Charles Miller (sometimes incorrectly Muller), born on the November 24 1874 in São Paulo, is considered to be the father of football in Brazil.

In 1884 he was sent to public school in Hampshire, England where he learnt to play football and cricket. Whilst at school he played for and against both Corinthians and St Mary's.

He returned to Brazil in 1894 to work at the São Paulo Railway Company becoming the Royal Mail's agent and Acting British Vice-Consul in 1904.

Miller was instrumental in setting up the football team of the São Paulo Athletic Club (SPAC) and the Liga Paulista, the first football league in Brazil. With him as striker SPAC won the first three championships in 1902, 1903 and 1904.

It was Miller that suggested the name to the first President of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

He died June 30 1953.

Sources

• An Entirely Different Game, The British Influence on Brazilian Football Aidan Hamilton ISBN 1840180412