In the beginning of the century, the city of Ribeirão Preto had at least three clubs: União, Paulistano Tiberense and Ideal Futebol Clube.

[citation needed] There was a consensus regarding the formation of a new club that would represent the neighborhood, but the choice of the name did not reach a conclusion.

In the following year, Botafogo was relegated and in 2000 competed in the Copa João Havelange, in the Yellow Module (equivalent to the Série B).

In 2001, Botafogo was São Paulo State Championship's runners-up, an extraordinary achievement for a countryside club, playing in one of the most competitive leagues in the football world.

[citation needed] In the 2018 edition, Botafogo finished 1st in Group B and achieved promotion to Campeonato Brasileiro Série B after defeating Botafogo-PB in the penalty shootout at the quarter-finals.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

One of the biggest stadiums on the State of São Paulo and one of the most modern on the countryside, Estádio Santa Cruz was inaugurated in 1968, with a maximum capacity of 29.292 people.