As a Brazilian women’s football journalist working in the UK, I feel lucky to be living in such an exciting time for the sport. I remember writing my first piece on the topic nearly nine years ago, when I was just an intern at a local website. It focused on the struggles faced by teams trying to build competitive squads for the second Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol Feminino. Unfortunately, many of the challenges I wrote about then are still present today. Little investment, low salaries for players, and unequal support for men’s and women’s teams remain key obstacles. But despite these barriers, I remain passionate about the sport and determined to bring the latest news and insights to my readers.
Despite appearances, women’s football in Brazil has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Brasileirão, the country’s top women’s league, is now fiercely competitive, and its talent pool feeds directly into the national team. The recently announced squad for Thursday’s Finalissima against the Lionesses is proof of this: half of the players called up hail from Brazilian clubs, with representatives coming from powerhouse teams like Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Santos. It’s a far cry from the days when women’s football was seen as an afterthought, relegated to the shadows of the men’s game. Today, Brazil’s female footballers are making waves and paving the way for future generations of players.
Youth football is developing at an impressive rate, with Brazil’s Under-20 national team proving themselves to be a promising group of players. They secured their best result in the World Cup last year, finishing third overall. One of the standout players from that squad is Aline Gomes, a 17-year-old who is expected to make her debut in the senior team soon. Gomes recently became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Brasileirão Feminino, highlighting her exceptional talent. Fans at Thursday’s game at Wembley will have the chance to see many younger players take to the field for Brazil, gaining vital experience against top-tier teams such as Germany. This could be the start of a new generation of footballing legends for Brazil.
Marta – the woman, the legend, the inspiration. After spending an arduous 11 months off the field due to an ACL injury, Marta has made one heck of a comeback that has left everyone in awe. At 37 years old, she still remains an integral part of the Brazilian women’s football team, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the sport. Without Marta, it’s hard to picture what women’s football in Brazil would look like. Her impact can be felt both on and off the field, influencing each and every player on the team in unique ways. Marta is a force to be reckoned with and a true role model for all those young aspiring female football players out there.
Veteran Brazilian footballer, Formiga, may have returned to her beloved São Paulo club in 2021, but her recent accusations have shed light on the harsh realities of the football world. According to Formiga, injured players at São Paulo receive little support, despite demands for improvements, and are even restricted on the number of shirts they can wear. This revelation has sparked a dispute between the player and the club, with São Paulo denying the claims and stating that the players have access to adequate healthcare. Nevertheless, Formiga’s statement reminds us that behind the glamour and fame of football lies a world of struggle and hardship for many players.
The recent statements made by Formiga, one of the biggest football stars in the country, about feeling let down by her club has raised a red flag. If this is how top players in the game are feeling, one wonders how big the problem is for lesser-known players both at the top as well as further down the pyramid. Formiga’s comments not only highlight the ongoing issues of discrimination and unequal treatment within football clubs but also showcase the strength and resilience of the players who continue to fight against injustice. It’s time for football clubs to acknowledge and address these issues so that every player is given the respect and support they deserve.
In Brazil, every girl should have the chance to enjoy the beautiful game of football. It’s a national passion, yet for years girls were kept away from the sport. Now there’s hope on the horizon, and it’s a joy to witness. Young girls can dream of being the best player in the world, or simply have fun playing with their friends. The sight of girls playing football is becoming increasingly common, and the country is slowly but surely recognizing the importance of giving girls the same opportunities as boys. It’s a long road ahead, but there’s progress being made, and that’s something to celebrate. Who knows, perhaps one day we’ll see the Brazilian women’s team performing in a packed stadium, just like their male counterparts.
