores and São Paulo in the Copa do Brasil.
Manchester City, despite its star-studded squad, had a 35% chance of winning the Champions League.
Spain, with an 11% chance, beat favorites like the USA and England in the Women’s World Cup.
Surprises in Brazilian and international football
Brazil’s early elimination in the group stage of the Women’s Cup, with only a 5% chance of happening, was one of the most unexpected results.
In the Brazilian Championship, Botafogo led for 31 rounds, defying initial odds of 2%, while Santos faced the risk of relegation, with a 14% chance at the start of the season.
Unexpected transfers: Neymar and Messi
The transfers of Neymar to Al-Hilal and Messi to Inter Miami also surprised the football world.
In June 2023, Betfair estimated that Neymar had a 17% chance of signing with a Saudi club.
While Messi had a 20% chance of joining Inter Miami.
Betfair: innovation in the betting market
Betfair, founded in London in 2000, is one of the largest online sports betting providers in the world.
With advanced technology and an innovative peer-to-peer betting offer, the company sponsors teams such as Cruzeiro and Palmeiras and operates in several countries, serving more than four million customers.
