Chapecoense return to top flight, Nine years since the fatal crash

28 November 2016, Chapecoense, a small club from southern Brazil, was about to chase a dream that could change their history forever. They were headed to Medellín, Colombia, to play in the Copa Sudamericana final, equivalent to the Europa League in Europe, and that too for the first time in their history. For a club pushing above their weight, it was a landmark. For players, it was a dream. For fans, it was a moment of pride. Their club, their own club, was set to make history, set to make their lives fruitful. A day they had dreamt of for so long. Fans had already travelled. The players, the club officials, and the staff all 43 of them boarded the flight from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The destination? José María Córdova Airport, Medellín, Colombia. The cabin was filled with optimism and joy. But fate, the ugly intruder, had other plans. Just minutes away from landing, LaMia Flight 2933 crumbled down at the foot of the Andes. 71 were killed, including 40 club members. All dreams shattered, all history erased, all pride turned to sorrow. The football world came to a standstill. It marked one of the darkest days in football history.

It was all about survival from then on for Chapecoense. Years passed, the wave of sentiment faded. The reality hit hard. Unpaid debts and structural flaws meant the club went into ruins. For the last three years, they were lingering on the edge of the relegation zone in the second division. Everyone thought it was over. The world had already moved on. The fans feared the worst. But this time, they were ready to rebuild. They had a vision to get back to where they belonged. And now, when the final whistle blew at Arena Condá on 23 November 2025, eight years and 361 days since the fatal crash, it was confirmed. Chapecoense had been promoted back to the first division of Brazilian football.

From the darkest alleys of death and despair, Chapecoense are back. This time with renewed vigour, younger blood, and an urge to prove. If 28 November 2016 was marked as the darkest day in football, 23 November 2025 shall truly be marked as one of the brightest days in the history of this game. The tragedy united us to mourn for them years before; now, let us join hands to celebrate the resilience that has brought this great club back to life. Chapecoense stands as a testament that even from the deepest sorrow, hope can rise, and dreams can live again.