Fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends the simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a truly lucrative business, part of a global industry worth billions of dollars. This enthusiasm for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
This is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved to become an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly displaying the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006, Fanbrush®, the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify and show their belonging to a sports community or support for a cause. The preparation ritual before the match reinforces the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion during moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
Brazil is the largest country in South America, both in terms of size and population. It is known for its cultural diversity, varied landscapes ranging from the tropical beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the Amazon rainforest, and its love for football. Its capital is Brasília, a modern city designed to symbolize the country's future.
The Brazilian flag is green with a large yellow diamond in the center, inside which is a sky-blue circle containing a white band with the inscription "Ordem e Progresso" (Order and Progress). This blue circle is dotted with stars representing the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, the date of the proclamation of the Republic.
The flag's colors have symbolic meanings: green represents the country's lush forests, yellow symbolizes its mineral wealth, especially gold, and blue represents the sky. The stars represent the states of Brazil as well as the Federal District.
Brazil is a nation passionate about sports, with several disciplines playing an important role in the country's culture and daily life.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Brazil. The country is globally recognized for its talent in this sport, having won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002). Legends like Pelé, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, and more recently Neymar are iconic figures of Brazilian football. The sport is played by millions of Brazilians, both informally on beaches and in professional clubs.
Volleyball is also very popular in Brazil, both in its classic version and in beach volleyball. The country is one of the top performers internationally, with several Olympic medals and world championships to its name, both for men and women. Beach volleyball, in particular, is widely played on Brazilian beaches, and Brazil is a major player in this sport on the world stage.
Basketball has a long tradition in Brazil, although it is less popular than football or volleyball. The country experienced success in the 1950s and 1960s, winning Olympic medals and world championship titles. Oscar Schmidt, nicknamed "Mão Santa" (Holy Hand), is one of the greatest legends of Brazilian basketball.
Futsal, an indoor variant of football, is also very popular in Brazil. It is often played by young people, especially in schools, and serves as a stepping stone for many professional footballers. Brazil is one of the best futsal teams in the world, with several world titles to its credit.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art developed in Brazil that has become popular worldwide. It focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. BJJ is now a highly respected sport, and Brazil has produced many champions and great masters like the Gracie family, who have significantly contributed to the sport's popularity.
Surfing is widely practiced in Brazil, particularly due to its vast coastline and renowned beaches for waves. Brazilian surfers like Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira have made a mark on the international scene, winning world championships and contributing to the growth of surfing in the country.
Fans in Brazil are known for their passion, energy, and dedication, making them an integral part of the festive and intense atmosphere that surrounds sporting events in the country. This fervor is especially evident in football stadiums but also manifests in other sports disciplines.
Brazilian fans experience sports with a unique intensity. For them, supporting their team is more than just a leisure activity; it is a way of life. On match days, the streets fill with people wearing their team's colors, singing anthems, playing music, and proudly displaying their flags. This passion is evident at both local club levels and the national level, where the national football team, the "Seleção", generates immense enthusiasm with each match.
In Brazil, "torcidas organizadas" are organized supporter groups that play a central role in the animation of matches. These groups are known for their coordinated chants, giant flags, banners, and colorful smoke bombs. Every football club has its own "torcida organizada", each with its unique style and traditions. For example, "Gaviões da Fiel" is one of the most famous, supporting Corinthians from São Paulo, while Flamengo has its own "torcida" called "Raça Rubro-Negra".
Brazilian stadiums, especially during major football matches, are places where the atmosphere is electric. Fans sing nonstop, creating a festive ambiance. The famous Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is an iconic venue where this passion reaches its peak. Brazilian fans are also known for their ability to remain optimistic and support their team even during difficult moments, reinforcing their reputation as loyal supporters.
The diversity of Brazil is reflected in the fan community. Fans come from all walks of life, representing different social classes, ethnicities, and ages. This diversity creates a cultural mosaic that enriches the sporting experience in Brazil. On match days, this diversity unites around a shared passion, transcending differences to celebrate together.
Sporting victories in Brazil are often followed by grand celebrations. Fans take to the streets, organize impromptu parties, and celebrate with fireworks. The Brazilian Carnival, although not directly related to sports, shares this spirit of celebration and national unity that also characterizes sporting festivities.
Brazil hosts numerous international sporting events every year. Here’s a list of the most important sporting competitions and events held in Brazil:
Copa do Brasil (Football): The Copa do Brasil is one of the most important football tournaments in the country, bringing together teams from all Brazilian divisions. It offers clubs an opportunity to win a national title and a place in the Copa Libertadores. (CBFS)
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (Football): The Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, or "Brasileirão", is the top division of the national football championship in Brazil. It brings together the best clubs in the country in a competition that lasts several months.
Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro (Culture and Sport): Although primarily cultural, the Rio Carnival includes many sporting events, notably samba and dance competitions. It’s a time when culture and sport mix to create a unique spectacle. (Rio Carnival Tickets 2025 - Tickets Prices - Ingressos para o Carnaval do Rio)
Volta Internacional de São Paulo (Cycling): The Volta Internacional de São Paulo is one of the most prestigious cycling races in Brazil, attracting top cyclists from across the country and the world. The race passes through several cities in the state of São Paulo.
Maratona do Rio (Athletics): The Maratona do Rio is one of the most important marathons in South America, attracting thousands of participants each year. The scenic route passes through some of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic neighborhoods. (Maratona do Rio)
Brazilian Grand Prix (Formula 1): The Brazilian Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held in São Paulo at the Interlagos circuit. It is a key event on the F1 calendar, often decisive for the championship. (Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2024 Brazil - F1 Race)
Rio Open (Tennis): The Rio Open is the largest clay court tennis tournament in South America, part of the ATP 500 circuit. It attracts world-class players and is held annually in Rio de Janeiro. (Rio Open)
Corrida de São Silvestre (Athletics): The Corrida de São Silvestre is an annual foot race held on December 31 in São Paulo. It is one of the most traditional races in Brazil, bringing together amateur and professional runners. (São Silvestre)
Jogo das Estrelas (Basketball): The Jogo das Estrelas is a Brazilian basketball all-star game, bringing together the best players from the national league. This event is a big celebration of basketball, featuring dunk and three-point competitions. (Liga Nacional de Basquete)
Mundialito de Beach Soccer (Beach Soccer): The Mundialito de Beach Soccer is an international beach soccer tournament organized in Brazil, bringing together some of the best national teams in the discipline. It is a key event on the beach soccer calendar. (Beach Soccer Worldwide)
Flamengo (Football): Founded in 1895, Flamengo is one of Brazil’s most successful clubs with several Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores titles. Nicknamed "Mengão", the club is based in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo fans are called "Nação Rubro-Negra" (Red and Black Nation). They are known for being the largest in Brazil, creating a fervent atmosphere in Maracanã Stadium. (Clube de Regatas do Flamengo)
Corinthians (Football): Founded in 1910, Corinthians is one of Brazil’s most popular and historic clubs, based in São Paulo. The club is nicknamed "Timão" (The Great Team) and has won numerous national and international titles, including the FIFA Club World Cup. The supporters are called "Fiel" (The Faithful), with their organized group "Gaviões da Fiel" known for its dedication and impressive tifos. (Corinthians)
São Paulo FC (Football): Founded in 1930, São Paulo FC, nicknamed "Tricolor Paulista" in reference to its three colors (red, white, and black), is one of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs with numerous Copa Libertadores titles and three FIFA Club World Cups. The fans are called "Torcida Tricolor" and are known for their passion, often filling Morumbi Stadium during important matches. (SPFC)
Palmeiras (Football): Founded in 1914 under the name Palestra Itália, Palmeiras is nicknamed "Verdão" (The Big Green) and is one of Brazil’s most successful clubs with multiple national and international championships, including the Copa Libertadores. The fans are called "Torcida que Canta e Vibra" (The Fans Who Sing and Vibe), with a famous organized group called "Mancha Verde". (Palmeiras)
Vasco da Gama (Football): Founded in 1898, Vasco da Gama, nicknamed "Gigante da Colina" (The Giant of the Hill), is a historic club based in Rio de Janeiro with several national titles and a Copa Libertadores. The fans are known as "Vascaínos", with an organized group called "Força Jovem", one of the oldest in the country. (Vasco)
Grêmio (Football): Founded in 1903, Grêmio is one of the main clubs in southern Brazil, based in Porto Alegre. Nicknamed "Imortal Tricolor", the club has won several Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro titles. The fans are called "Gremistas", with an organized group named "Geral do Grêmio", known for its lively atmosphere at Arena do Grêmio Stadium. (Grêmio)
Internacional (Football): Founded in 1909, Internacional, nicknamed "Colorado", is the great rival of Grêmio in Porto Alegre. The club has won several Copa Libertadores titles and was world club champion in 2006. The fans are called "Colorados", with an organized group known as "Guarda Popular", famous for their passionate support. (Internacional)
Santos FC (Football): Founded in 1912, Santos FC is world-renowned for being Pelé’s club. Nicknamed "Peixe" (The Fish), Santos has won numerous national and international titles, including the Copa Libertadores. The fans are called "Santistas", with an organized group known as "Torcida Jovem", highly influential in the club’s culture. (Santos FC)
Cruzeiro (Football): Founded in 1921, Cruzeiro, nicknamed "Raposa" (The Fox), is one of Brazil’s biggest clubs, based in Belo Horizonte, with several Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores titles. The fans are known as "China Azul" (The Blue Army), and the organized group "Máfia Azul" is one of the most well-known. (Cruzeiro)
Fluminense (Football): Founded in 1902, Fluminense is one of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, nicknamed "Fluzão" or "Tricolor". The club has won several national titles, including the Campeonato Brasileiro. The fans are called "Tricolores", and the organized group "Young Flu" is well-known for its creative tifos. (Fluminense)
With the rising popularity of sports events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market, with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® making last-minute makeup easy, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This growth is fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, boosting engagement and product visibility.
Innovations in this field are numerous. Notably, Fanbrush®, the reference in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies diversify by offering varied ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classics to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also create limited editions and special collections that sell out quickly. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The fan sports makeup merchandising business is much more than a niche. It is a dynamic, expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sports events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multiline makeup pencil.
This innovation was designed for easy and quick fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes +1000 references from 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkerboards, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors of national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, adidas, Heineken, etc.
Whatever type of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun runs, or body paint in Rainbow parades, color is now an integral part of sports, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multiline makeup pencil. A product made in France, protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With +1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us