Following the announcement of the first Chelsea FC pitch in Diadema, Sao Paulo last month, a new pitch situated in the cultural capital of Brazil has opened – providing the local community in Rocinha with a brand-new place to come together and play football, as well as other sports.

Unveiled as a continuation of the club’s Can’t Tame Us campaign, the opening of the pitch saw some of Brazil’s most famous music talents performing to the locals gathered under the banner Can’t Tame Rio, to celebrate the start of a new chapter for this refreshed pitch and the community that live around it.

There were live performances from MC Meno K, Brazilian singer and composer MC Cabelinho, and Chefin - a rising star rapper, among others. Representatives from Chelsea FC were also in attendance to celebrate the opening.

As one of the most globally recognised clubs in the world, Chelsea FC is committed to playing its part in increasing participation in football across the world and harnessing the magnetic power the game has to bring people together. This newly refurbed pitch, in a city whose passion for football is visible on every street corner, is a testament to that ambition.

Chelsea has had a deep and authentic connection with Brazil, built over decades with many current and former Brazilian players playing for the club. Rio De Janeiro has a particularly special place in the club’s history as the hometown of the legendary centre-back Thiago Silva.

Delivered with a long-term pledge to help maintain the facility for future generations, this latest project that has been brought to life in just a matter of weeks, reflects Chelsea FC’s belief in football’s power to unite communities and inspire young players, providing a high-spec place to play.

Scott Fenton, brand director at Chelsea Football Club, said:

'Chelsea isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s a global community connected by a shared passion for football, culture and opportunity. Following the success of our court in Sao Paulo, we’re proud to bring another court to Rio de Janeiro, one of the cultural epicentres of football.

'This new space is about more than creating somewhere to play; it’s about inspiring the next generation of footballers, celebrating the creativity and energy that make football so powerful, and leaving a lasting legacy in communities where the game means everything.'