Abstract:
The “fechamento” (closure) is a common practice among Brazilian footballers. It takes place inside the dressing room, but not only, just before the matches. It requires a body performance specific to footballers and the collective prayer, resounding and in unison, of the catholic “Our Father's”. This practice assumes an intense symbolic density because it galvanizes and condenses the main religious mentalities, which make up Brazilian religious pluralism. The “fechamento” is related, even if not directly, to the religious practices introduced in the world of sport, especially football, by the religious group “Athletes of Christ”, about which it will also be question in this text.
Keywords:
Religion; Soccer; “Fechamento”; Brazil